Changing the way of planting and exploiting, the tree has achieved FSC certification
Among the forestry products in Que Phong district, Nghe An , the lung tree is an endemic tree species, concentrated in Dong Van and Thong Thu communes with an area of over 17,000 hectares. The lung tree belongs to the bamboo family with long segments, white, smooth fibers, suitable for the production of handicraft products.
People in Dong Van commune, Que Phong district, Nghe An province grow, care for and exploit the lung tree, bringing high economic efficiency. Photo: NT
However, overexploitation has led to a decline in area and output, failing to create sustainable economic value. From 2018 to 2022, Que Phong district implemented the project "Replicating the sustainable livelihood model from bamboo and the project for sustainable and comprehensive development of the bamboo and clam value chain in Vietnam". The project aims to help people have more income and sustainably reduce poverty.
The project has organized many training courses for local people on techniques and shared experiences in planting, caring for and exploiting sycamore forests according to FSC standards. In addition, the project also aims to protect and develop the genetic resources of specialty crops of Que Phong land.
Dong Van and Thong Thu communes, Que Phong district, Nghe An have 212 households awarded FSC certificates. Since then, the price of lung trees has increased, helping many families have a stable income. Photo: NT
Up to now, households have harvested a significant number of trees, meeting market demand. The economic value of this tree has also improved significantly, helping people increase their income and improve their lives.
In 2021, Oxfam in Vietnam and the Center for Non-Timber Forest Products Research awarded FSC certificates to a group of 212 households growing and exploiting 938 hectares of sycamore forests in Dong Van and Thong Thu communes. This is the first locality in Nghe An to receive this certificate.
The fir tree helps people in Dong Van and Thong Thu communes, Que Phong district, Nghe An province have a stable source of income. Photo: NT
Mr. Luong Thai Quy - Chairman of Dong Van Commune People's Committee said: "After the project, people were instructed on proper care procedures, so the linden trees brought much higher economic value than before. Besides, linden trees also have good drought resistance and are suitable for geological and climatic conditions in mountainous areas. If using the right tree planting techniques, it will also help minimize human impact on the environment, protect natural resources and minimize climate problems."
Growing bamboo trees is easy and brings stable income.
Mr. Vi Van Tam (residing in Dong Van commune, Que Phong district) said that his family was assigned by the local authorities to protect and care for 7.5 hectares of bamboo. This type of tree can be exploited continuously for many years, without cost and with very little care. When FSC certification was achieved, some companies committed to direct purchasing, so the price increased significantly.
Locals say that the tree is easy to grow, does not require much care, and is very suitable for the soil and climate conditions in Dong Van commune, Que Phong district, Nghe An. Photo: NT
As long as the trees are of the right age and not cut down the whole cluster, the trees can be harvested for sale every year. The trunk of the tree costs from 110,000 to 140,000 VND/quintal; the tops, buds, and leaves cost from 50,000 to 80,000 VND/quintal. With more than 7 hectares, Mr. Tam's family earns an additional income of 25 to 30 million VND per year.
Mr. Lang Van Hien (residing in Dong Van commune, Que Phong district) said: "Through training, people have learned how to care for and exploit trees according to their reserves and age, how to cut close to the base and clean up after exploitation. In addition, thanks to propagation and intensive cultivation, the density of trees in the forest has increased, bringing economic efficiency."
In addition, households here also receive forest environmental service payments of 600,000 VND/ha/year from the State.
Forests planted with cypress, bamboo, and cajuput trees are being expanded in Nghe An. Photo: NT
Mr. Phan Trong Dung - Head of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Que Phong district said that thanks to the projects, people know how to plant, care for and exploit the linden tree effectively, without being completely destroyed. High-class handicraft products from this tree also expand the export market. The local government is supporting people and related organizations to prepare documents for evaluation and re-issuance of FSC certificates.
In the coming time, Que Phong district will continue to expand the area of FSC certified forest in Dong Van and Thong Thu communes with an area of over 1,700 hectares. Thereby, helping local people develop their economy and have a stable source of income.
FSC certification is issued by the Forest Stewardship Council. FSC certification aims to encourage exploitation activities that go hand in hand with sustainable development of forest resources, preventing indiscriminate exploitation of forests.
FSC is a certificate used for forest managers or manufacturers of forest products to ensure criteria for sustainable development, balancing environmental protection values with social benefits of stakeholders.
Source: https://danviet.vn/cay-lung-dat-chung-chi-fsc-len-gia-co-tung-nao-ban-cung-het-giup-dan-noi-nay-o-nghe-an-thoat-ngheo-20240511173819031.htm
Comment (0)