Art from corn kernels: When Lan Nong agricultural products "tell" stories of green tourism

VTV.vn - Lan Nong corn not only feeds people but also "tells" the story of a "Net Zero" land rich in identity.

In the context of sustainable tourism becoming an inevitable global trend, the Lan Nong Net Zero Tourism Village Project at Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark has emerged as an inspiring answer. In Lan Nong, a rustic isolated land in Cai Kinh commune, Huu Lung district, Lang Son province, the solution to the problem of balancing economic development and conservation is not far away but comes from the corn grains on the fields.

Lan Nong Village seen from above.

Lan Nong possesses an invaluable "asset": a unique "Net Zero" space, where the Nung ethnic people still live isolated from the national grid and the internet, gathering around the fire in traditional stilt houses. Their livelihood comes from green rice fields and mainly corn. How to develop tourism without destroying that pristine environment?

People practice making souvenirs from cereal grains.

The answer comes from a dedicated initiative of experts. One of them is Mr. Hoang Ngoc Son, Creative Director for art projects, cultural and tourism programs, and a person with many years of experience in tourism and culture. He was invited to participate in the project as a training expert.

Right on the porch of the stilt house, handicraft classes are held. Sharing about this opportunity, Mr. Son said: "I feel very honored and moved to have the opportunity to guide and approach the people in Lan Nong. During the process of contact, I saw the potential, creativity and quick absorption of everyone".

This initiative, with support from Lang Son UNESCO Global Geopark and the Asian Tourism Development Institute (ATI), not only teaches the Nung people how to make souvenirs from agricultural products, but is also an opportunity to "develop artistic thinking and create a livelihood that connects the village". This is the way to turn a familiar source of livelihood into a unique highlight for the green tourism industry.

The focus of these classes is the art of making crafts from grains and corn husks. Besides rice, green beans, black beans, pumpkin seeds, the “star” is corn – a plant endemic to Lan Nong.

Souvenir products from cereal grains of Lan Nong villagers.

Under the skillful and attentive hands of the Nung people, corn and bean grains, which were thought to be used only to fill the stomach, are now meticulously arranged and bonded, forming unique grain paintings. Corn husks, which were thought to be discarded, are shaped into rustic, vibrant flowers. This is not simply an activity to create products, but also an artistic activity to stimulate creativity and develop the aesthetic ability of the people.

Handicrafts made from corn kernels are more valuable than just a gift. They help people practice their dexterity and foster a love for nature. Moreover, these rustic works of art are also used to beautify the living space of the family, inside the traditional stilt houses.

The product was well received by tourists.

This initiative has opened a new direction, in line with the model of UNESCO Global Geoparks, where traditional cultural values ​​are preserved and promoted in association with sustainable development. Now, Lan Nong corn seeds not only feed the people but also "tell" the story of a "Net Zero" land rich in identity. These handicrafts become meaningful souvenirs, connecting tourists with the lives and creativity of indigenous people, creating a harmonious green tourism cycle and cherishing the most original values.

Source: https://vtv.vn/nghe-thuat-tu-hat-ngo-khi-nong-san-lan-nong-ke-chuyen-du-lich-xanh-100251203110231077.htm