Developing economic potential under forest canopy

Improving incomes

The city’s forest ecosystems are varied, including limestone and soil‑based mountain forests concentrated in several communes, wards and special zones such as Tran Nhan Tong, Nguyen Trai, Tran Hung Dao, Do Son, Cat Ba and Thuy Nguyen. In addition, mangrove ecosystems are distributed in Kien Hai, Chan Hung and Hung Thang communes and in the Cat Ba special zone.

In Nguyen Trai and Tran Hung Dao wards, the diverse forest flora and hilly terrain are well suited to honeybee farming. Nguyen Trai ward alone has about 90 beekeeping households concentrated in the Dong Chau, Thanh Mai, Ho Giai, Ho Seu and Menh Truong neighborhoods.

Along coastal mangrove areas, locals harvest flowers of mangrove plants to feed bees. In Kien Hai commune, Tung Hang Honey Production Cooperative manages 500 native hives and produces nearly 3,000 litres of honey annually.

Creating conditions for stable development

To make under forest canopy economic activities more effective, people want favorable mechanisms and supportive policies, plus streamlined administrative procedures.

Local authorities should also guide residents to develop livelihoods tied to forest protection responsibilities, encourage cooperatives and production groups to provide technical support, share production experience and help producers promote products on e‑commerce platforms.

According to the Hai Phong Forest Management and Agricultural Extension Authority, relevant agencies need to step up technical training, support market linkages, promote trade and establish effective demonstration models for wider replication. These measures are key to developing under the forest canopy economies in a stable, sustainable way, contributing to boosting local farmers’ incomes while protecting forest resources.

Hai Phong News