Stepping into the primeval forest

Tiger cypress tree in Tay Giang. Photo by Pơloong Plênh

The forests in Tay Giang, especially the cypress forests of Zilieng mountain peak in Tr'hy and A Xan communes, not only possess heritage, cultural, and spiritual value but also hold scientific and historical value.

Explore the life cycle of a tree.

The cypress forest in Tay Giang is a heritage area of ​​rare and precious trees, listed in the international Red Book. Besides its value in terms of tourism , environmental protection, and maintaining and regulating water resources year-round in rivers and streams, the cypress forest also contributes to creating a cool and clean living environment.

According to research conducted in early 2009 by American scientist Brendan Buckley of the Tree Ring Laboratory (a renowned institution at the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) and a Vietnamese colleague, they found many pine trees in the Bidoup-Nui Ba National Forest in Lam Dong province, near Da Lat, that are nearly a thousand years old.

The cypress trees in Tay Giang belong to the pine family. And these pine trees are a rare, endangered species (listed in the Red Book) called Fokienia hodginsii (cypress tree).

By studying the life cycle of cypress trees in Bidoup - Nuí Bà National Park, scientists have achieved something remarkable: deciphering some of the events caused by past climate change.

Tourists explore the heritage cypress forest.

Specifically, using over 100 samples of cypress tree bark taken from Bidoup - Nuí Bà National Park, scientist Brendan Buckley conducted analyses at the Tree Ring Laboratory of the Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (USA).

Using samples taken from the trunks of cypress trees, Buckley reconstructed the monsoon weather patterns of the Asian continent up to the 14th century, thereby demonstrating that the brilliant Khmer civilization at Angkor collapsed due to droughts and floods. This is a significant discovery in the history of monsoon climate and the El Niño phenomenon in Southeast Asia.

Combined with previous research findings in Thailand, Buckley's research team determined that the tree rings on the cypress tree indicated that this species experienced several major droughts in mainland Southeast Asia during the early 15th century.

Forest sightseeing tours are a new and attractive travel experience in Tay Giang. Besides the majestic nature, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the unique traditional culture of the Co Tu people; visit the national flag pole on the top of Zi'lieng mountain, explore the A Xan valley, and the Tay Giang Sky Gate...

A destination for researchers.

These studies show that thousands of green ebony trees, especially the cypress tree populations in Tay Giang, not only have value in terms of landscape, environment, ecotourism, or forest economy. More importantly, these forests also carry value in terms of science, weather, culture, and the history of a nation.

The New Year's Thanksgiving Festival of the Co Tu people of Tay Giang. Photo: Pơloong Plênh

The Tây Giang cypress forest also demonstrates that nature is inseparable from human life. The sacred Tây Giang forest is always closely linked to the culture and life of the Cơ Tu people, from preserving and protecting the natural forest as if it were their own clothing. For the Cơ Tu people, the forest is their source of life, the root of their culture, and the foundation that defines their ethnic culture.

In the not-too-distant future, from Tay Giang in particular to other areas across the country that still possess rare primeval forests, these places will not only be destinations for culture and pristine ecological landscapes, but these native forests will also become fascinating and attractive destinations for international researchers.

From research on "biodiversity in primeval forests from rare and precious plant and animal species" to research on "the forest-preserving culture of the Co Tu people in particular, and ethnic minorities in general," over the years, Tay Giang has begun to welcome delegations of scientific researchers.

Developing sustainable tourism from international tour groups and responsible tourism will contribute to improving the lives of ethnic minorities and people in mountainous areas.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/buoc-chan-vao-rung-nguyen-sinh-3147453.html