Vietnamese Farmers Join Hands To Protect The Environment

In cope with deforestation and illegal hunting, many farmers in Hau Giang Province have formed a group to protect Luu Ngoc Hoang Nature Reserve, hailed as "the lung of the Mekong Delta in southern Vietnam. This nature reserve was established in 2002 with a hope of maintaining a natural habitat for several species of animals native to Vietnam. It spans 2800 hectares and accommodates 300 different species of plants and animals.

Seeing the reserve as their second home, they organise regular patrols across the forest to prevent illegal intruders and lumberjacks. They burn beehives to take honey which is the main income of these farmers. An owner of 20 beehives earns up to USD 1,700, a significant profit for rural life in Vietnam.

Many families, in low living condition, seek ways to make money by cutting down trees or illegal fishing. This group of farmers come up with solutions to help families in need live on farming.