This handbook is developed by TVPalm Ecolodge based on in-depth research on the ecosystem of the Tay Con Linh mountain forest in Tuyen Quang Province (formerly Ha Giang Province, Vietnam)—a proposed conservation area with high biodiversity, including endemic and rare animal species. Tay Con Linh is home to many small mammals, birds, and reptiles, notably endemic bat and shrew species such as Chodsigoa caovansunga (a shrew found only in northeastern Vietnam’s mountains), Crocidura dracula (Dracula shrew), Anourosorex squamipes (Asian mole shrew), and Blarinella quadraticauda (short-tailed shrew). The area records 47 mammal species and 140 bird species, with notable endemic birds like the black-throated tit (Parus spilonotus) and mammals such as the Asiatic black bear (Ursus thibetanus) and clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa), all requiring strict protection due to hunting, deforestation, and climate change.

The handbook draws from WWF Vietnam guidelines and integrates sustainability criteria from TVPalm Ecolodge and TVPalm Adventure, promoting responsible tourism, minimizing environmental impact, and supporting local Dao and Tay communities.

Handbook Goals

The goal is to create a balanced tourism model between cultural-nature experiences and conservation, focusing on minimal environmental impact, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting sustainable local economies. It emphasizes protecting endemic species like shrews and bats, which are vulnerable to pollution and habitat loss. Best practices are adapted for Tay Con Linh’s high-altitude terrain, primary forests, and cold climate.

Introduction

Tay Con Linh, reaching 2,427 meters, is the highest peak in northeastern Vietnam, covered in primary forests and home to a rich ecosystem. This area is a natural water source and habitat for rare species, including the shrew Chodsigoa caovansunga (endemic to Tuyen Quang), the Himalayan water shrew (Chimarrogale himalayica), and Crocidura dracula. These species are threatened by deforestation (10–20% loss from agriculture) and illegal hunting, leading to decline. The handbook aims to guide sustainable tourism practices, helping protect these species through low-impact activities and raising awareness among communities and tourists.

TVPalm’s Practices

• Completely eliminate single-use plastics.
• Manage water from natural waterfalls (three-level filtration, recycling 20,000 liters/month).
• Avoid chemical discharges into soil and water.
• Plant over 1,000 trees annually to restore ecosystems.

General Principles

• Protect nature and wildlife: Follow “leave no trace.” Avoid disturbing endemic species (e.g., maintain 50m distance, no flashlights). Educate about biodiversity, anti-deforestation, and anti-hunting.
• Sustainable resource management: Ban single-use plastics; prioritize bicycles and walking; recycle water; reduce carbon emissions.
• Community support: Share economic benefits with Dao and Tay groups; organize conservation education to reduce hunting pressure.
• Monitoring and evaluation: Track impacts (100% waste reduction, annual tree planting).
• Strict ban on wildlife products: Do not buy, sell, or use wildlife meat, skins, or horns.
• No single-use plastic bottles or nylon bags: Replace with reusable bottles and cloth bags.

Extended Rules

• Ban smoking and open campfires outside designated areas.
• Ban harmful chemicals to prevent pollution.
• Limit tour groups to 10 people to reduce trail erosion and disturbance.
• Ban collecting plants, rocks, or natural specimens.
• Use eco-friendly transportation; avoid off-road motorized vehicles.
• Immediately report illegal hunting or deforestation.
• Participate in carbon offsetting (tree planting or renewable energy).

Guidelines for Stakeholders

Tour Guides

• Main responsibilities: Educate tourists on ecosystems; limit groups to 10.
• Practices: Use reusable bottles; guide waste collection and tree planting; enforce bans on plastics and wildlife products.
• Standards: Maintain safe distances; train in fire prevention.

Travel Businesses (TVPalm Adventure)

• Main responsibilities: Design low-impact tours (e.g., Shan Tuyet tea picking with conservation education).
• Practices: Use low-emission vehicles; integrate tree planting; ban wildlife products; check luggage for plastics.
• Standards: Apply impact metrics to protect endemic species.

Accommodation Facilities (TVPalm Ecolodge)

• Main responsibilities: Manage rooms sustainably; source water with three-level filtration.
• Practices: Use natural cleaning products; provide water in glass bottles; organize monthly tree planting; ban wildlife-derived food.
• Standards: Reduce energy use (LED lights) to protect bat and shrew habitats.

Tourists

• Main responsibilities: Respect “leave no trace”; report illegal activities.
• Practices: Use reusable bottles; avoid wildlife products; participate in tree planting.
• Standards: Stay quiet near wildlife; join monitoring activities.

Monitoring and Improvement

• Tools: Annual assessments using metrics (100% waste reduction, tree planting).
• Challenges: Forest fires (training needed); reduce hunting via community involvement.
• Forest fire limitations: Keep distance from flammable materials; ban open fires; monitor weather; plant fire-resistant trees; patrol with Dao and Tay communities.
• Forest fire management: Controlled burns; coordinate firefighting; evacuate via trails/GIS; restore 1,000+ trees per year; ban smoking; train in first aid.

Additional Activities

• Community monitoring: Join forest patrols to track species like Chodsigoa caovansunga.
• Native tree planting: Focus on drought-resistant species to prevent fires and restore habitats.
• Cultural-ecological education: Learn Dao wildlife knowledge; non-disruptive birdwatching.
• Carbon offsetting: Contribute to renewable energy projects to reduce forest exploitation.
• Safe night tours: Observe bats with red lights to avoid disturbing species like Anourosorex squamipes.

Updates

Guidelines are reviewed annually based on new data and ecosystem monitoring.