Community Based Tourisim in Northern Mountainous Area in Vietnam- Challenge of the Youth of Muong Ethnic Group

The 'Doi Moi' (or 'renovation') policy was introduced in 1986 and marked the beginning of Vietman's transition to a market economy. Unfortunately, in the process of achieving remarkable economic growth for the nation, this shift has also produced certain negative environmental impact and damaged aspects of the local ethnic food culture. Because Vietnam's economy and society are still largely dependent on agriculture, it is crucial to protect natural resources and preserve the unique local plant varieties which support the health of local ecosystems. Rivers, mountains and paddy fields are the source of food and medicines for both humans and animals, as well as raw materials for tools, housing and energy. Therefore, protecting natural resources is directly related to securing the lives of all local people. It is also important to gradually reconstitute a local food culture based on tradition, which can be handed down to the next generation. In this sense the local food culture becomes crucial in reinforcing their ethnic identity and connection to the local ecosystem. The Muong people have lived in Tan Lac district of Hoa Binh province in the northern mountains of Vietnam for hundreds of years, and culture for many generations. The negative influences of the market economy are evident in Tan Lac district and young Muong people are starting to re-assert their connection to lacal biodiversity and the stories of their elders about traditional culture and knowledge, including food recipes. They collect insects, butterflies, small creatures in water, plants and various kinds of tools to set up the 'Museum of people's Life and Nature' in the villages. They collaborate with elder and local artisans to make a map of a village to show special place to see, people to meet, and a range of activities available to tourist. Importantly, they document and use traditional recipes to create a traditional food menu to serve the visitors. Muong youngsters do everything: they guide tourists and manage the community-based eco-tour program including all preparation and conduct of activities. By doing so, they hope to protect local biodiversity and unique cuisine and bequeath it to the next generation.

並列關鍵字

community based tourism ； Muong ethnic group ； Vietnam

國際替代計量

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