Uses and conservation of plant diversity in Ben En National Park, Vietnam

Abstract

Ben En National Park is one of the 30 National Parks in Vietnam. In this study its botanical wealth has been comprehensively inventoried as well as the very important roles that plants play in the daily life and economy of the people inhabiting the Park. Floristic diversity - In our survey 1389 vascular plant species were recorded, belonging to 650 genera and 173 families. Useful plants - A total of 386 plant species are used by local people for a diversity of end-uses, including health care. No less than 56 species are commercialized and contribute 23% of the average income of individual households. Human impact - Human disturbance had a strong negative impact on forest structure, leading to lowered densities of trees and useful plants, even though species diversity was not greatly altered. Conclusion - Despite the fact that many forest areas in the Park have been and still are disturbed by local people, the plant diversity is very high and worth conserving. Recommendations are made for greater sustainability of local plant use and for restoration of heavily disturbed parts of the Park.