Project News

The rainy season began in May in the northern part of Vietnam, making it a suitable season for planting trees. Following the planting of Chinaberry in Tuyen Quang province, the Project supported the planting ginger family plants in Son La province.

Phu Yen Forestry Company in Son La Province manages 8,000 hectares of forest, consisting of 900 hectares of production forest and 7,100 hectares of protection forest. Although a state-owned company, it operates on a self-supporting accounting system. So, it is difficult to properly manage the vast areas of forests with the profits only from the small production forests and the small amount of forest conservation funds allocated under the "Payment for Forest Environmental Services"(*). Thus, Phu Yen Forestry Company requested the project to support planting ginger family plants, which would achieve both forest conservation and improvement in economic activity.

The planted ginger family plant is scientifically named "Wurfbainia longiligularis", which grows naturally in Vietnam. It can grow even in dark places under the forest canopy and can coexist with other trees because it only grows to a maximum height of about 2 meters. It bears fruit 2 to 3 years after planting and can be harvested continuously for 5 to 6 years. The fruit has a high economic value, as it can be used to treat indigestion, diarrhea, and vomiting, or extracted as essential oil to spice or flavor food. In addition to the economic benefits mentioned above, there are environmental benefits, such as preventing soil erosion and enriching understory vegetation.

Since April, the Project has supported the development of planting plans, preparation of planting sites, and planting of 8,800 seedlings (equivalent to 4 hectares). Phu Yen Forestry Company plans to carry out forest management, such as mowing, for the next three years. The profits obtained from the harvested fruits are expected to promote forest conservation activities.

*Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES): A system in which hydroelectric power companies pay wages to individuals and organizations managing forests in river basins in exchange for forest conservation.

Planting site

Ginger family plant

Staff receiving delivered seedlings

Planting with Non La (traditional hat) on