LOCAL KNOWLEDGE IN THE USE AND MANAGEMENT OF LAND RESOURCES: A CASE STUDY OF BAC SON DISTRICT, LANG SON PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Indigenous knowledge plays a vital role in shaping sustainable land use and management practices, particularly in mountainous and ethnically diverse regions. This study explores the local knowledge systems of ethnic communities in Bac Son District, Lang Son Province, Vietnam, focusing on how they utilize and manage land resources. Through a combination of document analysis, expert interviews, and field investigations, the research identifies a range of traditional practices related to land classification, crop rotation, soil conservation, and fertility enhancement. The findings highlight that local communities have accumulated practical knowledge over generations, allowing them to adapt agricultural activities to complex mountainous terrains and fragile ecosystems. This knowledge includes context-specific solutions for soil rehabilitation, erosion control, and land allocation that align with ecological conditions and cultural values. The study underscores the importance of preserving and integrating indigenous knowledge with scientific approaches to improve land resource governance in upland regions. Such integration can enhance the sustainability and resilience of agricultural systems in the face of environmental and socio-economic challenges.