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Eco-Tours Turn Illegal Loggers into Jungle Guides
23 Sep
Summary
- Former loggers now lead tourists through protected national park.
- Deforestation in Vietnam has resulted in a 20% tree cover drop since 2001.
- Tourism initiative creates jobs and aids local conservation efforts.
Illegal logging in Vietnam is being combatted by an innovative adventure tourism company that has retrained former loggers to become jungle guides. Oxalis Adventure Tours has successfully integrated 250 individuals who once illegally harvested timber into leading tourists through the pristine environments of Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park.
This unique approach addresses both environmental concerns and economic needs. Ngoc Anh, a former logger now a tour guide, shared how his perspective shifted from calculating timber value to appreciating the ecological importance of standing trees. Vietnam has experienced a substantial loss of tree cover, with a 20 percent decrease between 2001 and 2020. Government crackdowns and a global pledge to end deforestation by 2030 are part of the nation's conservation strategy.
Howard Limbert of the British Cave and Research Association notes that tourism, typically a strain on conservation, is having a positive impact here by employing those previously involved in destructive practices. This shift has led to increased animal populations within the jungle. While these guides now earn less than before, there is hope for increased income as tourism recovers.
