From centuries-old heritage trees, the border commune of Hoanh Mo in Quang Ninh Province is gradually transforming its “green assets” into a driving force for eco-tourism, community tourism, and sustainable green economic development.
Hoanh Mo Commune is home to many rare tree species that are hundreds of years old.
Preserving green treasures deep in the forest
The newly established Hoanh Mo Commune was formed through the merger of Hoanh Mo and Dong Van communes. Covering nearly 138 square kilometers and home to close to 9,000 residents, more than 94% of its population belongs to ethnic minority communities.
With vast natural forests and a rich ecosystem, the area is also home to many rare tree species that have survived for hundreds of years.
Across remote border villages, ancient banyan and star anise trees continue to spread their shade through the mountains like silent witnesses to generations of Dao and San Chi people living along Vietnam’s northeastern frontier.
Many of these ancient trees stand close to residential areas, closely tied to the spiritual life, beliefs, and cultural traditions of local communities.
The commune currently has dozens of trees officially recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees.
In Pac Poc Village, a nearly 200-year-old banyan tree is regarded by residents as a living witness to the village’s history through generations.
Duong Van Ninh, a resident of Pac Poc Village, said: “People here have always considered ancient trees part of the village’s collective memory. Having the tree recognized as a Vietnam Heritage Tree makes us extremely proud and even more conscious of protecting it.”
Despite the heavy workload following the administrative merger, local authorities and residents in Hoanh Mo have continued to place special emphasis on heritage tree conservation.
The commune is now home to 26 ancient trees, 45 banyan trees in residential areas, five ancient tea trees on high mountains, and 11 star anise trees officially recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees.
The recognition of these ancient trees not only helps preserve the border region’s “green treasures” but also opens up new opportunities for Hoanh Mo to develop eco-tourism linked with indigenous culture.
Duong Phuc Thim, a respected community figure in Khe Tien Village, said: “The recognition of these heritage trees is a shared joy for the entire commune. People are very proud that the locality possesses so many valuable heritage trees, and we believe they will become destinations for community tourism and economic development.”
Opening new directions for eco-tourism
Visitors eagerly seek out heritage trees for sightseeing and photography.A conference discussing the potential of Vietnam Heritage Trees and sustainable green economic development in Hoanh Mo Commune.
Beyond preservation efforts, Hoanh Mo is gradually tapping into the value of its heritage trees to develop eco-tourism, create experiential travel routes, and promote local specialty products.
Ancient banyan trees standing among villages and long-established star anise hills are becoming attractive highlights for travelers who love nature and wish to explore the culture of Vietnam’s remote border highlands.
According to Hoang Kien Trung, Vice Chairman of the Hoanh Mo Commune People’s Committee, the recognition of these trees as Vietnam Heritage Trees is both an honor and a major responsibility for the border locality.
“We have developed a detailed tourism development plan for the commune. Heritage Trees will play an important role in Hoanh Mo’s strategy to develop year-round tourism,” Trung said.
From this vision, Hoanh Mo is gradually building an image as an eco-tourism destination closely connected with indigenous culture and nature-based experiences in the border region.
From centuries-old trees, Hoanh Mo is not only preserving the memories of frontier villages but also steadily awakening the potential for green tourism deep within the forests of northeastern Vietnam.
Vietnamnet.vn
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