With the help of local authorities, villagers from the Dao ethnic group in Hoa Binh Province developed a co-management mechanism for their forest, and this brief by the Center for Research on Initiatives of Community Development (RIC), a partner of MRLG in Vietnam, presents the key results and lessons learned from that process. The brief highlights the successful implementation of a cooperative forest protection and management mechanism involving the Da River Protection Forest Management Board, local authorities, and the community. In addition, it emphasizes the efficient development of the value chain for the prized Shan Tuyet tea, thereby guaranteeing tangible benefits for the Sung village community.
In order to better process and sell the high-quality tea they produce from their ancient tea trees in the forest, the locals formed a cooperative. Villagers’ participation in the management and protection of their forest is bolstered by the steady income provided by this endeavor.
Forest Co-management and value chain development of Shan Tuyet in Hoa Binh Province documents the transformation of the Sung Village of the Cao Son commune, renowned for the ancient Shan Tuyet tea trees. Sung Village is home to 79 households and 380 people, the majority of whom are Dao. With agriculture and forestry as their primary means of subsistence, the community faces substantial economic challenges. From 2019 to 2022, with the support of the Mekong Regional Land Governance (MRLG), RIC piloted the model “Cooperation in Management of Da River Protection Forest and Development of Shan Tuyet Tea in Sung Village.” The primary objective was to simultaneously improve local livelihoods while enhancing the management of the Da River protection forest. This project demonstrates RIC Vietnam’s dedication to autonomous, self-governed, inclusive, and sustainable development. The organization envisions a just and equitable world in which communities, particularly those in rural and mountainous regions, control their development processes and enjoy their fundamental rights.