POTENTIAL FOR OF SOME NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS SPECIES IN CAO BANG PROVINCE

Abstract

The forests of Cao Bang Province, a mountainous Province in northern Vietnam, cover approximately 80%
of the land area, are an important source of non-timber forest products (NTFP). Several plant species
provide a major source of income for many households in the Province. Unfortunately many households do
not have the skills and knowledge to properly manage these species which results in reduced productivity,
quality and income that is potentially possible.
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The edible bamboo, Phyllostachys edulis (Carrière) J. Houz. (Moso Bamboo), can be regularly managed
and harvested without any tending or addition of fertilizers and can generate potentially 8 million VND per
hectare per year. However, unsustainable harvesting has resulted in a fall in quality and yield in the region.
A forest species, Canarium tramdenum C.D.Dai & Yakovlev (Chinese Black Olive), can be harvested from
these forests and potentially yield 45-54 million VND per hectare per year. Demand for the fruits of this
species exceeds supply, hence the high value. However, because the local farmers and people have not
been fully trained in managing C. tramdenum, there is a wide variation in productivity and quality of fruit.
Skills in seedling selection, tending and fertilizing are needed.
Illicium verum Hook. f. (Star Anise) is also a valuable spice, but this species also has problems productivity
and quality. Potentially I. verum can yield 11-13 million VND per hectare per year, but while local
households make good seedling selections, tending and fertilizers management is poorly understood and
production of I. verum is declining in the Province.