Forest conservation for livelihood
Considered one of the ecological "treasures" of Truong Son range, Dong Chau Nature Reserve - Nuoc Trong stream (Le Thuy district, Quang Binh province) not only possesses a rich tropical forest ecosystem but is also gradually becoming a model of biodiversity conservation associated with community ecotourism development.
According to Mr. Bach Thanh Hai - Director of Dong Chau - Nuoc Trong Mekong Delta Management Board, the reserve is located in the southwest of Le Thuy district, over 22,000 hectares wide and is part of the Trung Truong Son ecological area of about 500,000 hectares.
This is one of the very few places in Vietnam that still retains the evergreen tropical forest system on low-lying mountains, home to many rare species of animals and plants. In 2020, right after the establishment of the Management Board, the unit clearly identified: biodiversity conservation along with ecotourism development as a consistent strategy, both preserving resources and creating livelihoods for the community.
Mr. Bach Thanh Hai informed that over the years, Dong Chau - Nuoc Trong Cultural Center has coordinated with international organizations such as USAID, FFI, VFBC to implement many programs to assess the current status of wildlife, monitor species using camera traps, apply SMART Mobile in forest patrols, and develop sustainable forest management plans until 2030. Rare photos recording images of brown-legged caterpillars, siki reindeer, white-legged cocks, star-throated cranes, horse bears, star turtles, barren rabbits... are proof of the clear effectiveness of conservation work.
Not only stopping at conservation, the Management Board of Vietnam Environmental Trade also opens the way for the development of community eco-tourism. With majestic natural landscapes, the Water Gate waterfall system, Tien stream, and Trong stream become attractive highlights.
Promoting community tourism
The unit has cooperated with Netin Company Limited and conservation organizations to experiment with nature exploration tours associated with local cultural experiences. People in the buffer zone in Kim Thuy and Lam Thuy communes are supported to build homestays, provide training in tourism skills, preserve culinary culture, and form the foundation for a sustainable tourism model.
At the same time, the forest protection contract program for more than 500 households, supporting 155 households to develop livelihoods from raising cows, goats, pigs... has contributed to raising income, changing people's awareness of forest protection and conservation of life. More than 8.1 billion VND in support funds for people in buffer zone is not only a financial figure, but also a measure of a change in thinking, from "cutting down trees for life" to "keeping the forest to live better".
In 2024, the Provincial People's Committee approved the Project on ecotourism development at Dong Chau Industrial Park - Nuoc stream in the period of 2024-2030. This is considered a big boost, creating a legal basis for the Management Board to synchronously deploy a sustainable development plan, combining nature conservation and local economic development.
From a deep forest not yet known to many people, Dong Chau - Nuoc Trong Industrial Park is gradually becoming a symbol of a new thinking: inseparable conservation and development, forests are not only a resource, but also a better opportunity for the community.
