Forest protection linked to ecotourism development in Khun Village

BHG - For over a decade, thanks to the policy of payment for forest environmental services (PFES), residents of Khun Village in Bang Lang Commune (Quang Binh District) have made efforts to protect the forest as a sustainable livelihood. Regarding the forest as a priceless asset, the Tay and Dao ethnic communities here have preserved it while developing a community-based ecotourism model.

Quang Binh District rangers conduct forest protection awareness campaigns for residents of Khun Village, Bang Lang Commune.

Every early morning, as the mist still clings to the mountain slopes, the Khun Village forest protection team gathers for patrol. The 15-member team splits into smaller groups to take turns patrolling four routes stretching about 15 kilometres. During the dry season, when the risk of forest fires is high, five members are assigned to patrol continuously for two to three days. Despite the arduous task of climbing mountains and crossing streams, all members consider it a shared responsibility of the whole village.

Nong Van Tuyen, who has been involved in forest patrols for many years, shared: “I am used to sleeping in forest huts, and I know every stream and trail by heart. We check for signs of logging or wildlife hunting, clear firebreaks... all for the green forests to remain for our descendants.”

Khun Village manages over 1,026 hectares of forest, home to many valuable old trees such as tau (vatica pachynocarpus), khao (machinus bonii lecomte). Its rich vegetation includes medicinal plants like cay co mau (Sargentodoxaceae), thien nien kien (homalomena occulta), and hoang tinh (polygonatum sibiricum), along with a variety of wild animals living naturally. The forest also provides 15 main and auxiliary water sources that serve the daily and production needs of 185 households in the village and surrounding areas.

The annual revenue from the PFES policy of approximately 350 million VND is transparently managed, discussed and decided by the villagers. Part of the funds supports forest patrols (300,000 VND per person per trip), while the remainder is invested in infrastructure such as road construction, installation of solar-powered electricity, building drainage systems, and the repair of houses for poor households. The village is currently expanding its main road, aiming to connect it to the commune centre, facilitating production and tourism development. 

Nong Van Duoc, head of Khun Village, said: “Residents also plant production forests, with some households earning over 100 million VND after each harvest. Recently, we have welcomed tour groups exploring the Na Lang bamboo forest and Khau Kheo hill... which provides income for the forest protection team and promotes ecotourism.”

The forest protection model in Khun Village has proven highly effective and stands as a replicable example for other localities — ensuring the forest remains green and the villages forever peaceful.

MOC LAN