Rangers check a water tank in Bu Dop district's forest. (Photo: VNA) “The forest protection force has been strengthened to ensure theforests are not affected by fire, deforestation and violations of the forestprotection law, especially in the last days of the year, as well as theupcoming Lunar New Year holiday," said Nguyen Thanh Vinh, Deputy Directorof the Bu Dop Protective Forest Management Board.
The unit is assigned to protect 8,500ha of forest, including6,500ha of natural forest.
The province has invested in building 40 water tanks to respond tofires promptly, Vinh said.
The construction of concrete water tanks in the forest has broughthigh efficiency in protecting forests from fires.
There are four community-based groups with 120 membersparticipating in protecting forests. Each member is protecting 30ha of forest.
The people involved in forest protection have been divided intogroups to protect the forest better. Members of each group take turnspatrolling the forests.
Dieu Ngot, a resident from Phuoc Thien commune, said he beganparticipating in community-based groups to protect the forest in 2021, helpingimprove his family's life.
"Local people are very happy because they can join hands toprotect the forests and keep them green. Protecting the forest is protectingthe living environment."
"Eating and sleeping in the forest and walking tens ofkilometres through mountains and rivers, and streams during patrolling dayshave become familiar works of forest protectors," said Dieu Gon, a memberof forest protectors in Phuoc Thien commune.
"Years ago, forest protection had not been paid attention toby local people. They often went to the forest to hunt, collect bamboo shoots,honey, and medicinal herbs, and burn forests for farming. However, in recentyears, the number of forest law violations has decreased significantly,"Dieu Ngot said.
Forest rangers and people involved in forest protection havestrengthened patrols, especially hot spots of deforestation, forest fires, andencroachment on forest land.
"We also learn the customs and habits of local people andthen mobilise them to participate in forest protection," he said.
The forest management board has also worked closely with localauthorities to propagate and raise awareness about forest prevention and askhouseholds living near the forest to sign a commitment not to violate forestregulations or encroach on the forest land, according to Vinh.
"The entire forest area managed by the unit is safe, andcommunity-based groups also do their job well."
Forest protection in the locality is also improving thanks to thepolicy of payment for forest environmental services.
"This could be the driving force for locals to protect theforests and prevent forest fires," said Vinh.
The policy has also contributed to improving the lives of ethnicminority groups, creating jobs and higher incomes.
Afforestation also helps people earn more money and raises a senseof responsibility for forest protection.
In addition to strengthening the protection of existing forestareas, Binh Phuoc province has promoted the expansion of forests in semi-submergedareas.
The province has about 2,000 hectares of semi-submerged areas,mainly along Can Don and Thac Mohydropower reservoirs in Bu Dop, Bu Gia Map, Bu Dang districts and Phuoc Long township.
Nguyen Van Ach, former head of Bu Dop forest ranger station, saidthe energy demand had greatly affected the environment, causing the decline offorests.
"I thought it was possible to take advantage ofsemi-submerged areas by hydropower dams and reservoirs to plant trees, helpingto prevent land erosion and reduce the negative impact of hydropower projectson the environment. My colleagues and I began our project," Ach said.
After seven years of farming with many failures, nearly 40 hectaresof semi-submerged areas in Can Don reservoir have been covered with gao vangand cajeput trees, which also attracts more amphibians to live./.
VNA