The effectiveness of the "people protecting the forest" model.

Over the years, Tuyen Quang province has effectively implemented the model of self-governing forest protection groups in many localities, especially in remote and disadvantaged communes. Not only does this contribute to preserving forest resources, but the model also opens up a sustainable livelihood path, as people both directly protect the forest and benefit from the forest environmental service payment policy.

Forest rangers patrol the Phong Quang special-use forest. Photo: Pham Huong.

In Hoang Ly Pa village, Minh Tan commune, where the majority of the population are ethnic Mong people living in the core area of ​​Phong Quang special-use forest, the pristine forests remain lush and green today. Few people know that this area was once a hotspot for illegal logging, trading, and transportation of forest products.

Mr. Vang Seo Sinh, head of the self-governing forest protection team in Hoang Ly Pa village, said that the turning point came when the self-governing team model was established, along with the payment for forest environmental services to the people. “With the support policy in place, the people understood that protecting the forest is not only a responsibility but also brings practical benefits. As a result, deforestation has stopped, and people actively participate in patrolling and protecting the forest,” Mr. Sinh shared.

Currently, the self-governing group of Hoang Ly Pa village maintains regular patrols over an area of ​​more than 2,000 hectares of forest. Along with the local forest rangers, the group members not only detect and prevent violations but also directly educate and encourage people to raise awareness about the value of the forest.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Nam, representative of the Phong Quang Special Forest Management Board, linking forest protection with the economic interests of the people is a fundamental solution. "When people benefit from the forest, they will proactively participate in its protection. Therefore, public awareness campaigns will be easier, creating greater consensus within the community," Mr. Nam stated.

In reality, the model of self-governing forest protection groups in Tuyen Quang is proving to be remarkably effective. In areas where it is well implemented, the number of law violations has decreased significantly; many cases are detected and handled at the grassroots level. Furthermore, these groups are a core force in forest fire prevention and control, contributing to the safety of forests during the dry season.

The hard work of forest rangers on patrol has contributed to maintaining peace in the forest. Photo: Pham Huong.

One of the key factors contributing to the model's success is the policy of payment for forest environmental services. This is not only a source of financial support but also a "lever" to change people's perceptions. When forests generate income, people no longer depend on illegal resource exploitation, but instead shift towards protecting and preserving resources in the long term.

According to data, by 2025, nearly 54,000 households in the province will receive payments for forest environmental services, averaging 576,000 VND per household per year. Although the amount is not large, this source of income is stable and contributes to improving living standards, especially for ethnic minorities living near forests.

Mr. Nguyen Manh Duong, Head of the Forest Ranger Team in Minh Tan commune, believes that the harmonious combination of propaganda, mobilization, and support policies has created sustainable effectiveness. "People now not only cooperate with the forest rangers but also proactively detect and prevent violations, considering the forest as their own property," Mr. Duong emphasized.

Tuyen Quang province currently has over 300 self-governing forest protection groups, becoming a leading force at the grassroots level. With over 1 million hectares of forest land and a forest cover rate exceeding 62%, ranking third nationwide, these results are significantly contributed to by the "people protecting the forest" model.

However, for the model to continue to be effective, additional support mechanisms are needed regarding operating funds, equipment, and capacity building for self-governing groups. At the same time, it is necessary to continue promoting awareness so that people better understand their roles, rights, and responsibilities when participating in forest protection.

From the experience in Tuyen Quang, it can be affirmed that when economic interests are linked to the responsibility of protection, the people will become the most effective and sustainable force in preserving forests. Today's green forests are not only preserved by legal regulations, but also by the livelihoods and beliefs of the local community.

Sky Blue

Source: https://baotuyenquang.com.vn/kinh-te/nong-lam-nghiep/202604/hieu-qua-mo-hinh-dan-giu-rung-b8f2144/