In Vietnam as in other developing countries, firewood, including biomass is very important in rural areas as the main energy source and a part of the subsistence livelihood for ethnic minority communities. Rangers still carry out patrol activity for reducing the firewood collection inside nature reserve areas. However, before this study, little research had been conducted in the buffer zone of Pu Hu nature reserve (NR). The study was conducted to obtain an understanding of household firewood used, and the factors which influence firewood consumption. The methodology included questionnaires, observing household practices, and in-depth interviews with village leaders and local rangers with patrol activity currency. A survey of 248 households was conducted in five villages including households from all three ethnic minorities living in the area, who were found to require firewood as a primary resource. Firewood consumption was greatest among the Thai minority families (187.62 kg/household/month), followed by the Muong and Mong minorities (112.61 and 101.96 kg/household/month, respectively). Economic development was the most important factor in the demand for firewood because of consumption for household businesses. An important finding from this research was that the respondents indicated that rangers did not patrol frequently nor did they strictly enforce the regulations prohibiting the collection of firewood. A well-managed firewood resource could support minority households’ requirements, improve fire-efficiency, and contribute to natural reserve objectives through ranger’s efforts. © 2018, ALÖKI Kft., Budapest, Hungary.
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