On May 21 and 22, to celebrate the International Day for Biological Diversity (May 22), the Center for Rural Development in Central Vietnam (CRD) collaborated with the Nam Dong District Forest Protection Department and the Youth Union of Thuong Lo commune to organize three communication sessions to disseminate knowledge about medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation. There were 108 attendees, 70% of whom were women, from the commune as well as Youth Union members from the three villages of Doi, Ria Ho, and Cha Mang.
The activity was conducted to enhance the knowledge of the locals and the Youth Union about the significance of biodiversity conservation. From there, practical strategies and activities would be developed to preserve biodiversity in general and medicinal plants in particular.
Thuong Lo Commune FPD Officer and Project Coordinator sharing the role and the importance of biodiversity conservation and medicinal plant conservation.
At the sessions, The Forest Protection Department Representative and the Project Coordinator discussed the importance of preserving indigenous medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation. 20 precious, rare, and endangered medicinal plants collected from the community forests of Thuong Lo commune were also introduced to the participants.
Communication session on medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation in Cha Mang village
On this occasion, Mr Tran Van Lam, Secretary of the Youth Union of Thuong Lo commune launched community campaigns to support the preservation of the region’s biodiversity, including the propagation of medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation, as well as the planting and upkeep of medicinal plants at the nursery in Doi village, Thuong Lo commune.
The Youth Union mobilized all Union members to directly take care of medicinal plants at Doi village nursery after these sessions. A member of the Youth Union, Mr Ho Van Ve said: “It is very exciting and happy for being supportive on the International Day for Biological Diversity. Involved with other members, we will actively participate in these activities to make a small contribution to the conservation of rare medicinal plants and other plants as well.”
Youth Union taking care of medicinal plants at the nursery in
Doi village, Thuong Lo commune.
The activity is within the framework of the project “Strengthening the Participation of Ethnic Minorities in the Conservation of Medicinal Plant Resources” in Thuong Lo commune, Nam Dong district, Thua Thien Hue province. The project is funded by European Union (EU) in Vietnam through “Conservation Fund” with the co-implementation of the Green VietNam Biodiversity Conservation Center (GreenViet), the Gustav Stresemann Institute – (GSI, Germany), and CRD.
Communication session on medicinal plants and biodiversity conservation in Ria Ho village