Pack your bags. Medicinal herbs are enticing people to Asia. In Việt Nam, a valuable collaboration is taking place, combining ecotourism with forestry development and medicinal herb cultivation. Việt Nam is following in the footsteps of Japan and South Korea in their government and community participation. Vacationers can take part in farming and cultivation, getting an insight into another culture and learning about wellness. There’s a lot to see and learn, as there are over 5000 medicinal plant species and subspecies in Việt Nam, including Lai Châu ginseng, Vũ Diệp ginseng, Hoàng Liên ô rô (Mahonia Bealei Pynaert), and Hoàng Liên gai (Berberis Wallichiana). 

Ecotourism is booming. It’s defined as “responsible travel to natural areas that conserves the environment, sustains the well-being of the local people, and involves interpretation and education.” Among its principles, ecotourism aims to provide visitors with memorable trips while sensitivity is raised to the visited countries’ environment and rights and beliefs of its people.

Those involved are calling for establishment of standards to ensure herb quality consistency and safety, while preserving culture and domestic/international demand. Wellness services may be included in the ecotourism.

Author: Razi Ann Berry