Lam Dong reviews plan to establish Ta Kou Nature Reserve

Proposed Ta Kou Nature Reserve covers 8,408 hectares

On August 19, Le Trong Yen, Member of the Standing Committee of the Lam Dong Provincial Party Committee and Standing Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee, chaired a meeting to review the proposal to establish the Ta Kou Nature Reserve.

Under the proposal, the reserve would be established across Ham Thuan Nam Commune and Tan Thanh Commune, covering 8,408 hectares. Natural forests would account for more than 7,342 hectares.

The proposed reserve would comprise three functional zones: a strictly protected zone, an ecological restoration zone, and a service and administrative zone. A buffer zone of approximately 9,290 hectares is also planned.

The proposal is intended to provide a stronger legal framework for forest management, protection and development, while clearly defining the boundaries, area, functional zones and management structure of the special-use forest.

The area is also intended to conserve forest ecosystems and biodiversity, protect endangered, rare and valuable species, and restore degraded forest areas.

Authorities seek closer alignment with planning

At the meeting, Standing Vice Chairman of the Lam Dong Provincial People's Committee Le Trong Yen requested clarification on whether the proposal is consistent with the Lam Dong Provincial Planning and approved national-level plans.

The review must take into account current land management and use, local livelihoods, road safety corridors and the general planning framework of the communes, he said.

Provincial authorities also requested clarification of the scientific and practical basis of the proposal, particularly regarding scientific research, biodiversity conservation and the protection of special-use forest ecosystems.

The plan should also include a mechanism for regularly updating scientific databases to support long-term management and conservation, officials said.

Issues concerning service areas, regulations governing special-use forests and potential impacts on local residents must also be fully reviewed to ensure that the proposal complies with regulations while remaining practical.

Proposed management structure and funding reviewed

Provincial authorities also called for the organizational structure, staffing arrangements and resources needed to implement the reserve to be finalized.

The management structure must comply with regulations governing public service units, the province's approved staffing quotas and its policies on workforce management.

Funding requirements and the structure of financial resources must also be reviewed to ensure compliance with regulations on the state budget, public investment and current policies.

Under the proposal, forest protection would be combined with the restoration of degraded forests, stronger patrols, and forest fire prevention and control.

The reserve would also be oriented toward scientific research, environmental education and ecotourism in accordance with regulations.

Livelihood support policies for communities in the buffer zone would be integrated into the plan to reduce pressure on forest resources and encourage local residents to participate in conservation.

For the 2026-2030 period, the proposal is estimated to require more than VND75.86 billion from the state budget and other lawful sources of funding.

Proposal to be finalized before submission

Based on the opinions raised at the meeting, the proposal will continue to be revised, particularly in terms of its legal basis, land management, boundaries, functional zones, buffer zone and implementation measures.

It will then be submitted to the competent authorities for consideration.

Le Phuoc