Heritage trees open up green tourism opportunities in Hoanh Mo.

With its many centuries-old trees, Hoành Mô commune is orienting its development towards ecotourism linked to the conservation of resources and culture in the border region.

Hoanh Mo commune, Quang Ninh province, covers an area of ​​nearly 138 km² with almost 9,000 inhabitants, of which over 94% are ethnic minorities. Besides possessing a large area of ​​natural forest, this locality also preserves many rare ancient trees that have existed for hundreds of years, closely intertwined with the cultural and religious life of the border community.

Amidst the villages along the northeastern border, many ancient banyan trees, star anise trees, and tea trees are still preserved by the locals as a part of their village's memory. In Pac Poc village, a nearly 200-year-old banyan tree still casts its shade in the residential area, becoming a community gathering place and a cultural symbol for the local people.

The inauguration ceremony and unveiling of the heritage tree plaque in Hoành Mô commune. Photo: Nguyễn Thành.

According to Duong Van Ninh, a resident of Pac Poc village, many generations in the village have always considered the ancient tree as a "witness" to the village. The tree's recognition as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree not only signifies conservation but also raises awareness of preserving natural resources within the community.

According to local statistics, Hoành Mô commune currently has 26 ancient trees, 45 banyan trees in residential areas, 5 ancient tea trees on the high mountains, and 11 star anise trees recognized as Vietnamese Heritage Trees. These are considered a particularly valuable ecological resource for a mountainous border commune still facing many difficulties.

Notably, despite the large workload following the administrative boundary merger, the local Party committee, government, and people have maintained their interest in the conservation of heritage trees. Many ancient trees are proactively cared for, protected, and preserved by the community as a shared asset of the village.

Mr. Duong Phuc Thim, a respected figure in Khe Tien village, believes that the recognition of these ancient trees as Vietnamese Heritage Trees is not only a source of pride for the local people but also opens up opportunities for developing community tourism in the area. According to him, many tourists are now increasingly seeking eco-tourism destinations and experiences with local culture, rather than mass tourism.

Leveraging this advantage, Hoành Mô is gradually orienting its development towards ecotourism linked to heritage trees and highland cultural spaces. Ancient banyan trees amidst villages, long-standing anise hills, and ancient tea plantations on high mountains are being considered as highlights for the development of experiential tour routes.

On the afternoon of May 19th, the People's Committee of Hoanh Mo commune organized a thematic workshop titled "Leveraging the Potential of Vietnamese Heritage Trees in Green and Sustainable Economic Development." The workshop was attended by representatives from the Vietnam Association for Nature and Environment Protection, the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council, local leaders, and residents.

Hoành Mô commune has developed a tourism development plan with the aim of effectively exploiting its ecological advantages, landscapes, and local culture. Photo: Nguyen Thanh.

At the workshop, delegates focused on discussing various issues related to the conservation and exploitation of the value of heritage trees for green economic development. Some proposed solutions included developing eco-tourism routes, raising community awareness in protecting ancient trees, and developing distinctive products such as anise and ancient tea.

According to Mr. Hoang Kien Trung, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Hoanh Mo commune, the locality has developed a tourism development plan with the aim of effectively exploiting the ecological, landscape, and local cultural advantages. In particular, the system of heritage trees has been identified as one of the important elements in forming a unique tourism product for this border commune.

According to local leaders, developing tourism based on heritage trees not only aims to attract tourists but also creates livelihoods for the people through service activities, promoting agricultural products, and developing community tourism. This is considered a suitable direction for a mountainous locality with strengths in forest resources and ethnic culture.

Building upon its abundant natural resources, Hoành Mô is gradually developing a green economic development model linked to conservation. Preserving heritage trees is no longer solely focused on environmental protection; the local authorities are now positioning it as a driving force for ecotourism development and enhancing the economic value of the border region.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/cay-di-san-mo-huong-du-lich-xanh-o-hoanh-mo-d812344.html