Historically, Vietnam’s Tây Nguyên (Central Highlands) region was coveted for its rich basalt soil, which allowed French colonizers to establish profitable rubber tree plantations. Even after Vietnam’s 1975 independence and its economic reform in 1986, the fertile lands have been used for the production of important cash crops, which have in turn brought in waves of new residents. Migration, industrialization, and rapid economic growth has led to the destruction of Tây Nguyên’s ecosystems, while locals are increasingly estranged from traditional cultures.