Under the canopy of the Quang Tri forest!

Quang Tri province has a total forest area of ​​248,189.09 hectares (126,693.87 hectares of natural forest, 121,495.22 hectares of planted forest, and 29,709.91 hectares of land planned for forest development); the forest cover rate of the entire province remains stable at 49.4% (in 2023). In recent years, forest development in Quang Tri province has received significant investment and attention.

Since 2014, with the support of the General Department of Forestry and the Central Agricultural Extension Center, the Quang Tri Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has successfully implemented many models of large-timber forest planting and conversion of small-timber plantations to large-timber plantations.

To date, the area of ​​planted forests producing large timber and those converted from small timber to large timber in the province has reached approximately 18,049.6 hectares. In addition, the province has established a supply chain for FSC-certified plantation timber between forest owners and CoC-certified enterprises, signing commitments to purchase the entire output of certified timber from the Quang Tri FSC Association in general and cooperatives in particular at a price 10-12% higher than that of uncertified timber.

Reforestation efforts in Quang Tri province have always been a priority, with the participation of many individuals and organizations.

According to Mr. Ha Sy Dong, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Quang Tri Provincial People's Committee, sustainable forest management and international forest certification are inevitable trends in forestry development. Forest certification will contribute to increasing the economic value of forests, stabilizing the output for export goods, and meeting the stringent requirements of the international market.

Therefore, Quang Tri province has issued directives and implemented this task; disseminating information to all levels, forest owners, and the people to identify forest certification as a key task in sustainable forestry development. As a result, to date, 26,135.65 hectares of forest in the province have achieved FSC certification.

Because forest trees absorb and store carbon, Quang Tri province, with its large forest area, has great potential in the field of providing carbon credits from forests.

On the global market, carbon credits are certificates representing the right to emit one ton of carbon dioxide (CO₂) or equivalent. These certificates can be traded, helping individuals and businesses contribute to combating climate change, with a value of approximately $5 per ton.

The hardships faced by border guards and forest rangers in protecting the forests.

According to Mr. Dong, Quang Tri province is currently implementing the Emission Reduction Payment Agreement (ERPA) for the North Central region, signed between the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Over the three years from 2023 to 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will allocate US$2.636 million to Quang Tri province to pay forest owners, commune-level People's Committees, and other organizations entrusted by the State with the responsibility of managing natural forests that benefit from the agreement.

"With our large forest area and high CO₂ absorption capacity, we have great potential for selling carbon credits in the future. Simply put, if we just preserve our forests, we'll… make money," Mr. Dong explained.

Occasionally, although not on a large scale, there are a few cases of deforestation reported in the press in Quang Tri province. Mr. Dong stated that the province's stance on handling individuals and organizations responsible for deforestation is: There are no forbidden zones.

“Individuals and organizations that allow deforestation to occur will be held accountable according to the law, depending on the severity. Cases of irresponsibility, failure to promptly detect violations, and negligence in forest protection will all be subject to review and disciplinary action. Cases that have been discovered must be reviewed, and the responsibilities of collectives and individuals involved in allowing deforestation to occur must be clarified. The head of each agency or unit must bear the responsibility of the head to their superiors and to the Provincial People's Committee to “re-establish order and discipline in forest protection through sufficiently strong measures and sanctions,” Mr. Dong particularly emphasized.

Residents of Chênh Vênh village (Hướng Phùng commune, Hướng Hóa district) showcase handicrafts made from bamboo.

According to Mr. Dong, Quang Tri is focusing all its resources on achieving the goal of becoming one of the leading provinces in the country by 2030, as set out in the Resolution of the 17th Provincial Party Congress. Currently, the land available for projects is mainly forest and forestry land. Although the province is creating favorable conditions to attract investors to Quang Tri, Quang Tri will not sacrifice its economy for the sake of its forests.

Specifically, according to Mr. Dong, investment projects are subject to appraisal by relevant local departments and agencies. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development must advise the Provincial People's Committee and guide investors in adjusting the project scope to minimize the impact on forests, especially natural forests. Projects that encroach on forests without prior approval or land-use conversion will be dealt with decisively…

Lush green meadows in the highlands of Quang Tri.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/duoi-tan-rung-quang-tri-185241010154133393.htm