Tham Pham was born in Sa Huynh (Quang Ngai, Vietnam), where the traditional salt marshes are located. While being highly praised for its distinctive mild, briny taste and sweet aftertaste, Sa Huynh sea salt is often purchased at low prices, leading many salt farmers to leave their hometowns and become laborers in big cities.
Feeling unjust, in 2015, after earning a Law degree from the Vietnam National University, Ms Tham Pham determined to increase the value of her hometown's salt by commercializing Sa Huỳnh sea salt. Instead of selling sea salt produced on plastic sheets, Ms Tham promotes traditional sea salt created in clay-lined salt pans. Her actions contribute to reducing plastic waste and minimizing microplastic in sea salt, benefiting the environment and the salt marsh ecosystem.
Through many ups and downs, MUOISAHU (or SAHU) is now a leading brand in Vietnam’s food market. With its diverse range of products, SAHU is a three-time award winner of the prestigious 4-start OCOP award (One Commune One Product). It is the highest recognition bestowed by the local government on outstanding agricultural products.
Since April 2023, facing the threats of urbanization and pollution, Ms Tham and Sa Huynh salt farmers have launched significant community projects to protect the marine environment, the cradle of salt marshes and traditional salt-making crafts. The most prominent activity, community-based tourism is essential for increasing local awareness of environmental conservation and preserving traditional cultural values and ecosystems.
In October 2023, the project "Preservation of traditional salt marshes and development of community tourism in Sa Huynh," conceived by Tham and coordinated with the local Farmers' Association, received a $50,000 grant from the United Nations (UNDP/GEF-SGP). The initiatives aim to raise local awareness about environment conservation and mangrove planting, as well as promote traditional salt production on natural marshes and community-based tourism.