Summary and handover of the project to sponsor medicinal plant planting under the forest canopy in Tuong Duong

Attending the conference were Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen - National Coordinator of the Small Projects Funding Program, Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Program (UNDP-GEF/SGP); representatives of the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve, project management and implementation units; leaders of the District People's Committee and project beneficiary communes.

The project “Supporting communities in buffer zone communes to develop medicinal plants under forest canopy to increase income and conserve biodiversity in the Western Nghe An World Biosphere Reserve” was implemented in Yen Hoa and Nga My communes of Tuong Duong district. After more than 2 years of implementation, the project has completed its set objectives.

Specifically, the Project has issued 6 regulations to manage 5,495 hectares of sustainable forest; 285 people and more than 600 households have been enhanced in their capacity to develop medicinal herbs; The revolving fund with 612 million VND has been operated and handed over to the Women's Union of Nga My and Yen Hoa communes for management and development; 5 types of precious medicinal plants have been cultivated, such as: 15,000 purple Morinda officinalis plants, 2,200 Chinese yam plants, 3,500 purple Atractylodes Rhizome plants, 300 yellow camellia plants, and Gynostemma pentaphyllum.

It is expected that each year, 10,000 more trees/nursery/2 gardens will be planted; 18 hectares of medicinal plants will be planted under the forest canopy, including 4 types of plants: yellow camellia, purple velvet antler, morinda officinalis and white ho...

In particular, there were 2 results that exceeded expectations: Organizing a study tour for key staff and active members of the community in the project area. Organizing a workshop connecting 4 parties (State, Farmers, Scientists and Entrepreneurs) in developing green medicinal herbs in the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve with 115 delegates attending, 3 pharmaceutical corporations and general companies attending and presenting the needs for pharmaceutical raw materials.

At the conference, leaders of communes, village committees, and many households benefiting from the project as well as leaders of Tuong Duong district affirmed the positive effects of the project. At the same time, they emphasized that developing medicinal herbs under the forest canopy not only brings economic benefits but is also an important step in conserving nature, preserving indigenous culture and raising public awareness of environmental protection. This is a strategic direction that needs to be replicated and implemented comprehensively towards sustainable development in the future; while providing a sustainable source of livelihood for people from growing medicinal herbs under the forest canopy.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen expressed her joy at the results the Project has brought to the people and the locality. At the same time, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen also hopes that in the coming time, the government, cooperatives, and households that benefit from the Project will continue to develop a roadmap for management, connecting the 4 houses and developing medicinal herb areas. Thereby, not only to promote efficiency, but also to limit risks and delays for people in the implementation process, to continue to replicate the results of the project, contributing to sustainable development.

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On this occasion, the Chairman of the District People's Committee awarded Certificates of Merit to 3 groups and 5 individuals, the Project Management Board awarded Certificates of Merit to 12 individuals who made many important contributions, helping to effectively implement the Project in the district.