Lam Dong Determined to Protect Forests at the Source
In recent years, Lam Dong has made notable progress in combating deforestation and illegal exploitation of forest resources through various preventive measures. Nevertheless, protecting forests from the grassroots level remains a demanding task, requiring stronger commitment and coordinated action from government agencies, relevant sectors, and local authorities at all levels.
Pressure to Protect Forests
Lam Dong currently has more than 1.1 million hectares of forestry land, including over 930,000 hectares of natural forest, placing it among the provinces with the largest forest areas in Vietnam.
However, rapid socio-economic development and growing demand for land continue to pose major challenges to forest management and conservation. The Department of Agriculture and Environment reported that from 2021 to 2025, the province recorded more than 4,000 violations of forestry laws, resulting in the loss of approximately 350 hectares of forest land.
In areas managed by Binh Thuan Forestry One-Member Limited Liability Company, 161 forestry-related violations were recorded between 2021 and 2025. Of these, 105 involved encroachments on forestry land totaling more than 122 hectares, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all violations. Meanwhile, 44 cases of deforestation damaged more than 13 hectares of forest.
Le Ngoc Cuong, Chairman of Binh Thuan Forestry One-Member Limited Liability Company, states that the main factor is the rising land prices. Many forestry land areas situated near residential neighborhoods, transport routes, or zones conducive to agricultural production have become targets for illegal encroachments.
This strain is not restricted to forest management units alone. It is also apparent in various localities that boast extensive forested areas, where the livelihoods of residents remain closely linked to the land and agricultural activities.
Tanh Linh Commune oversees over 10,700 hectares of forests and forestry land. In this region, some residents continue to depend on forest resources and land for their livelihoods, generating significant pressure on forest management and conservation initiatives.
Between the years 2021 and 2025, Tanh Linh Commune recorded 44 violations of forestry laws, including acts of deforestation, illegal logging, unauthorized trading and transport of forest products, as well as violations related to wildlife protection.
Significantly, authorities were unable to identify offenders in 37 cases, as violators often took advantage of the rugged terrain, large forest areas and accessible transport networks to commit offenses before quickly fleeing the scene.
Comprehensive Measures for Forest Protection
According to forest management agencies, many violations occur at night or in boundary areas between forest zones, making detection and enforcement difficult.
Meanwhile, the number of forest protection personnel remains limited compared to the vast areas under management. Following administrative restructuring and the implementation of the two-tier local government model, many localities are still in the process of reorganizing their administrative structures and lack sufficient forestry specialists.
In Tanh Linh Commune, multiple high-risk zones have been recognized, including Compartments 367B and 368, which fall under the jurisdiction of Song Dinh Forestry One-Member Limited Liability Company; Compartments 350, 351, 359A, and 361, overseen by the Nui Ong Nature Reserve Management Board; and Compartments 369 and 370, located in the forest area of Thu Duc Prison. These areas are particularly vulnerable to threats such as deforestation, illegal logging, and wildfires.
To address these concerns, local authorities and forest proprietors have adopted various strategies to enhance forest management and conservation. One successful approach has been the distribution of forest protection contracts to community members and households.
Between 2021 and 2025, 357 households engaged in the conservation of nearly 24,000 hectares of forest overseen by the Nui Ong Nature Reserve Management Board. Through programs that provide payments for forest environmental services, local community members have earned extra income while actively participating in the monitoring and safeguarding of the forest.
Additionally, improved collaboration among forest rangers, law enforcement, local government, and forest proprietors, combined with enhanced technological applications for monitoring forest resources, digital tracking, and satellite imagery, has been recognized as a crucial strategy for the future.
In contemporary practice, safeguarding forests goes beyond just halting deforestation and illegal timber harvests. It also requires careful management of forest land resources amid growing demand for land use.
Preserving forested land and guaranteeing that forests are managed and used for their designated objectives create a basis for improving the efficiency of forest management, protection, and sustainable development throughout the province.