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DNO - For generations, the Co Tu ethnic community in Hung Son Commune in Da Nang City’s western highlands has protected the ancient Fokienia (Pơ mu in Vietnamese) forest, regarding it as part of the soul of the mountains and forests.
The forest contains more than 2,000 Fokienia trees, including 725 recognised as Vietnam Heritage Trees, representing both ecological value and deep cultural significance. Fokienia conservation efforts have combined government stewardship with indigenous knowledge to support sustainable development.
Rooted in indigenous culture
Situated at over 1,300 metres above sea level, the Hung Son Fokienia forest grows in a cool, humid climate that has allowed ancient trees with trunks over two metres wide to endure for centuries, giving the area the character of an almost untouched primaeval forest.
For generations, the Co Tu people have regarded the Fokienia forest as being sacred, the “pillar of the mountains” and a dwelling place of deities.
In Co Tu belief, Fokienia trees are not resources to exploit but beings to be revered, with any damage seen as a grave spiritual offence. This unwritten law, reinforced through oral traditions and communal norms, has proven more effective than formal regulations.
Forest conservation linked to local livelihoods
The recognition of 725 Fokienia trees as Vietnam Heritage Trees in 2015 highlighted the forest’s national value and inspired Hung Son Commune to link conservation with local livelihoods.
In recent years, the locality has strengthened community-based forest protection through patrol teams, coordination with rangers, and education programmes, while promoting community-based tourism centred on trekking, cultural storytelling, and Co Tu cuisine. These activities help generate income while reinforcing forest preservation.
Local leaders said that tourism serves as a means to demonstrate the tangible benefits of conservation, encouraging residents to protect the forest as a long-term asset.
Several households have joined community tourism groups, opening homestays and showcasing traditional crafts. From a broader perspective, Da Nang views the western region as a key ecological buffer, with the Fokienia forest playing a central role.