Step into the primeval forest

Tiger pomelo tree in Tay Giang. Photo: Poloong Plenh

Forests in Tay Giang, especially the pơmu forests of Zilêng mountain peak in Tr'hy and A xan communes, in addition to having heritage, cultural and spiritual values, also contain scientific and historical values.

Explore the life cycle of a tree

The heritage forest complex of pomu trees in Tay Giang is a rare tree species, listed in the international red book. In addition to its values ​​in terms of landscape tourism , environment, maintaining and regulating water resources in harmony all year round in rivers and streams, the pomu forest also contributes to creating a cool, fresh living environment.

According to a research project in early 2009 by American scientist Brendan Buckley, from the Tree Ring Laboratory (the famous Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory) and a Vietnamese colleague, they found in the Bidoup-Nui Ba National Forest in Lam Dong province, near Da Lat, many pine trees that lived nearly a thousand years ago.

The pơmu trees in Tay Giang belong to this pine family. And these pine trees belong to a rare and endangered species (listed in the Red Book) called Fokienia hodginsii (pơmu tree).

By studying the life cycle of pơmu trees in Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, scientists have done something amazing: decoding some events caused by climate change in the past.

Tourists explore the pơmu heritage forest.

Specifically, through more than 100 samples of pơmu tree pulp taken from Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, scientist Brendan Buckley conducted analysis at the Tree Ring Laboratory of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory (USA).

From samples taken from the trunks of the pomu tree, Mr. Buckley reconstructed the monsoon weather in mainland Asia in the past up to the 14th century and thus proved that the brilliant Khmer civilization at Angkor collapsed because of drought and floods. This is an important discovery in the history of monsoon climate and the El Nino phenomenon in Southeast Asia.

Combined with previous research in Thailand, Buckley's team determined from tree rings that the tree experienced several major droughts on mainland Southeast Asia in the early 15th century.

Forest sightseeing is a new and attractive tourist journey in Tay Giang. In addition to the majestic nature, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy the unique traditional culture of the Co Tu people; visit the national flagpole on Zi'lieng peak, visit A ​​Xan valley, Tay Giang heaven gate...

Destination of researchers

The above studies show one thing, thousands of green lim trees, ebony trees… especially the populations of pơmu trees in Tay Giang not only have value in terms of landscape, environment, ecotourism, or forest economy. More importantly, the forests also carry value in terms of science, weather, culture and history of a nation.

Thanksgiving festival of the Co Tu people in Tay Giang. Photo: Poloong Plenh

The Tay Giang pơmu forest complex also proves that nature is inseparable from human life. The sacred forest of Tay Giang is always closely linked to the culture and life of the Co Tu people, from preserving and conserving natural forests as their clothes. For the Co Tu people, the forest is the source of life, the cultural origin of the ethnic development and the regulation of ethnic culture.

In the near future, Tay Giang in particular and other places where rare primeval forests still exist in the country will not only be cultural destinations and fresh ecological landscapes. Indigenous forests will be attractive destinations for international researchers.

From the research story on “biodiversity in the primeval forest from rare and precious animals and plants” to the research on “forest conservation culture of the Co Tu people in particular and ethnic minorities in general”, in recent years, Tay Giang has begun to welcome groups of scientific researchers.

Developing sustainable tourism from international tourist groups and responsible tourism will contribute to developing the lives of ethnic minorities and mountainous areas.

Source: https://baoquangnam.vn/buoc-chan-vao-rung-nguyen-sinh-3147453.html