To enhance the management capabilities of the natural reserves in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, the Vietnam Institute of Ecology and Biological Resource has organized a research and training program focused on plant conservation in the northern Huong Hoa region, Quang Tri Province, from March 13 to April 7, 2006.
Nearly 20 trainees from various natural reserves in Vietnam participated, including three from Laos and Cambodia. This is the fourth training course held in Vietnam, guided by specialists in botany from Russia, the National University of Laos, environmental research from Cambodia, and professors and doctors from the Vietnam Institute of Ecology and Biological Resource.
Dr. Nguyen Tien Hiep from the Vietnam Institute of Biology stated: “Our criteria are focused on how to enhance management capacity and plant conservation in Vietnam, where all trainees are involved in nature conservation. The second criterion is discovering new plant species. The third criterion is preserving plant species that need conservation.”
The team conducted field surveys to understand biodiversity in the Dakrong Natural Reserve, exploring the natural forests of northern Huong Hoa and the top of Xa Mu, which stands at an elevation of 1550 meters. They discovered many medicinal plants, including various orchids, notably the rare and beautiful Dendrobium orchid, which primarily grows in the high mountains of southern Vietnam and blooms for 2-3 months.
Additionally, the team spent time researching the market in the A Bung, Ta Rut, and Huc Nghi communes within the Dakrong Natural Reserve. They collected data and evidence of biodiversity to advocate for the establishment of the North Huong Hoa Natural Reserve (Quang Tri) for state recognition.
Dr. Jacinto Regalado from the Missouri Botanical Garden in the United States remarked: “We believe we have found many new plant species here. Our program collaborates with various organizations such as the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resource, the National University of Hanoi, the Department of Medicinal Plants, and the Forest Protection Institute, with the hope of opening more courses to discover new plants in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia.”
Driven by a passion for research, scientists have helped Vietnam’s natural reserves identify many rare plant species that need preservation. The North Huong Hoa area in Quang Tri, covering an area of 25 hectares and spanning the territories of three communes—Huong Phung, Huong Son, and Huong Viet—features rich natural forests with many valuable plant species that urgently require conservation. This occasion allows the research team to announce findings regarding the development and conservation efforts for this area in the future.
