Economic Value of Trees

1. Potential Development of Industrial Crops (Rubber, Coffee, Cashew)

• Current production status:
  • Vietnam is one of the world’s leading producers and exporters of rubber, coffee (especially Robusta), and cashew.
  • Key areas: Rubber in Southeast Vietnam, coffee in the Central Highlands, and cashew in Binh Phuoc and Gia Lai.
• Development opportunities:
  • Rubber: Increasing demand for natural rubber in various industries.
  • Coffee: Potential growth in the specialty coffee market and value-added processing.
  • Cashew nuts: Rising consumption in major markets like the U.S., EU, and India.
• Challenges:
  • Climate change, water scarcity, and limited land resources.
  • Intense competition from other producing countries (Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia).
  • Lack of investment in processing technology and international branding.
• Solutions:
  • Transition to smart agriculture with efficient irrigation systems.
  • Invest in research and development of high-quality crop varieties.
  • Strengthen national branding for export products.

2. High-Value Fruit Crops and Effective Cultivation Models

• High-value fruit crops:
  • Durian: High demand from China and other Asian countries.
  • Dragon fruit: Popular in EU, U.S., and Chinese markets.
  • Mango, rambutan, avocado, and longan: Increased export value due to improvements in processing and preservation.
• Effective cultivation models:
  • Organic farming: Reduces chemical use and increases product value.
  • Value chain linkage: Collaboration between farmers, processing companies, and exporters.
  • High-tech application: Drip irrigation, moisture sensors, and smart fertilizers.
• Challenges:
  • High safety standards in importing markets.
  • Fragmented production and lack of coordinated planning.
• Solutions:
  • Develop production areas meeting international standards (GlobalGAP, VietGAP).
  • Build strong branding for Vietnamese fruits in major markets.

3. Greenery and Ecotourism: A Dual Benefit

• Role of greenery in ecotourism:
  • A key element in creating attractive landscapes at tourist destinations.
  • Enhances the sustainability of local ecosystems and preserves biodiversity.
• Notable ecotourism models:
  • Tra Su Melaleuca Forest (An Giang): Combines wetland forest conservation with tourism development.
  • Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh): Promotes forest conservation through experiential tourism.
• Economic benefits:
  • Provides stable revenue from entrance fees, lodging, and local products.
  • Improves local incomes through forest resource preservation.
• Challenges:
  • Balancing conservation with overexploitation in tourism.
  • Climate change impacts reducing destination attractiveness.
• Solutions:
  • Develop sustainable ecotourism models minimizing environmental impacts.
  • Increase the role of local communities in tourism management.

4. Analysis of the Wood and Handicraft Supply Chain

• Stages in the wood supply chain:
  • Raw material harvesting and purchasing.
  • Primary processing (cutting, drying, pest treatment).
  • Crafting handicrafts and furniture.
  • Distribution and export.
• Current status:
  • Vietnam is one of the world’s largest exporters of wood and wood products.
  • Key export markets: U.S., EU, Japan, South Korea.
• Challenges:
  • Price and standard competition from countries like China and Thailand.
  • Heavy reliance on imported raw materials.
• Solutions to enhance the value chain:
  • Invest in modern, energy-efficient production technologies.
  • Promote certification of legal wood sources (FSC) to meet market requirements.
  • Increase added value through unique designs and the application of new technologies.