The “Green Shield” of Dong Giang
Thanks to the active participation of ethnic minority communities, the forests of Dong Giang remain lush and well protected. Their collective efforts are helping preserve vital natural resources, sustain local livelihoods and support the long-term sustainable development of this mountainous region.
Protecting Forests, Preserving the Green Canopy
According to Le Minh Chau, Vice Chairman of the Dong Giang Commune People’s Committee, Dong Giang is currently one of the localities with the largest forest areas in the province. Based on the official forest status assessment as of December 31, 2025, the commune is home to more than 16,557 hectares of forest, including nearly 15,789 hectares of natural forest. The forest coverage rate stands at 80.8%, placing Dong Giang among the province’s most heavily forested localities.
To maintain this valuable green resource, local authorities have consistently prioritized forest management and protection, wildfire prevention and control, and the prevention of illegal logging and encroachment on forestry land. Public awareness campaigns on wildlife conservation and aquatic resource protection are regularly conducted, helping strengthen environmental responsibility among residents.
Thanks to the coordinated efforts of government agencies, functional forces and local communities, Dong Giang has not recorded any forest fires or serious forestry violations in recent years.
Alongside the efforts of authorities and forest protection forces, local residents—particularly ethnic minority communities—are playing an increasingly important role in safeguarding forest resources. Forest protection contracting policies have been implemented effectively, empowering communities to participate directly in forest management and conservation.
In 2025, a total of 394 households in Dong Giang were contracted to protect more than 8,400 hectares of forest, with funding from payments for forest environmental services and Provincial People’s Council Resolution No. 04.
Through these contracts, residents not only gain a stable source of income but also strengthen their awareness and responsibility in patrolling forests, detecting violations and preventing encroachments at the grassroots level.
Protecting Forests for Future Generations
Growing awareness has laid a solid foundation for deeper community participation in forest management and protection. Many ethnic minority households that once relied on forest resources for their livelihoods have now become active partners of the forestry sector in conserving these valuable ecosystems.
Nguyen Hong Hai, Deputy Director of the Dong Giang Protection Forest Management Board, said the unit currently manages more than 24,365 hectares of forest and non-forested land across Dong Giang, La Da, Ham Thuan Bac, Ham Thuan and Ham Liem communes.
In addition to specialized personnel stationed at seven forest management teams and 13 forest protection posts, the board coordinates with 481 contracted households responsible for safeguarding more than 14,600 hectares of natural forest under various funding programs. The policy not only provides additional income for local residents but also strengthens community responsibility for forest conservation.
However, from January 1, 2026, the signing of new forest protection contracts has been temporarily suspended as the unit transitions to a financial self-management mechanism and funding allocations for forest protection contracts have not yet been finalized. This situation has created certain challenges for forest protection, anti-deforestation efforts and wildfire prevention activities.
In response, the Dong Giang Protection Forest Management Board has continued maintaining personnel at forest protection stations and patrol teams. The unit has intensified inspections, reviewed land-use responsibilities and signed commitments with households whose agricultural land borders forest areas.
At the same time, it actively monitors information and identifies patterns of violations to promptly prevent activities that threaten forest resources, ensuring that no hotspots of illegal logging or forest fires emerge.
Beyond protecting existing forests, Dong Giang has also actively participated in the national “One Billion Trees for the 2021–2025 Period” initiative. In 2025 alone, the commune planted 23,500 trees, achieving 147% of its annual target. Over the 2021–2025 period, more than 72,500 trees were planted across the locality, contributing to increased forest coverage and improved ecological conditions.
The sustained commitment of local authorities, forest management agencies and ethnic minority communities has transformed Dong Giang’s forests into a true “green shield” — one that not only protects biodiversity and natural resources but also secures livelihoods and opportunities for future generations.