Entrusted with managing, protecting, and replanting over 7,770 hectares of forest in the northern area of ​​Phu Quoc Special Economic Zone, the Rach Tram Border Guard Station has, over the years, closely coordinated with the Phu Quoc National Park Management Board and the Forest Ranger force to implement many comprehensive solutions to improve the effectiveness of forest management and protection. This coordination has been maintained regularly across many aspects of work, from patrolling, monitoring, and combating violations of forestry laws to raising awareness and mobilizing the public to participate in forest protection.

Lieutenant Colonel Do Ko Ka, Commander of Rach Tram Border Guard Station, said: “Inter-agency patrols are identified as a key task in the coordinated activities between units. Every week, the unit develops specific patrol plans in key areas where illegal logging, wildlife hunting, or high-risk forest fires frequently occur. Patrol teams regularly trek through forests, cross streams, inspect trails, open areas, and border regions to promptly detect and handle violations of forestry laws.”

The task force of Rach Tram Border Guard Station and officers of the Rach Tram Forest Management and Protection Team patrol to protect the greenery of Phu Quoc island.

Following the patrol team, we clearly felt the hardships faced by the soldiers in green uniforms and the specialized forest protection force. The rugged terrain, fragmented forests and mountains, unpredictable weather, and limited tools and equipment make the task extremely difficult. Many officers and soldiers have to perform their duties for extended periods in the deep forest, lacking basic living conditions, yet they remain determined to stay in the forest and their assigned areas, successfully completing their tasks.

In addition to maintaining effective patrol and control work, the forces also regularly exchange information and coordinate in handling cases related to violations of forestry laws. When detecting individuals suspected of illegally exploiting or transporting forest products or hunting wild animals, the authorities quickly deploy plans to crack down on and strictly handle them according to the law. As a result, many cases have been detected and prevented in a timely manner, contributing to limiting damage to forest resources and enhancing deterrence against violators.

In addition, forest fire prevention and control are always given special attention by the forces, especially during the dry season. Mr. Nguyen Minh Tuan, Team Leader of the Rach Tram Forest Management and Protection Team, Phu Quoc National Park Management Board, said: “Of the total area of ​​over 5,770 hectares under our management, about 1,565 hectares are located in high-risk fire zones. Therefore, the unit regularly reviews key areas, develops specific response plans, and organizes a force on duty 24/7. All necessary firefighting equipment and tools are prepared to proactively handle any situation that may arise.”

Officers from the Rach Tram Border Guard Station and officers from the Rach Tram Forest Management and Protection Team, at a forest fire prevention and control outpost.

In addition, the forces also coordinated the organization of training in forest fire prevention and control skills for officers, soldiers, and people living near the forest to improve their ability to respond in emergency situations. Thanks to the synchronized implementation of many solutions, for many years, the forest area managed by the units has not experienced any serious fires. Alongside professional duties, the work of disseminating information and mobilizing people to participate in forest protection has been identified as a long-term and sustainable solution. In recent years, Rach Tram Border Guard Station, in coordination with the Phu Quoc National Park Management Board, has regularly organized legal awareness campaigns in residential areas, schools, and areas near the forest; disseminated regulations on forest protection and development; and encouraged people not to abet illegal logging and to actively report violations.

Lieutenant Colonel Do Ko Ka further shared: “Many households that previously had the habit of going into the forest to exploit timber and hunt wild animals have now changed their awareness and proactively cooperated with functional forces to protect the forest and preserve the ecological environment.” One of the factors contributing to improving the effectiveness of forest protection work is promoting the role of the people. With the motto "The people know, the people discuss, the people do, the people inspect," the units have built many self-governing forest protection models in the community. People are not only the target of propaganda but also become "eyes and ears," supporting functional forces in detecting and providing information about violations of forestry laws.

Along the more than 8km long concrete road winding through the forests of northern Phu Quoc, the green of the old-growth and protected forests today is a testament to the silent efforts and sacrifices of border guards, forest rangers, national park officials, and local people. Preserving that green landscape has required countless drops of sweat, hard work, and months of persistent dedication to the forest by these forces.

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/nuoi-duong-van-hoa-bo-doi-cu-ho/giu-mau-xanh-cho-dao-ngoc-phu-quoc-1041288