1. The stream of Buot Village
The fish stream is one of the characteristic landscapes of Ba Buot village. The stream runs across the village, flowing around the stilt houses, rice fields, and tea hills. The stream in Ba Buot has more than ten species of shrimp and fish, with the most abundant being the pa chat fish. At the beginning of the rainy season, the stream is full of fish, and villagers go to the forest to catch a few bundles for food. As the village population increases, fish are caught and sold in the market, leading to a gradual decline in their numbers.
The Bưot Stream Fishery.
2. The village’s pledge is to protect the shrimp and fish
The village chief summoned the villagers to discuss and establish a rule prohibiting fishing within 3km of the Bướt Stream. Violators would face a penalty of 20kg of rice. Initially, many opposed, considering the penalty excessive for catching a single fish. The village is surrounded by mountains and forests, lacking agricultural land, requiring thriftiness to have enough rice to eat. However, many agreed, as catching and selling unjustly would deplete the stream of fish and shrimp. In the final meeting, consensus was reached on the ban, incorporated into the village’s pledge, with families committing not to violate it.
The incense offering will be placed at the head of the stream, the cultural house, and the organic rice field.
3. Effects of the fish sanctuary.
After the fish sanctuary was established, the village’s self-managed groups regularly patrolled, reminding and ensuring security. The villagers dared not violate the rules, but outsiders still came to fish. More than ten years after the fishing ban, fish and shrimp populations have become prosperous again. Schools of fish live “happily” without being innocently caught. Tourists visiting Buot village can now feed the fish, but will be fined if they violate the rules. Tour guides always remind visitors and tell the story of the village’s fish conservation efforts. Thanks to forest conservation, Chieng Yen is among the communities with the largest forest cover in Van Ho, about 70% as of 2020.
Buot Mountain Stream Today