The Melaleuca cajeputi or cajeput is a fast-growing, multipurpose tree; its timber is used for construction and firewood, and its leaves are used for medicinal purposes and to make cajeputi oil, an essential ingredient in the production of balm, shampoo, and insect repellent. This has made it an important source of income for people in the Thua Thien Hue (TTH) province and has resulted in native trees being overexploited and scarce. From May 31 to July 22, the USAID Green Annamites project partnered with Hoa Nen Essential Oil Production One Member Limited Company (Hoa Nen Company) to organize 25 study tours for students and teachers of secondary schools, high schools, and universities in TTH province, including Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry and Hue University of Economics. The groups visited Hung Long Thuong Hoa village in TTH, where they learned about the ecological value, features, medicinal properties, and production of the cajeput tree. They also witnessed overexploitation of the wild cajeput forest in Phong Dien and learned about biodiversity conservation and the protection of the wild cajeput. This environmental educational campaign enhances USAID Green Annamites’ agreement with the Hoa Nen company, through which cajeput tree farmers receive technical support and a better price for their produce.

So What? USAID Green Annamites supported a conservation-focused, cajeput tree educational campaign to influence community behavior change while strengthening existing efforts to improve cajeput farmers’ livelihoods.