STATUS OF THE EXPLOITATION AND THE UTILIZATION OF THE PLANTS FOR DRINKS AT HON LAO ISLAND, THE CU LAO CHAM ARCHIPELAGO

Abstract

The Cu Lao Cham archipelago is located in Tan Hiep commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam province, about 18 km to the East of Hoi An City with the coordinates of 15°52’30” Northern latitude and 108°24’30” Eastern longitude. It includes 8 islands, among which, Hon Lao is the biggest island with the largest area of forest. According to Dr. Le Tran Chan (2011), the flora including 499 species belonging to 352 genera, 115 families of the 5 branches of vascular plants were identified at Hon Lao Island, of which 342 species had commercial values and were used for different purposes. The local people’s indigenous knowledge is also very rich in taking advantage of the plant resources. This article introduces the research results on species composition, methods of processing and utilizing the plants for producing drinks serving the communities living in Cu Lao Cham and proposes the measures for sustainable and safe uses of the plant resources.