VietRAP is a pioneering Vietnamese startup in the development of a sustainable medicinal herb value chain, integrating natural forest conservation with the promotion of eco-tourism. One of its flagship projects, ATrung Herbal Farm, located in Bac Ha District, Lao Cai Province, is designed as a circular economy model that supports sustainable livelihoods for ethnic minority communities and preserves the unique forest ecosystem of the Northwestern region.
The core idea behind VietRAP is to harvest medicinal herbs under the forest canopy using circular, regenerative methods that utilize local resources without harming the ecosystem. More than just a cultivation site, ATrung Herbal Farm is also a green tourism destination where visitors can relax in nature, explore seasonal herbal gardens, join workshops to make herbal-based products, experience traditional therapies, and enjoy local cuisine. This model reflects strong local identity while harmoniously aligning with modern consumer trends and experiential tourism.
Guided by a vision of sustainable development, VietRAP works with local communities to harvest wild medicinal herbs using forest-friendly methods that ensure natural regeneration. Its tourism activities also raise visitor awareness about the role of forests and medicinal plants in daily life, while generating resources for conservation efforts. Through this model, local people gain stable employment and improved income, all while forest ecosystems remain protected.
VietRAP was selected to participate in the innovation exhibition at the P4G Vietnam Summit 2025, an event gathering development organizations, green investment funds, and experts in sustainable agriculture and tourism. This opportunity enabled the startup to present its model to the international community, expand cross-border partnerships, and seek green investments for technology solutions adapted to mountainous areas. Additionally, the startup has advanced to the seed funding round of a domestic impact investment fund and has received technical support from field biology experts and indigenous agricultural startup programs.
One of VietRAP’s most notable contributions is its redefinition of innovation. In the highland context, innovation sometimes simply means choosing appropriate, scalable solutions that accompany and empower local communities. VietRAP is not just building a business model—it is cultivating an ecosystem that connects people, forests, and indigenous knowledge, serving as a model for other nations facing similar challenges in environment and livelihoods.
