Perhaps why Thua Thien-Hue is branded as one of the best-kept Eco-Tourist areas in the Central Region of Vietnam is owed to the very people who thrive in its land. The vast stretch of lush forests, adorned with beautiful lakes and waterfalls are guarded and nurtured by Vietnamese villagers living in these sensitive areas. And with the wide greeneries already around, the province now plans to extend its forest coverage rate from the current 56% to 60% by year 2020. To make that possible, they are organizing a forest protection and development plan to plant 4,000-4,500ha of forest each year, the entire project, set to be completed by 2020.
Conservation efforts could already be seen in the area. During the previous years, the authorities separated forested land into specific planting orientations, segregating babul trees, coast oak, pine and other native trees in productive-forest areas. Forest resources play a major role in the province’s economy. One hectare of forested land under babul tree cultivation would yield a profit of VND13-VND33 million (US$700-1,700) in five to seven years. The figures are very promising and is a major encouragement for farmers who want a better livelihood. Apart from that, provincial authorities has also announced a four-year, VND34.2 billion (US$1.8 million) program to allocate 240,854ha of forests to individuals and organizations for protection.
In Thuy Yen Thuong village, a different conservation program is taking place. Around 404.5ha of its green lands have been placed under the care of residents; giving them major responsibilities in safeguarding the trees that grow in these lands and protect them from illegal logging and other activities that could compromise the natural resources. Before the program was introduced, a single forest ranger in the province has to protect 1,000ha of forest. With the load now shared among the residents, even the most remote areas can already be looked after. Along with the project, only trees of a certain age are allowed to be harvested.

Since the implementation of the project, illegal logging has completely stopped. The province regularly organize training courses for farmers, forestry staff and even for farm owners, and offered incentive policies for forestry officials who volunteer to work in remote areas. The residents also profit from collecting rattan and fallen branches for firewood. Apart from the major contribution in protecting the forests, the forestry sector has created 18,000 jobs each year during the recent years. Such has greatly helped in lowering poverty rate in the province. With the wonderful benefits seen from the program, similar efforts are encouraged for other environmental communities. With the great national and international importance of containing a rich ecosystem diversity, adequate management is indeed necessary - - - and contribution from the community’s population had turned out to be a major success.