DAK LAK: BIODIVERSITY, MULTI-CULTURE AND A LONG HISTORY

Dak Lak is a highland region surrounded by mountains, forests and valleys and filled with rivers, streams, lakes and waterfalls. The forests and natural rivers are a treasure-house of gene sources. Systems of rivers and streams provide plentiful hydroelectric potential. Soil resources, especially basalt, are a basic on which the economy develops, along with prominent industrial plants such as coffee, rubber and pepper. Nowadays, Buon Ma Thuot coffee is an important export for the country.


There are about forty-nine ethnic groups residing in Dak Lak. This diverse mosaic of peoples and multi-culture is formed by the tradition of three indigenous ethnic minorities (the Ede, Mnong and Jarai); many of the Kinh from the plains; the Sedang and Bru-Van Kieu from the northern Central Highlands; and the Nung, Tai, Yao, Muong and Hmong of northern origin. Each community has specific characteristics; however all join the common development of the economy, culture and society of the province.


Dak Lak has a long-standing history. Archaeological objects from the Stone Age to the Bronze Age are authentic evidence of human beings' appearance in this region. From the late 19th century, the peoples in Dak Lak began writing a glorious page in the history of the fight against foreign invaders. Specifically, they took part in resistances against the French and the Americans to gain independence and unity for the country.


After the Liberation (1975), Dak Lak began to build a new life with its achievements in all aspects, contributing to revolutionary changes in politics, economy, society, and culture within the whole country. On the other hand, Dak Lak is overcoming challenges to preserve biodiversity for sustainable development, as well as to preserve the nation's cultural tradition.