Lam Dong strengthens forest protection efforts to preserve southern “green lung”

The protected forest, located in southern Lam Dong, covers more than 20,300 hectares, including over 10,200 hectares of watershed protection forest and about 10,150 hectares of production forest.

Officials describe the area as a critical ecological zone with diverse flora and fauna, including many valuable hardwood species. Beyond protecting soil and water resources, the forest plays a key role in climate resilience and supporting local communities.

Increased patrols and stricter enforcement

The Song Mong–Ka Pet Protection Forest Management Board said forest patrols and monitoring have been strengthened in high-risk areas, particularly along boundary areas vulnerable to illegal logging and encroachment.

Since 2025, the management board has coordinated with forest rangers and local authorities to organize dozens of enforcement operations targeting forestry violations.

Regular patrol teams have been maintained to detect and prevent illegal timber harvesting and transportation activities.

Officials noted that awareness among residents living near the forest has improved significantly in recent years. Many local households now actively report suspicious activities and assist authorities in identifying violations.

“The participation of local communities has created an extensive network of ‘eyes and ears’ for forest protection,” the management board said.

As a result of stricter enforcement, forestry-related violations in the area have dropped sharply. Over the past year, authorities recorded 10 violations — a decrease of 12 cases compared with the same period a year earlier, representing a decline of more than 54%.

Linking livelihoods with forest conservation

In addition to enforcement measures, local authorities are focusing on improving livelihoods for communities living near the forest, viewing economic stability as a long-term solution for sustainable forest protection.

The management board has contracted 225 households to participate in forest protection efforts across thousands of hectares. Funding for the program comes from multiple government initiatives, including Vietnam’s national target program for ethnic minority and mountainous areas, sustainable forestry development programs and related provincial policies.

Under the arrangement, participating households receive stable income support in exchange for helping monitor and protect forest land.

Officials say the program not only reduces economic dependence on forest exploitation but also strengthens local responsibility for conservation.

Many residents have become key contributors to forest management efforts, actively participating in patrols and helping authorities prevent violations.

Following a directive issued by the Lam Dong Provincial People’s Committee in April 2026 on strengthening forest management, the Song Mong–Ka Pet Protection Forest Management Board said it will continue expanding patrols through the end of the year while increasing coordination with forest rangers, local governments and related agencies.

Authorities also plan to further improve community-based forest protection programs to maintain sustainable livelihoods for forest-edge communities and preserve the region’s forest ecosystem.

Huu Phuc