Preserving forests during the dry season.

At this time of year, the forests in the communes of Phù Yên, Mường Bang, Tân Phong, Tường Hạ, and Kim Bon are entering their most sensitive period. Prolonged sunshine, dry and brittle vegetation, and the constant risk of forest fires are all contributing factors. Therefore, the Forest Protection Unit of Region V is always vigilant, implementing comprehensive solutions to preserve the green cover of over 37,000 hectares of forested land, protecting resources and livelihoods for the people in the highlands.

Forestry officials from Region V, along with militia forces from Kim Bon commune, inspected the forest using remote sensing technology.

Currently, the total forested land area managed by the Forest Protection Department of Region V is 37,027 hectares, with a forest cover rate of 51%. This is a valuable resource, playing an important role in climate regulation, environmental protection, and sustainable economic development of the locality. However, the complex terrain, scattered population, and the fact that people's lives still depend heavily on the forest make forest management and protection difficult.

From the first quarter onwards, the Regional Forestry Department V proactively advised and issued 49 directive and operational documents, and also advised the People's Committees of the communes to issue 30 documents related to forest management and protection, forest fire prevention and control, and forest product management. This created a legal framework and clear direction for the implementation of tasks at the grassroots level, especially during the peak dry season.

In addition, propaganda efforts have been intensified. Since the beginning of the year, the forest protection force has organized 12 propaganda conferences with 1,307 participants. The propaganda content has been implemented through various forms, from direct conferences to loudspeaker systems broadcasting in Kinh, Thai, and Hmong languages, contributing to raising people's awareness of forest protection and forest fire prevention and control. At the same time, the forest protection force has strengthened its presence in the area, proactively monitoring forest changes, coordinating with the government and forest owners to organize regular patrols and inspections. In the first quarter of 2026, the Forest Protection Department conducted 12 patrols and inspections of forest management and protection, promptly detecting 4 administrative violations involving 5 individuals, with a total fine of over 16 million VND. The violations mainly involved the illegal trading and exploitation of forest products and violations of regulations on forest animals. Timely handling has contributed to deterring and limiting acts of forest destruction.

Specialized inspections were also carried out according to plan. In March, the Forest Protection Department of Region V conducted inspections in 5 communes, focusing on areas at risk of deforestation, encroachment on forest land, or areas experiencing a decrease in forest area. The application of technologies such as remote sensing imagery, GIS data, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) helps improve the effectiveness of early detection of hotspots, leading to stricter forest management.

Forestry officials from Region V, along with residents of Kim Bon commune, are clearing undergrowth.

Mr. Soi Ngoc Kien, Head of the Forest Protection Department Area V, said: "Identifying the dry season as a crucial period, negligence will lead to very serious consequences. Therefore, the unit directs local forest rangers to closely monitor the situation, increase patrols and inspections; and coordinate closely with the government and the people. The application of technology such as satellite imagery and UAVs also helps improve the effectiveness of early detection of risks. The goal is to prevent large fires and minimize damage if an incident occurs."

In 2025, the Forest Protection Department also coordinated the acceptance of nearly 5,088 hectares of forest under protection support, with a total budget of over 2 billion VND paid to 301 forest owners, contributing to increased income and fostering a sense of responsibility among the people in forest conservation; the Forest Protection Department inspected and verified 17 fire warning points from satellites and recorded no fires occurring on the ground. This is the result of proactive and timely prevention and control efforts.

In Kim Bon commune, with nearly 2,585 hectares of forest area, of which over 2,116 hectares are natural forest, forest protection and fire prevention and control are identified as key tasks. The commune People's Committee has issued a specific plan for forest protection during the 2025-2026 dry season, with the motto "prevention is key, early detection, timely and thorough handling, and safety." Forest protection teams in the villages of the commune have been strengthened, with core forces including militia, youth union members, and working closely with local forest rangers. When the forest fire risk forecast reaches levels IV and V, the assigned forces are on duty 24/7, organizing patrols to detect forest fire risks early.

Mr. Dinh Van Tu, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Kim Bon commune, shared: "The people have all been informed and signed commitments to protect the forest. During the dry season, people are very careful in using fire, and when burning fields, they report to the village head and forest rangers. If they detect smoke or a risk of fire, they report it immediately for timely handling. Thanks to this, the commune has not experienced any major fires for many years."

Forestry officials from Region V, along with militia forces from Kim Bon commune, patrol and protect the forest.

In addition, the management of flammable materials, guidance for people on proper vegetation management, and the installation of fire prohibition signs in key areas have been implemented simultaneously. These solutions contribute to reducing the risk of forest fires at their source.

Coordination among forces is also crucial. Forest rangers, police, local military , and forest protection teams regularly coordinate patrols, inspections, and crackdowns on violations. High-risk areas are demarcated, and intensive inspection campaigns are organized to promptly prevent deforestation and encroachment on forest land. Despite limited resources, the Regional Forest Ranger Station V strives to enhance equipment and train staff. Sending staff to training courses on GIS and UAV software helps improve professional capacity and meet the demands of forest management in the new context.

The dry season is still ongoing, and the risk of forest fires remains ever-present. With the proactive efforts of the forest rangers, the involvement of local authorities, and the cooperation of the people, it is believed that the forests in the area under the jurisdiction of the Forest Ranger District V will continue to be protected and remain lush and green.

Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/giu-rung-mua-hanh-kho-Z91gtfcvg.html