Forest protection associated with ecotourism development

Thanh Hoa is a province with rich forest resources, with rare flora and fauna, suitable for exploitation and development of diverse ecotourism products. Therefore, in recent times, functional sectors and localities with forests have strengthened the management and development of forest resources to serve tourism development.

The rich flora at Lam Kinh National Special Relic Site (Tho Xuan) is an attractive highlight for tourists.

Nam Dong Precious and Rare Gymnosperm Conservation Area, under the management of Quan Hoa Forest Protection Department, currently has over 623 hectares of natural forest, with high biodiversity. The investigation and research process has discovered and recorded about 673 species of plants here, including many rare gymnosperm species, such as Pa Co pine, Dinh Tung, narrow-striped Tung chestnut, wide-striped Tung chestnut... and 217 species of animals, including many species of animals listed in the Vietnam Red Book. This is the potential and advantage for this place to develop ecotourism.

In order to attract more tourists to visit and experience, in recent times, Quan Hoa Forest Protection Department has focused on implementing measures to manage and protect forests. In particular, establishing forest protection teams, this force coordinates with officers of forest ranger stations to patrol and inspect forests every month, regularly grasp and provide information so that forest ranger stations can have solutions to effectively and promptly combat and prevent acts of forest encroachment. Along with that, the department has also proactively and actively coordinated with the District Youth Union, the Department of Education and Training, and schools in Quan Hoa and Quan Son districts to organize 5 competitions in the form of "Ring the Golden Bell", attracting 880 students to participate, to learn about the Forestry Law and the Nam Dong Precious and Rare Gymnosperm Conservation Area. Construction and operation

Website introducing resources of Nam Dong Precious and Rare Gymnosperm Conservation Area for scientists, managers, agencies and people to exploit and use for promotion and research purposes.

In addition, Nam Dong Precious and Rare Gymnosperm Conservation Area has also implemented many programs, topics and scientific research projects to preserve and develop biodiversity of flora and fauna. Notable among these are the projects "Research on some biological and ecological characteristics of rare and precious gymnosperm species; "Experimenting with planting limestone red pine and pine trees at Nam Dong Precious and Rare Gymnosperm Conservation Area, Quan Hoa district"...

In addition, to promote the development of ecotourism, Nam Dong Precious and Rare Conifer Conservation Area has invested in and built infrastructure to serve tourism development such as building 12 regulation boards, tourist guide boards, 2 rest huts to welcome visitors (1 hut at Quan Hoa Forest Protection Department office, 1 hut in the core area of ​​the conservation area), providing 66 waste collection bins for communes, villages, and hamlets in the buffer zone of the conservation area, 1 system to provide clean water for daily life, work combined with ecotourism; building 4 models of ecotourism development, 3 eco-village models associated with the renovation of stilt houses and agricultural production to serve tourism services, 1 model to support the restoration of traditional craft villages... From the above activities, it has contributed to the good implementation of forest management and protection associated with the development of diverse ecotourism products, attracting domestic and international tourists to visit and explore.

Lam Kinh Historical Relic Site (Tho Xuan) currently has 200 hectares of forest, including nearly 100 hectares of special-use forest with a rich and diverse ecosystem. Currently, Lam Kinh forest has about 300 to 400 species of plants, including many precious wood species such as doi, green lim, camphor, ngát tốt, and oak... This is an advantage for exploiting and developing ecotourism. Mr. Nguyen Xuan Toan, Head of Lam Kinh Historical Relic Site Management Board, said: Forests are considered a valuable resource to attract tourists to Lam Kinh. In recent times, in order to preserve nature, biodiversity, and develop sustainable ecotourism, Lam Kinh Historical Relic Site Management Board has regularly coordinated with local authorities to promote propaganda, education, and raise awareness of forest protection in the community as well as tourists. At the same time, patrols are increased, timely prevention and strict handling of acts of encroachment on forest resources are prevented. Every year, the relic site management board also actively coordinates closely with Tho Xuan Forest Protection Department to develop plans for forest protection, forest fire prevention, and focuses on creating a green, clean and beautiful landscape environment to attract a large number of tourists to Lam Kinh.

Thanh Hoa is considered a locality rich in forest resources. The province currently has 2 national parks (NPs), Ben En NP and part of Cuc Phuong NP; 3 nature reserves including Pu Luong, Xuan Lien and Pu Hu; 2 species conservation areas (Nam Dong, Sen Tam Quy); and a number of conservation areas of scenic spots, historical and cultural relics. In recent times, the forest rangers in the province have regularly coordinated with localities, management boards of national parks and nature reserves to promote propaganda, raise awareness of forest protection and development to the majority of people and tourists, in order to contribute to maintaining the landscape and environment, ensuring and enhancing the biodiversity of the forest. Actively inspect, grasp and detect violations early to prevent and handle deforestation situations. Strengthen tourism promotion, apply green technology and solutions to minimize the impact of tourism activities on natural resources. Encourage the management boards of national parks and nature reserves to actively plant new trees, take care of and protect forests to create green, clean and beautiful landscapes and environments... Thereby, contributing to the effective implementation of forest management and protection for the development of ecotourism; at the same time, striving to increase income from tourism associated with forest development and protection.

Article and photos: Nguyen Dat

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/bao-ve-rung-gan-voi-phat-trien-du-lich-sinh-thai-227959.htm