Preserving traditional crafts in the pine forests of Hong Linh.
(Baohatinh.vn) - Under the scorching summer sun, many laborers still cling to the Hong Linh pine forest (Ha Tinh province) to harvest resin. The work is arduous, and their income has decreased somewhat, but they persevere in contributing to preserving the greenness of the forests.
Báo Hà Tĩnh•23/05/2026
Currently, 1,700 hectares of pine forest under the management of the Hong Linh Protective Forest Management Board are in the resin harvesting stage. The Hong Linh Protective Forest Management Board currently has 5 pine forest management teams with approximately 60 households engaged in resin harvesting.
From early morning, those who work in pine resin extraction are present under the forest canopy. Every day, they have to walk for kilometers, winding their way through the hillsides to get to work.
Under the scorching summer sun, the work becomes even more arduous. This profession used to provide a stable income; however, recently, the drop in pine resin prices and uncertain market demand have affected the income of many households. While last year, pine resin prices ranged from 28,000 to 30,000 VND/kg, now they are only 22,000 to 24,000 VND/kg, resulting in an average income of 6-8 million VND per person per month.
In particular, the impact of storms in 2025 caused hundreds of pine trees to fall, many uprooted, resulting in a decrease in resin production. Mr. Nguyen Van Thanh from Bac Hong Linh ward shared: "Income from pine resin harvesting has decreased significantly compared to before, however, this has been our family's livelihood for over 35 years, so we will continue to care for and protect the forest so that it can develop further."
Mr. Thanh is not alone; many others are determined to stick with this profession because it's the work they've been involved in for many years.
When people are regularly present under the forest canopy, the risk of forest fires or forest encroachment can be detected earlier. The Hong Linh Protective Forest Management Board and the Hong Linh - Nghi Xuan Forest Ranger Station regularly provide technical support and seek markets for plastic products, helping people feel secure and committed to the profession.
Over the years, the Hong Linh pine forest has always been strictly managed and protected.
To ensure a minimum standard of living for households engaged in pine resin harvesting, the unit has recently partnered with and supported them in finding markets to increase product value; creating conditions for people to participate in activities such as building forest fire prevention and control facilities and pest control. At the same time, the unit has also provided personal protective equipment and harvesting tools, thereby creating favorable conditions for them to confidently engage in production, remain committed to their profession, and contribute to forest protection.
Mr. Kieu Dinh Linh, Head of the Hong Linh - Nghi Xuan Forest Ranger Station
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