Assessing the role of non timber forest products in developing household economy of tan binh commune in ben en national park

INTRODUCTION

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are vital for both biodiversity conservation and the economic well-being of communities living near forests, providing benefits such as food, medicine, and income An international conference held in Hanoi from June 11 to 13, 2005, emphasized that approximately 60 million people worldwide, mainly in poor countries like Latin America, West Africa, and Southeast Asia, depend heavily on forests for their livelihoods In Vietnam, as of 2010, forests are home to nearly 25 million people, including about 13 million ethnic minorities, representing roughly 14% of the national population.

Since 1997, Vietnam has seen numerous studies exploring the role and current status of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), attracting significant interest from researchers Notable research efforts have highlighted the importance of NTFPs for local livelihoods, sustainable forest management, and rural development These studies have provided valuable insights into the economic, ecological, and social impacts of NTFPs, emphasizing their contribution to Vietnam’s biodiversity conservation and community well-being Ongoing research continues to emphasize the potential of NTFPs as a sustainable resource for Vietnam's future.

In 1997, Pham Xuan Hoan conducted a botanical classification study of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) at Phia Đen-Nguyen Binh, Cao Bang province, focusing on their intended uses His assessment highlighted that the sustainable exploitation of NTFP plants is best managed by local communities, emphasizing the importance of involving local people in resource management Additionally, he provided valuable suggestions for the sustainable development of NTFP plant resources, aiming to balance utilization with conservation efforts.

Vietnam boasts a vast array of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), with numerous species holding significant economic value Approximately 22% of our indigenous plant species are medicinal plants, highlighting their importance The country is also home to over 500 oil-bearing plant species, representing about 7.14% of all native plants, alongside more than 600 tannin-producing species and a variety of lubricants and fatty oils Rattan and bamboo are particularly prominent; Vietnam’s bamboo forest covers approximately 1.492 million hectares with around 4.18 billion trees, serving not only as traditional construction materials but also producing aesthetically valuable products and contributing significantly to export revenues.

Le Quy Nguu and Tran Nhu Duc (1998) focused on the description of technical and processing methods for harvest remedies derived from plants, including Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) Meanwhile, Ninh Khac Ban (2003) initially studied NTFP resources in natural vegetation, highlighting concerns over overexploitation as a critical threat He emphasized that these resources should be preserved through in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies, such as cultivating genetic resources in home gardens or on farms, to promote sustainable use and help reduce pressure on wild populations, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Several ongoing programs aim to support sustainable forestry and local economies, including the "Research Project on the Local Market for Timber Products in Northern Thailand" conducted by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development Additionally, from 1993 to 1995, Vietnam implemented a project examining socio-economic issues and women's roles in rattan and bamboo forest processing The Specialty Reforestation Project, integrated into the broader five-million-hectare reforestation initiative, further promotes ecological restoration and economic development through sustainable forestry practices.

Vietnam has shown interest in developing non-timber forest products (NTFPs) through various research programs and development initiatives However, existing studies on plant-based NTFPs are limited in depth, highlighting a need for more comprehensive research Despite numerous projects across the country, there is a lack of platforms to effectively promote the crucial role of higher plant NTFPs Particularly, there is insufficient focus on the contribution of non-timber forest products to improving household economies, which hinders their potential for sustainable rural development.

Ben En National Park, established in 1992 by government decision, is located in Nhu Thanh and Nhu Xuan districts of Thanh Hoa Province, Vietnam Renowned for its stunning natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems, it represents lowland forest habitats in North Central Vietnam The park serves as a key site for scientific research and conservation efforts, with strict management by local authorities ensuring the preservation of forest resources and wildlife Activities harmful to the environment are prohibited within the park, allowing local communities to sustainably harvest non-timber forest products such as honey, rattan, aromatic and medicinal plants, and other valuable resources.

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) provide significant economic benefits to local communities, particularly in reducing poverty and improving livelihoods However, overexploitation by impoverished households has led to the depletion of NTFPs, threatening the sustainable development of Ben En National Park Therefore, it is essential to enhance policies, mechanisms, and investments while assessing the economic value of NTFPs to develop sustainable management strategies Recognizing these challenges, I conducted my thesis titled “Assessing the role of non-timber forest products in developing household economy in Tan Binh commune, Ben En National Park” to explore solutions for sustainable utilization and economic development.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Goal

The goal of this study is to analysis the role of non- timber forest products in household economic development of Tan Binh commune in Ben En NP.

Objectives

- To assess the current status of NTFPs exploitation and using in 6 villages of Tan Binh commune in core zone of Ben En NP

- To analyze the market and demand of NTFPs

- To analyze the economic structure on determining household income from NTFPs

- To determine the advantages and disadvantages of sustainable management of NTFP in the study area

- To propose solutions for protecting and developing NTFPs.

STUDY AREA CHARACTERISTIC

Ben En National Park, situated in Nhu Thanh and Nhu Xuan districts, is approximately 36 km from Thanh Hoa City Established in 1992, the park covers a natural area with geographic coordinates ranging from 19°29' to 19°41' North latitude and 105°20' to 105°35' East longitude.

Ben En National Park spans 14,735 hectares, featuring primitive forests covering 8,544 hectares and diverse landscapes including mountains, hills, streams, and rivers The park is home to a 3,000-hectare lake with 21 islets, supporting high biodiversity with approximately 737 plant species, 64 mammal species, 194 bird species, 28 amphibian species, 58 fish species, and significant Lepidoptera diversity Its geology comprises sedimentary rocks, mudstone, limestone, and alluvial soils The park’s buffer and core zones have around 18,000 residents, predominantly from the Kinh, Thai, Muong, and Tay ethnic groups, with some Tho people However, illegal activities such as Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) extraction and logging pose threats to the park’s natural resources, carried out by both local communities and outsiders.

Tan Binh commune, situated 30 km east of Ben En National Park, covers an area of approximately 38.61 km² and features a tropical monsoon climate The region experiences an annual average temperature between 23°C and 24°C, with peak summer temperatures reaching 38-39°C in June and August, and colder temperatures dropping to 5-9°C in January and February Tan Binh receives about 1,700 to 1,900 hours of sunshine annually, with a total heat accumulation (Q) of 8,500°C, and humidity levels ranging from 82% to 94% The area is regularly impacted by 2-3 storms per year, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall that significantly affect agriculture and daily life.

Tan Binh commune comprises 2,368 residents across 568 households, primarily engaged in agriculture and forestry The local population relies heavily on forest resources, which they utilize with handmade tools for harvesting and forest activities Forest resources in Tan Binh have existed for over a century, but it wasn't until the 1980s that organizations and the government began to show significant interest in conserving and managing these natural assets The people of Tan Binh depend significantly on the forest, with nearly all income for six villages within the commune derived from forest-related activities.

Figure 3.1 Map of Ben En NP

(Source: Hoang Van Sam- human and environmental influences on plant diversity and composition in Ben En NP)

METHODOLOGY

PRA method

This method targets households residing in the core zone of Ben En National Park, with a total of 23 households surveyed The sample includes 3 households from the affluent economic group, 10 from the middle-income group, and 10 from the low-income group Data was collected through structured questionnaires to understand household livelihoods and resource utilization The survey results will be organized and presented in detailed tables to facilitate comprehensive analysis of socioeconomic conditions within the core zone.

Vietnamese name Use value Plant parts use

Market demand High medium Low

Vietnamese name Scale Area (ha) Time

This method will apply to object are households who are exploiting NTFPs in the NP

Participants in the discussion will be divided into four groups, each consisting of 5 to 7 members These groups will engage in meaningful conversations on various topics This structure aims to facilitate effective group discussions and gather diverse insights.

- The purpose of exploit, level of exploit, the number of exploit / year, after mining technology

- The objects of exploit, the method of exploit, and the frequency of exploit

This method employs a multi-criteria voting approach within a discussion group to assess the priorities and needs for NTFP tree development Key criteria include ease of exploitation, simple consumption, low economic value, straightforward storage, and natural availability This approach effectively identifies suitable NTFP tree species by evaluating these important factors.

S.W.O.T method

S.W.O.T is an acronym of the letters S - Strengths, W - Weakness, O - Opportunities and T – Threats In this part, use analysis tool S.W.O.T that used to assess status of object through strengths, weakness, opportunity and threat then propose some solutions to reduce weakness and develop by opportunity

The performance would follow these steps below:

-Step 1: Learn reality through the study of relevant documents, interview to assess the realistic situation

In Step 2, I will select four distinct groups, each comprising 5 to 7 individuals, representing key categories such as management, local people's perceptions, community participation, and environmental impacts This comprehensive approach ensures a thorough understanding of stakeholder perspectives and the influence of community activities on the environment, facilitating more effective and sustainable decision-making.

-Step 7: Use this table to analyze

Strengths Weakness Opportunities Use strengths to take opportunity

Overcome weakness that stopping us to opportunity Threats Use strengths to reduce threat Overcome weakness that can be threat

Data analysis method

All of information after collected, use Microsoft-Excel software for data analysis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The status of NTFPs resources in 6 villages located in core zone in Ben En NP

5.1.1 Classification based on use value of NTFPs

Based on field data, this study identifies a total of 127 non-timber species exploited and utilized by local communities for various purposes, as detailed in Table 5.1.

Table 5.1 List of NTFPs groups exploited and used in 6 villages of study area

No Group of use purpose

31.5 Fallopia multiflora, Leea rubra Blume, Xanthium strumarium, etc

2 Foods 35 27.6 Melientha suavis, Garcinia cowa, etc

15.7 Rhododendron, Cymbidium hybrid, Anoectochilus setaceus, etc

Amomum xanthioides, Pogostemon cablin, etc

The medicinal plants group constitutes the largest percentage at 31.5% with 40 species, including rare varieties like Fallopia multiflora, Leea rubra Blume, and Xanthium strumarium This group serves as a primary income source for local households, especially in mountainous, fragmented, and isolated areas where transportation is difficult Traditional medicine remains essential for community health, typically used locally in simple forms The commercialization of these remedies into products and services meets large market demands, fostering job creation and contributing significantly to the local economy.

Plants serve as a vital source of food, accounting for 27.6% with 35 species, including popular and easily harvestable varieties like Melientha suavis and bamboo shoots that contribute significantly to local household incomes However, traditional mining practices and uncontrolled exploitation over time have led to the depletion of these valuable resources Overall, food plants are diverse, rich, and widely distributed, representing a significant market potential When exploited responsibly, these plants are resilient, capable of producing stable yields, and less susceptible to environmental disasters.

Ornamental plants, comprising 20 species and accounting for 15.7% of the market, hold significant economic potential, according to industry interviews As modern lifestyles improve and urbanization increases, the demand for ornamental plants rises sharply, especially in large cities and crowded areas, to enhance residents' spiritual well-being Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) offer a variety of attractive and fragrant flowers with diverse shapes, making them highly favored by consumers Popular species such as Barringtonia acutangula and Wrightia religiosa exemplify the growing interest in ornamental plants Promoting the cultivation of these species can be a strategic policy to diversify farmers' crops and boost local economies.

The Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) group, consisting of 15 species, accounts for 11.8% of the local resource utilization, primarily providing fibers and handicrafts These resources are increasingly diverse in their applications, serving essential human needs such as fencing and wicker handmade products NTFPs play a vital role in supporting the livelihood of local communities by maintaining their daily life and contributing significantly to household income and employment opportunities.

Additional groups contribute tannin, dye, and oil, collectively accounting for 3.9% and 9.5% of the market These natural products are widely used in cosmetic manufacturing, medicine, and as spices, offering healthier alternatives to animal oil for human consumption.

The NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products) group is highly diverse and rich in species Medicinal plants constitute the largest proportion of NTFPs in the core area of the national park, highlighting their significant role Following medicinal plants, food and ornamental plants are also prominent, indicating that the study area possesses enormous potential for sustainable NTFP utilization and conservation.

5.1.2 NTFPs exploitation and use in study area

A study based on interviews with 30 households identified 25 plant and animal species commonly exploited for various purposes, including medicine and food These findings provide valuable insights into local resource use and are detailed in Table 5.2 and Appendix 1.

Table 5.2 NTFPs exploitation and use status in 6 villages of study area

The availability of 30 non-timber species is devided into 3 groups as High, Medium and Low The result is shown in figure 5.1

Figure 5.1 The availability of NTFPs species in 6 villages of Tan Binh commune

According to the pie chart 5.1, the variety of Non-Timber Forest Product (NTFP) species is limited, with most available at low (37%) and medium (50%) levels Only 13% of NTFP species have high availability, indicating that the overall diversity of NTFPs is relatively small and concentrated among species with lower and medium abundance.

This study highlights that the exploitation levels of different species vary according to their usage purposes and the value of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) To analyze this variation, the exploitation frequency was categorized into three groups: High, Medium, and Low These classifications are visually represented in Figure 5.2, illustrating the differing intensities of species exploitation.

Figure 5.2 The exploitation and use frequency of NTFPs species in 6 villages of Tan

The frequent and medium-level exploitation of NTFP species by local communities, accounting for 53% and 37% respectively, has likely contributed to the recent decline of NTFP populations in Tan Binh commune Sustainable management practices are urgently needed to prevent further depletion of these vital resources.

The utilization of 30 NTFP (Non-Timber Forest Product) species is categorized into eight main groups: fruits, seeds, leaves, stems and branches, flowers, bark, roots and tubers, and whole plants, as illustrated in Figure 5.3.

Figure 5.3 The part of use taken from NTFPs species in 6 villages of Tan Binh commune

According to the pie chart, roots and tubers make up the largest proportion of NTFP species exploitation at 24%, followed by fruits at 18% Flowers are harvested less frequently, accounting for only 3%, reflecting their minor role in NTFP utilization Additionally, many NTFP species are harvested by exploiting the entire plant, while in some cases, only specific parts such as seeds or flowers are used, leading to potential waste of valuable resources.

NTFPs market in study area

There are 30 households in 6 villages in Tan Binh commune at core zone of Ben En

NP was interviewed The result indicated that the NTFPs Consumer market focuses mainly on medicinal plants, ornamental plants and plants for foods In specific:

Seed (%) Leave (%) Stem, branches (%) Flower (%)

Bark (%)Root, tuber (%)Whole plant (%)

According to the results of field survey, medicinal plant market of 6 villages can be described as flow chart below:

Figure 5.4 Map of medicinal plant market

Medicinal plants market occurred in 3 main channels:

Channel 1 for medicinal herbs involves collecting plants from the forest and selling them directly to consumers, making it the primary consumption method The main buyers are local residents in the commune, including traditional medicinal households, and tourists at Ben Sung Market This direct and straightforward channel features fewer intermediaries, resulting in lower prices that are less affected by additional fees such as transportation, storage, and intermediary costs.

Channel 2 primarily involves the trade of fresh, raw, or semi-processed medicinal plants, which are directly transported by middlemen to provinces such as Hanoi, Lang Son, and Hung Yen This channel features middlemen as key stakeholders, serving as focal points for gathering medicinal species to distribute or export to other regions Due to transportation expenses and middleman commissions, the prices in this channel tend to be lower.

Channel 3 involves raw materials being sold by harvesters to middlemen, who then sell these products to large regional purchasing agents Consequently, consumers pay significantly higher prices for NTFPs due to added costs such as transportation and middleman margins These retail prices are often much higher than the prices paid by traders to local households, reflecting logistical and intermediary expenses.

Figure 5.5 Map of Ornamental plant market

Ornamental plants such as orchids, camellia, and rhododendron are popular and widely traded in the study area However, interviews reveal that the supply of these ornamental plants rarely meets customer demand The local ornamental plant market is simple, resulting in product prices that are less impacted by intermediary costs like transportation and middlemen fees.

The vegetables and fruits which are valued, consumed and high consumed, includes

Melientha suavis, bamboo shoots, Dracontomelon duperreanum and Canarium album These are consumed follow the flow chart:

Figure 5.6 Map of Plant for foods market

The flow chart demonstrates that non-timber forest products (NTFPs) are sold either directly to consumers or through intermediaries Primarily, local residents purchase these products to satisfy their basic needs, highlighting the community-based nature of the market This direct sales approach offers benefits such as lower product costs, as transportation and storage expenses have minimal impact However, a significant drawback is price instability, as NTFP prices tend to fluctuate with changing demand.

The NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products) market in the study area is diverse and offers significant potential for local communities to cultivate and develop high-value NTFP species This sustainable focus on valuable species leverages the region's natural strengths, supporting economic growth and forest conservation Promoting the development of high-value NTFPs can enhance income opportunities for local people while preserving regional biodiversity The growing demand for NTFPs presents an excellent opportunity for community-based enterprises to thrive and contribute to the region's economic resilience.

Based on interviews with 30 households in the study area, market demand for non-timber forest products (NTFPs) varies seasonally and is particularly high during the harvest season Harvested products are gathered and collected by traders, who then deliver them to small regional processing facilities After processing, these NTFPs are transported to other provinces for consumption The market prices and demand for specific NTFP species are detailed in Table 5.3.

Table 5.3 Market consumption and price of some non-timber species in 6 villages in study site

No Specific name Vietnamese name

Consumption place Price (VND) Market demand

1 Fallopia multiflora Hà thủ ô đỏ Internal and external province 100.000/kg x

Măng tre bát độ Local markets 10.000/kg x

3 Piper lolot Lá lốt Local markets 3.000/kg x

4 Dracontomelon duperreanum Sấu Local markets 20.000/kg x

5 Cymbidium hybrid Địa lan Internal and external province 250.000/ tree x

6 Rhododendron Đỗ quyên hoa trắng

Internal and external province 300.000/tree x

7 Zingiber officinale Gừng Local markets 30.000/kg x

Internal and external province 50.000/kg x

Chè vằng Local markets 80.000/kg x

10 Schizostachyum aciculare Nứa Local markets 7.000/tree x

11 Camellia sinensis Chè rừng Local markets 50.000/kg x

12 Morinda officinalis Ba kích Internal and external province 310.000/kg x

Survey results indicate that the NTFPs market is predominantly active within both internal and external provinces, with high demand for valuable species such as Syzygium aromaticum, Morinda officinalis, and Fallopia multiflora, priced between 100,000 and 300,000 VND per kilogram NTFPs play a crucial role in diverse sectors, serving as food, materials, traditional medicine, and natural commodities They are vital to the livelihoods of local communities in the core areas of protected areas, providing essential cash income and supporting local economies.

5.2.3 Assessment of NTFPs market potential

Conducting a comprehensive analysis of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT) of the NTFPs market is crucial for selecting an appropriate market information system that aligns with local communities and promotes sustainable management The evaluation of NTFPs market potential provides valuable insights, highlighting key factors outlined in Table 5.4, which serve as a foundation for strategic decision-making in the sector.

Table 5.4 S.W.O.T analysis of market demand of NTFPs in Tan Binh commune

- Available in all seasons ( Create jobs)

- NTFPs are used for many different purposes

- Over exploitation leads to shortage

- Lack of sources of some valuable species such as medicinal plant

- No conservation planning for NTFPs

- Low education and little knowledge of the market

- Government are investigating in NTFPs management

- Many projects supported NTFP market development for local people

- Development in research and development of NTFPs sector

- No management mechanism for NTFPs

- Other provinces are also involved exploitation and sale of products (difficult in community management)

- Instability and lack of investment

5.3 The economic strcuture on determining household income from NTFPs

Based on interviews with 30 households, Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are essential not only for daily household needs but also significantly contribute to household income, playing an important role in local livelihoods The investigation reveals that almost 100% of agricultural households exploit NTFP species, with income from NTFP harvesting and trading accounting for approximately 24% of total household income (see appendix 2) While NTFP income is not the sole source of household funds, it is a vital component for income enhancement Households categorized as rich, near-poor, and poor experience varying levels of reliance on NTFPs; for some, NTFPs contribute largely to cash income, while for others, they primarily meet daily food and material needs Notably, medicinal plants and food crops like vegetables and bamboo shoots are the most significant NTFPs supporting household income and daily nutrition.

Poor households primarily rely on forests and non-timber forest products (NTFPs), which significantly contribute to their annual income The highest income from NTFPs constitutes 33% of household income, while the lowest is 15%, with an average contribution of 28% This indicates that poverty compels these households to extensively exploit natural resources to meet their needs Refer to figure 5.7 for detailed statistics on income proportions within the poor household group.

Figure 5.7 The income proportion of poor household group

Near-poor households allocate a higher percentage of their income to NTFPs, averaging 27% of total household income Among these households, those with the highest income from NTFPs reach up to 40%, while the lowest earn only 14% This indicates that NTFP exploitation plays a significant role in supporting the livelihoods and income of near-poor households (See Figure 5.8)

Figure 5.8: The income proportion of near-poor households group

For rich households group, NTFPs contributes 17 % (Figure 5.9) of the total household income Beside exploited NTFPs, they earn extra income from livestock, trade

NTFPsOthers family as well as reduces the pressure of humane on natural resources and creates sustainable development for NTFPs and forest ecosystems

Figure 5.9 The income proportion of rich households group

Thus the income of households from NTFP extraction for poor households group, near-poor households group and rich households groups are 28%, 27% and 17 % respectively

Both poor and wealthy households rely on income generated from the exploitation and trade of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), with poor households depending on NTFPs the most at 28% NTFP income is essential for enabling household activities such as education, healthcare, and trade; without these earnings, these activities become difficult to sustain Therefore, the extraction and trading of NTFPs serve as a vital income source, supporting the livelihoods of local communities and promoting economic resilience.

5.4 NTFPs cultivation in 6 villages of Tan Binh commune in core zone of Ben En NP

The survey results reveal that the cultivated NTFP species across six villages are highly diverse, with a total of 20 different species Among these, local residents and natural resource management efforts prioritize the cultivation of Jasminum subtriplinerve and Syzygium aromaticum, highlighting their significance in the regional NTFP portfolio.

Table 5.5 Statistics on the cultivation of NTFPs species in 6 villages in the study area

No Specific name Vietnamese name Scale Area (ha) Time

1 Jasminum subtriplinerve Blume Chè vằng Household 1 2013 - 2014

2 Syzygium aromaticum Đinh hương Household 2 2013 - 2015

3 Cupressus tonkinensis Hoàng đằng Household 5 2014 - 2015

4 Cinnamomum balansae Vù hương Household 0.5 2014 - 2016

5 Madhuca pasquieri Sến mật Household 3 2011 - 2014

6 Cymbidium hybrid Địa lan Household 0.5 2015-2016

7 Datura metel L Cà độc dược Household 1 2014-2015

8 Fallopia multiflora Hà thủ ô đỏ Household 1 2013-2014

9 Chaenmoeles lagenaria Hải đường Household 0.5 2014-2015

10 Rhododendron Đỗ quyên hoa trắng Household 1 2015-2016

11 Homalomena amoraticae Thiên niên kiện Household 1 2012-2013

12 Dendrocalamus latiflorus Munro Măng tre bát độ Household 3 2012-2013

14 Morinda officinalis Ba kích Household 2 2014-2015

15 Stephania rotunda Bình vôi Household 2 2013-2014

16 Xanthium strumarium Ké đầu ngựa Household 2 2014-2016

17 Ardisia silvestris Lá khôi Household 0.5 2012-2013

Based on survey results from Table 5.5, the total NTFPs cultivation area is 39 hectares, featuring a diverse range of species Households primarily cultivate high-value species that significantly contribute to their income Although medicinal and food plants are the main focus, the cultivated areas for each species remain limited Field surveys indicate that households invest their own funds into cultivating and developing NTFPs, resulting in a small-scale operation without strategic plans for concentration or sustainable development.

5.6 S.W.O.T analysis in the sustainable management of NTFPs in Ben En NP

S.W.O.T analysis in the sustainable management of NTFPs in Ben En NP and assessment

Based on comprehensive research and field investigations in Ben En National Park, we have identified key strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and challenges related to the sustainable management of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFP) These findings highlight the park's potential for sustainable resource utilization, alongside existing limitations such as inadequate infrastructure and knowledge gaps Additionally, there are significant opportunities for eco-tourism development and community engagement, which can enhance conservation efforts However, challenges like illegal harvesting and resource overexploitation require targeted strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of NTFP management in the region.

Table 5.6 The strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats in the sustainable management of NTFPs in Ben En NP

Aspect Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats

There has been evident progress in perception in years recently

Still many locals have low education levels, partly causing difficulties in receiving knowledge from the propaganda authorities

Being concerned to pay special attention, advocacy and education by authorities

Need to find a reasonable method to be able to convey to the people generously and quality

People have become more aware to learn, access information related to protect NTFPs themselves

The propaganda of law as well as the responsibilities and obligations to protect natural resources and NTFPs have not

Economic growth in Ben En creates more opportunities for community interaction and development This should be complemented by effective propaganda and school education to foster environmental awareness among future generations, especially students Efforts should focus on increasing awareness among women, farmers, and low-income groups regarding environmental issues and sustainable resource management Promoting Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) can support local livelihoods while emphasizing sustainable practices Additionally, proper management of staff is essential to ensure the success of these initiatives and the long-term sustainable development of the region.

The rangers, the manager of Ben En, social workers were interviewed who experienced, dedicated to the protect NTFPs

No incorporate as well with community in discovering and denouncing violations

Affirming the role and capacity of natural resource and NTFPs management

Problem of controlling exploitation, illegal trade NTFPs is still difficult due to lack of human resources

People are center point of the criteria, forms and activities of sustainable management

The number of forest rangers may not be enough to cover all the vast forests in Ben En

Some individuals have limited perception, which hinders their willingness to collaborate with managers in natural resource management Achieving harmony between conserving and developing natural resources, particularly Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), is essential for sustainable development Promoting this balance supports the growth of local livelihoods and fosters sustainable community development.

There is no standard model for management contracts between authorities and community support groups for natural resource conservation Effective policies should foster collaboration between protection groups and local communities, ensuring their involvement in forest protection efforts Initiatives like the "15 Minutes to Protect Natural Resources" program and village-based forest protection clubs are key strategies, engaging related authorities such as Ben En National Park, local towns, and community groups to enhance forest preservation and generate revenue from NTFPs.

Priority is for opportunity for human can make money from ecotourism responsibility of locals involved in conservation between them and the authorities through village conventions

Households have been contracted to forest areas so that they may act with greater responsibility to protect

Money to farmers for “forest protection” still being low

The locals has been conscious of the role and responsibility of their participation in the protect NTFPs Impact of community to management

A large proportion of people are engaged in illegal woody exploitation, non-timber forest products and illegal hunting of wildlife

Creating alternative livelihoods for local people, avoiding them dependent on the exploitation of forest resources

No reasonable and deterrent sanctions for violations

Lack of funds for relocation of people from the area near the forest, the area bordering protected areas

From the results, the study recommends several solutions for NTFPs sustainable management market

- Supporting farmer to sell NTFPs without disadvantages need to do tasks below: + Building trade cooperatives to improve the importance of producers

+ Provide farmers about market information as well as chances and limit, pre- announce them about the fluctuation of price and support them to diversify their products and avoid risk

+ Encourage farmer to exploit NTFP and sell them to processing facilities through third parties

- Researching plays an important role to find the way to help farmer own stable income from investing for forest Almost creative about protective forest and NTFPs focus on

To promote sustainable forest management, it is essential to maintain and develop vital forest products, particularly Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs), to meet essential household needs Reducing the negative environmental impacts of forestry practices is crucial for ensuring food safety and preserving forest ecosystems Improving the quality of NTFP manufacturing processes can enhance product value and market competitiveness Additionally, increasing household income through the sustainable harvesting and marketing of forest and NTFPs can provide economic benefits to local communities Educating farmers on proper forest use, management, and food safety practices is vital for balanced conservation and livelihood improvement, ensuring sustainable benefits from forest resources.

Current forestry technical standards for building riverhead protective forests, such as QPN-13-91 and the organizational guideline QD no 08/2001/QD-TTg issued in November 2001, primarily focus on general rules and solutions aimed at forest product development, neglecting the promotion of Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) To foster the development of NTFPs within protective forests, these policies need to be revised and operationalized, emphasizing the enforcement of procedures and technical processes Key strategies include promoting the reprocessing of naturally self-regenerating forests for NTFPs and integrating NTFP development into mixed agriculture and forestry systems.

Solution

A study identified 127 species of NTFPs in six hamlets within Tan Binh commune, located in the core of Ben En National Park The exploitation and utilization of these NTFPs are complex and frequent, varying according to their specific uses These non-timber forest products are categorized into main groups, including medicinal plants, fiber plants, edible plants, ornamental species, tannin and dye plants, and oil-producing plants, highlighting their diverse applications and importance for local livelihoods.

- The markets of NTFPs follow 3 main channels:

Channel 1: people explore from forest then sell directly for customers, and the price is not high because they do not need intermediate cost

Channel 2: medicine plants stay in rudimentary materials and middleman buy and deliver to other place to sell So that, the price is lower because of intermediate cost

Channel 3: rudimentary materials are collected by middleman in home and sell to big agents That means customers have to buy products with high price

Non-timber forest products (NTFPs) play a crucial role in developing the household economy of Tan Binh commune, with income from NTFPs making up approximately 24% of total household earnings For poor households, NTFPs are a primary income source, contributing significantly to their annual income, with some households earning up to 33% from NTFPs The average share of NTFP income across households is around 28%, with near-poor households relying on NTFPs for about 27% of their income In contrast, richer households derive only about 17% of their total income from NTFPs, highlighting the importance of forest resources for low-income groups in the area.

- This study has proposed some solutions for protecting and developing NTFPs sources sustainability

Through research process and field investigation, thesis did with much effort, however

CONCLUSION, SHORTCOMINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Conclusion

A recent study identified 127 species of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) naturally present in six hamlets within Tan Binh commune, located in the heart of Ben En National Park The exploitation and utilization of these NTFPs are complex and frequent, with harvesting methods tailored to each specific type These products are categorized into main groups including medicinal plants, fiber plants, food plants, ornamental species, plants for tannin and dye production, and plants for oil extraction, highlighting their diverse uses and importance to local communities.

- The markets of NTFPs follow 3 main channels:

Channel 1: people explore from forest then sell directly for customers, and the price is not high because they do not need intermediate cost

Channel 2: medicine plants stay in rudimentary materials and middleman buy and deliver to other place to sell So that, the price is lower because of intermediate cost

Channel 3: rudimentary materials are collected by middleman in home and sell to big agents That means customers have to buy products with high price

NTFPs (Non-Timber Forest Products) play a vital role in developing household economies in Tan Binh commune, with profits from NTFPs significantly contributing to the main income for all households in the area On average, 28% of household income derives from NTFPs, with the highest contributing households earning up to 33%, while the lowest is 15% Poor households heavily depend on forest resources, especially NTFPs, which often constitute their primary source of income, accounting for approximately 24% of their total earnings Near-poor households derive around 27% of their income from NTFPs, whereas rich households see a lower contribution of about 17%, highlighting the importance of NTFPs across different socioeconomic groups.

- This study has proposed some solutions for protecting and developing NTFPs sources sustainability

Through research process and field investigation, thesis did with much effort, however

The results are affected by surrounding factors: storming, rain, temperature,… and terrain conditions: over slope, obstacles terrain,… lead to difficulties in moving to collect documents

The limited time of research process lead to many problems did not discover

As shortcomings and difficulties above, the thesis gives some recommendations:

- The next researches should have more time for performance

- Staffs in research area should support information for researcher, avoid disturbing them

1 Phạm Van Dien và cộng sự (2009) “phát triển cây lâm sản ngoài gỗ” NXB Nông nghiệp,

2 Nguyen Quang Hung (2008).” Nghiên cứu đánh giá thực trạng gây trồng một số loài cây lâm sản ngoài gỗ chủ yếu ở vùng núi phía bắc làm cơ sở đề xuất một số giải pháp phát triển bền vững”, luận văn thạc sỹ lâm nghiệp, ĐHLN

3 Vụ khoa học công nghệ và chất lượng sản phẩm (2000) Tên cây rừng việt nam Nhà xuất bản nông nghiệp

4 Tordoff, A., E Fanning & M Grindley (eds.) 2000 Ben En NP Society for Environmental Exploitation, London

5 Hoang Van Sam (2008) “HUMAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL INFLUENCES ON PLANT DIVERSITY AND COMPOSITION IN BEN EN NP, VIETNAM”

Appendix 1 List of NTFPs species that 30 household usually exploit and use

Vietnamese name Scientific name Location Plant parts exploitation

Exploitation and use frequency Availability High Medium Low High Medium Low

3 Lá lốt Piper lolot Forest edges Leaves x x

4 Cây chay Artocarpus tonkinensis Forest Fruits x x

8 Cà độc dược Datura metel L Forest Leaves x x

9 Địa lan Cymbidium hybrid Forest Whole plant x x

Cupressus tonkinensis Forest Stem, roots x x

11 Hà thủ ô đỏ Fallopia multiflora Forest Tubers x x

12 Hải đường Chaenmoeles lagenaria Forest Whole plant x x

13 Đỗ quyên hoa trắng Rhododendron Forest Whole plant x x

Homalomena amoraticae Forest Stem, roots x x

15 Lá khôi Ardisia silvestris Forest Leaves x x

18 Tre gai Bambusa bambos Forest Stem x x

24 Bình vôi Stephania rotunda Forest Stem x x

25 Ba kích Morinda officinalis Forest Tubers x x

26 Chò nhựa Dipterocarpus retusus Forest Bark x x

30 Trẩu aleurites montana (lour.) Wils

Appendix 2 The proportion of income of 30 household interviewed

No Name Income proportion from different sources (%) Farming, livestock

Appendix 3 Criteria of households classification

Classification criteria Rich household Near-poor household Poor household House Highrise building permanent houses Cottage

Income/ household >5 million/ month 2 – 5 million/ month < 2 million/ month

Appendix 4 List of officers interviewed

1 Le Dinh Phuong Vice director of Ben En NP

2 Bui Van Sy Head of department of Ben En international scientific cooperation

3 Le Van Thai Legal department NP

4 Luong Van Tap Head station of Xuan Ly forest station

6 Nguyen Van Thang Local president of Tan Binh Commune

7 Vuong Van Tap Head of Rooc Nai village

“Assessing the role of non- timber forest products in developing household economy of

Tan Binh commune in core zone of Ben En NP”

Information about responded and collect the information of NTFPs

Sex: Male/ Female age: religion:

2 Whether they are literate or not:

3 What are your sources of money? a Labor/ working b Business c Agriculture d Services e Medicinal plants collection and trade f Others

4 What forest products do you collect/ use: a Jelutong (pantone) Y N b Rattan Y N c Gemur Y N d Honey Y N e Parrots Y N f Fish Y N g Fruit Y N h Pigs Y N i Other animals, if so what Y N j Medicinal species Y N k Timber (not for trade) Y N l Other

5 Who is it collected for: a Own use b Individual sale c Sale to business d Other

6 Is it then sold a Locally b In Java c Internationally d Other e Don’t know

7 How much do you sell if for (per kilo?)… a At present b Last year c 1996 ( pre crash)

8 What was the best price worst price a So far this year ………… ………… b 2001 ………… ………… c Since starting ………… …………

9 On a scale of 1 to 10 how do you feel the demand has changed since 1997 ( 5 = stayed the same, 1 declined, 10 improved)

10 How many days a year do you spend harvesting the product a 1-2 weeks b 3-4 weeks c 1-3 months d 6- 9 months e Other time

11 Which months is this in

12 How does the west season affect the activity?

13 What % does this activity contribute to your annual income?

14 Is it your only job Y N

15 What other job do you have?

1 Do you collect NTFPs from forest? Yes or No

2 Can you give me the name of product besides timber, fuel wood and fodder?

3 Which is forest you are traditionally using fulfill the basic products?

4 If you collect NFTPs, give the information to me:

Species Part used Uses Amount / season

5 Do you have NTFPs on your land?

7 How harvesting and collection of NFTPs are carried out?

8 Are their sufficient NTFPs in the forest? Give Yes or No

9 Why do you collect NTFPs? a Personal use/ household level consumption b Sale purpose c Others

10 Are there any indigenous management system for NTFPs harvesting and collection Wheather it is Yes or No

11 If yes, what are those management systems?

12 Do you collect NTFPs from Ben En NP if yes what amount

13 All user collect NTFPs in individual basic?

14 If yes, why? a Livelihood problem b Illiterate c conflict

16 Where did you learn the trade a Family (which member) b Friends c Employer d Other

17 On average what quantity do you extract per week

18 What was the total quantity taken a In 2001 b When you started

19 How many years have you done this activity

20 Over this time has the annual yield a Declined b Stayed the same c Increased

21 Why do you think this ( market, harder to find, other)

22 Please describe how you harvest the product

23 How many people do you work with

24 Are you aware of other collectors in the area: Y N

25 Is the Ben En NP the only area you collect in?

26 Do you know important this area is compared to other areas?

27 How do you remove the product from forest a Walk b On the cow c Car d Other

28 How much do you spend to extract the product on a Transport b Equipment c Other

29 Do you feel that this product will be available in another 10 years at present yield: Yes No why?

30 What species do you collect

31 Please rank these in order of quantity taken a At present b 2001 c 1996 d Other

32 Please rank these in order of scale price a At present b 2001 c 1996 d Other

33 Since starting has total annual yield a Increase b Decrease c Stayed the same

34 Why do you think this is ………

35 Has there been a decrease in individual fish size within different species since starting

36 What is part of plant you taken to use: a Root b Branches c Leaf d Other

37 What is purpose when you collect them?

38 What is it use value? a Medicine b Food c Other

39 How do you decide which species to hunt? a Opportunistic b To order c Other

40 Which species have you collected since last July/ August?

41 How has the quantity of each mammal changed over this time?

42 What is it used for? a Meat b Own use c Medicine d Other

Interviewing with district forest staffs

1 Please, tell me the price of NTFPs

2 Do the local people collect in individual basis? If no, why? If yes, what are the prices of NTFPs?

3 Above price are satisfactory? Yes / No

4 If no, how much price do you expect?

5 Do you have storage facilities? Yes/ No

6 Where and when sell the NTFPs?

7 Tell me, sufficient store or not?

8 How much NTFP do you sell?

9 To whom do you sell? a Village traders b Road head traders c Local processing unit

10 What is the mode of selling of NTFPs? a Auction b Direct sell c Others

11 What type of strategy are you adopting to promote the sale of NTFPs?

12 In your think, how can you improve the Marketing of NTFP at local level?

13 Please tell me the strategy adopting to promote the sale of NTFPs a Personal contact b Advertisement c Commission to middlemen d Notice of bidding

14 Is there any institution that you have made agreement?

15 If yes, tell me the institution

16 Are there any conflict regarding marketing?

17 Do you suggest anything to solve the problems?

Recommendations 29 REFERENCES