Lê Thanh Tục, aka Chín Tục, has volunteerily collected trash on the seven-coloured rock beach in Lâm Đồng Province. Photo baolamdong.vn

LÂM ĐỒNG — Before most people in the area are awake a man is already quietly picking up rubbish along the seven-coloured rock beach in Lâm Đồng Province, turning an early morning routine into a steady act of environmental care that has lasted nearly two years.

He is Lê Thanh Tục, also known as Chín Tục, from Bình Thạnh Village in Liên Hương Commune, Lâm Đồng Province.

For nearly two years his simple act has contributed to preserving the beauty of a famous scenic spot and spreading awareness of environmental protection.

"We are living here so we have to love our homeland and make it more beautiful. The fatigue is nothing compared to that," Chín Tục told baolamdong.vn.

The seven-coloured rock beach, also known as Cà Dược Beach, located in Liên Hương Commune, is a popular check-in site which impresses visitors with its distinctive coloured rocks, turquoise waters and pristine peaceful atmosphere.

The beach is an ideal place for those who love photography and are passionate about exploring natural beauty.

Along a coastline stretching over one kilometre lie thousands of small smooth round pebbles. The beach was formed millions of years ago by the action of ocean currents and tides with rocks pushed to the surface by the waves year after year.

The rocks are unlike those elsewhere. They are naturally polished by the sea and come in a variety of shapes, creating a striking stone landscape. Each stone is a different colour from white, black, brown, purple, blue to blood-red, sun-yellow and turquoise.

Furthermore each stone has distinct veins. When sunlight shines and waves gently lap the shore the entire beach sparkles, reflecting shifting colours like a rainbow. Surrounding this rocky stretch is a smooth golden sand beach.

The beach is recognised as a provincial-level scenic site and was once listed by the Vietnam Record Organisation as the beach with the most diverse shapes and colours of rocks in Việt Nam and is considered among the most beautiful rocky beaches in the country.

With its distinctive beauty combined with the nearby Cổ Trạch moss beach and surrounding coastline, the area attracts a large number of locals and tourists for swimming, sightseeing and photography.

However waste from tourism activities and ocean debris washed ashore by waves frequently pollutes the rocky beach.

Born and raised by the sea Chín Tục is deeply attached to this land though he has sometimes faced indifference from some locals and visitors.

He knows every stream in the area like the back of his hand, understanding exactly when and where rubbish will wash ashore so he can collect it efficiently.

Every day he arrives at the beach at 4–5am and spends about two hours collecting rubbish.

He considers it a source of joy in his old age hoping his work will help change habits and raise awareness about environmental protection.

After collecting waste along the rocky beach he continues into the sea to retrieve bottles, fishing nets and other debris that have washed ashore before returning to his family’s livelihood.

His tools are simple including a headlamp, sacks and side boxes.

Some days he collects more than 60kg of rubbish.

“In the very first days of doing the job, I came home with aching all over, my arms and feet sore but I got used to it,” Chín Tục said. “Gradually, my hands became calloused.

“Human strength is limited, while there is so much waste. Some days I would clean it up, and the next morning it would still be full. Big waves would sweep the trash from the sea ashore, seemingly washing away all my hard work. But it is okay, I still do it, simply because this place needs it and I love this place.”

Chín Tục is collecting trash on the beach. Photo baolamdong.vn

For more than two years of doing volunteer work many people have understood and appreciated his efforts but others have thought he was crazy.

Ignoring the gossip, Chín Tục continues to work diligently and quietly every morning.

“The very first days, I told my wife that I went to the beach for swimming, not collecting trash. But later, she knew because I went to the beach every day, even on days of rough sea. Moreover, many people took photos and filmed me posting on social networks,” he said.

Luckily, he has been supported by his family who simply remind him to stay healthy.

“Some days, many people joined me to collect trash on the beach. I am very happy,” he said.

Gradually, his work has been recognised by local people.

According to the Bình Thạnh Tourist Area Management Board, in recent times the unit has implemented solutions to protect the Cà Dược rock beach relic site, such as preventing the theft of rocks, ensuring beach safety and maintaining environmental hygiene.

Regarding waste disposal, the management board has placed many trash bins for tourists to dispose of waste properly.

However, in addition to waste dumped by tourists a large amount of ocean debris still washes ashore. When there is a large amount of waste the management board has to hire people to collect it but at times they still cannot keep up with demand.

Hồ Công Tiền, the board’s head, said that Chín Tục is a bright example of environmental protection. His diligent work every morning is expected to inspire locals and tourists alike contributing to greater awareness of environmental protection.

For Chín Tục collecting trash is a small action but meaningful.

“The sea and rocks are so beautiful, unique and valuable. Having spent almost my entire life here I cannot stand idly by and let these colourful rocks be covered in trash," he said.

From his humble love for his homeland Chín Tục spreads awareness of environmental protection to the community. VNS