Swiftlet farming emerges as new competitive advantage for Ho Chi Minh City’s Can Gio

Edible birds nests are a high-value product that is increasingly welcomed by both domestic and international markets.

Compared with traditional swiftlet-farming areas, Can Gio’s core competitive advantage lies in its pristine mangrove forest ecosystem, part of the world mangrove biosphere reserve recognized by UNESCO.

A clean, vibrant living environment combined with abundant natural food sources creates favorable conditions for swiftlet populations to thrive steadily.

This results in bird’s nests with thick fibers, high elasticity, a distinctive flavor, and nutritional value that is widely regarded as superior.

However, the very fact that Can Gio features a biosphere reserve also places the swiftlet-farming industry under much stricter requirements than in other areas.

Le Vu Thuy Chi, director of external relations at Yen Dao Can Gio JSC, said that operating within a biosphere reserve means businesses must shoulder a higher level of environmental responsibility.

All activities related to swiftlet farming, and birds’ nest harvesting and processing must be conducted within a conservation-oriented framework, strictly complying with legal regulations on environmental protection, construction, and biodiversity preservation.

“Swiftlet houses are planned in harmony with the mangrove habitat to ensure the natural structure is not disrupted.

“Factors such as sound, lighting, and temperature are controlled within biological thresholds to maintain stable living conditions for the birds, while minimizing negative impacts on the surrounding ecosystem,” said Chi.

Apart from selling products, she revealed that the firm is nurturing the idea of building an experiential ecosystem under the Can Gio birds’ nest brand, combining production, services, and tourism.

Specifically, the model is envisioned to go beyond commercializing edible birds’ nest products, expanding into experiential spaces such as birds’ nest cafés, exhibition areas, and guided tours to swiftlet houses and processing facilities.

Visitors can directly observe the processing and production of birds’ nests, while also hearing stories about the swiftlet-farming profession as it is shaped by the unique natural conditions of the Can Gio biosphere.

“With this approach, we hope that Can Gio birds’ nests will not only be a local specialty, but also carry memories, experiences, and a tourism imprint for visitors,” Chi noted.

Once the Can Gio birds’ nest brand is clearly recognized, it will provide a solid foundation for reaching international tourists, expanding export opportunities, and creating additional livelihoods and added value for local residents as Can Gio transitions toward a green economy and sustainable tourism.

While transport and tourism infrastructure is increasingly improved, it is high time to develop an experiential ecosystem under the Can Gio birds’ nest brand, integrating production, services, and tourism.

According to experts, if swiftlet farming is properly positioned within the local strategy for a green economy, ecological economy, and sustainable tourism, Can Gio can form a distinctive economic model, in which birds’ nests truly hold value only when they are produced in harmony with the mangrove forest.