Developing medicinal herbs associated with ecotourism: A green economic model for mountainous areas

Mountainous regions are a treasure trove of diverse medicinal herbs.

According to recent statistics, Vietnam has recorded over 5,100 medicinal plant species, of which more than 200 species have been used commercially, meeting the needs of health care and pharmaceutical production. Many precious, rare and endemic species not only have medicinal effects but also have high economic value, widely distributed in mountainous regions from the North to the Central Highlands and the South.

According to Decision No. 1976/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister, the planning for medicinal plant development until 2030 has identified 8 concentrated growing areas of medicinal plant species with strengths, selected based on soil, climate and ecosystem conditions, to ensure productivity, quality and meet the increasing demand of the domestic market and tourists .

Vietnam's mountainous regions - a rich treasure trove of medicinal herbs with many rare species of commercial value.

Vietnam's mountainous regions are not only rich in medicinal plants but also possess diverse natural landscapes, primeval forests, rivers, streams and beautiful valleys, very favorable for developing ecotourism.

In recent years, community tourism in these areas has contributed to hunger eradication, poverty reduction, stable job creation, and at the same time encouraged people to conserve biodiversity, promote indigenous knowledge and traditional culture.

The combination of medicinal plant development and tourism creates a distinct difference: tourists can both experience exploring and learning about medicinal plants, and participate in community activities such as picking medicinal plants and processing traditional products.

This activity is often implemented through cooperatives and cooperative groups, helping people to protect valuable genetic resources, create sustainable income from medicinal plants, and contribute to preserving the natural landscape and local cultural identity.

Typical model of medicinal herbs combined with tourism

Ninh Binh - Golden Camellia Park

In Ninh Binh, the Golden Camellia Park in the Co Ngua Valley is a highlight in the conservation and development of rare golden camellia species. This limestone mountain valley is surrounded by protective forests, possessing a rich ecosystem with many indigenous medicinal plants and free-living birds.

Visitors to Ninh Binh can visit the park, experience the process of planting, caring for and preserving medicinal herbs, and explore the unique natural landscape and ecosystem.

Mr. Vu Van Tam - Vu Gia Pharmaceutical Company Ltd. (left) takes photos with visitors to the park.

Quang Nam - Ngoc Linh ginseng region

Nam Tra My, Quang Nam province has strengths in tourism development because it possesses unspoiled nature with vast primeval forests, hundreds of years old cinnamon forests and a cool climate all year round. Developing ginseng tourism associated with preserving and promoting the cultural identity of ethnic groups in the highlands is the policy that the locality is aiming for.

Foreign tourists on an eco-tour in Nam Tra My harvest Ngoc Linh ginseng by hand.

Identifying tourism development associated with Ngoc Linh ginseng as an important driving force to implement the National Target Program on new rural construction, socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas, contributing to sustainable poverty reduction.

From the support from the Central and the province, Nam Tra My has invested in ginseng infrastructure such as: opening roads to Tra Linh and Tak Ngo ginseng areas; building a display house, exhibition of Ngoc Linh ginseng, some reception counters at the ginseng farm...

Currently, in Nam Tra My area, tourist attractions associated with historical, cultural and ecological relics have gradually been formed.

Lao Cai – Red Dao bath medicine

In Sa Pa, Lao Cai province, Red Dao people’s medicinal baths have become a unique tourism product. Based on indigenous knowledge and abundant natural medicinal resources, the local community has coordinated with businesses to build raw material areas, process medicinal baths, medicinal bath gels, and foot baths from more than 100 species of indigenous herbs.

Some households go to collect medicinal plants to sell to hotels or herbal bath service companies.

Tourists to Sa Pa can directly experience the process of picking leaves, boiling water for bathing and witness the process of preserving ethnic knowledge. This model not only promotes green economy but also protects biodiversity and preserves indigenous culture.

In addition to hands-on experiences, visitors can also learn about traditional methods of preserving and using medicinal herbs, and participate in interactive activities at the medicinal herb garden and homestay. This activity not only raises awareness of the value of indigenous medicinal herbs but also helps local people develop their economy in a sustainable way, combining nature conservation, preserving ethnic culture and exploiting the potential of ecotourism.

Challenges and development directions

Despite the great potential for medicinal herbs and ecotourism, many localities still face difficulties: lack of good varieties, uneven quality of raw materials, unsustainable exploitation of natural forests, limited infrastructure, and large enterprises not investing heavily.

For sustainable development, it is necessary to:

Planning planting areas and listing suitable tree species, prioritizing specialty trees.
Preserving rare genetic resources in special-use forests, providing quality varieties for production.
Guide people to plant, care for and harvest according to standards to ensure the quality of raw materials.
Organize production according to value chain, link cooperatives, enterprises, connect markets.

The combination of medicinal plant development, ecotourism and indigenous cultural preservation is opening up a green economic model, contributing to increasing income and improving the lives of ethnic minority and mountainous communities.

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Source: https://baolaocai.vn/phat-trien-duoc-lieu-gan-voi-du-lich-sinh-thai-mo-hinh-kinh-te-xanh-cho-vung-mien-nui-post882242.html