When the people take ownership of the forest

(GLO) - In recent years, in many communes in the western part of Gia Lai province, the policy of allocating land, forests, and forest protection contracts to the people has proven to be very effective.

When empowered with specific responsibilities, people not only raise their awareness of forest conservation but also view forests as a long-term livelihood for their families and communities.

Handing over forest land to households improves the effectiveness of forest protection.

In Phu Tuc commune, there are currently 125 households in the villages of Ia Prong, Ia Rnho, Ia Rpua, and Ama Giai participating in forest protection contracts covering a total area of ​​over 2,180 hectares.

Assigning forest land to individual households, clearly defining boundaries and areas, has created a local forest protection force, making forest management more practical and enabling timely detection and prevention of forest encroachment.

In 2024, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Krong Pa district (formerly) provided loans totaling 108 million VND to 9 poor and near-poor households in Ama Giai hamlet to purchase livestock for developing animal husbandry under the forest canopy. Photo: LN

The family of Mr. Alê Tùng (Ia Rnho village) is one of the exemplary households that have been contracted to manage nearly 19 hectares of protective forest in sub-area 1346, plot 6. Although the forest area is nearly 10 km from his home, he maintains regular monthly inspections; during the peak of the dry season, the frequency of patrols is increased to promptly detect potential forest fire risks.

Besides relying on experience, Mr. Tung also received training in using GPS satellite mapping software to monitor forest changes. Thanks to this, when the system issues an alert, he can quickly pinpoint the location and conduct a field inspection.

Besides patrolling, Mr. Tung also coordinates with local forest rangers to encourage households with fields bordering the forest to sign commitments not to cut down trees or burn fields causing forest fires; and to proactively report any unusual signs. “Normally, I patrol 1-2 times a month; from February to June, the peak of the dry season, I patrol about 4 times a month. Thanks to the local authorities' awareness campaigns, we understand our responsibilities in forest protection better,” Mr. Tung shared.

Adjacent to Mr. Tung's forest area is nearly 16 hectares, which has been leased to Mr. Kpa Riem's ​​family since 2023. Despite the difficult forest access, he voluntarily carries out his duties, viewing forest protection as a long-term responsibility.

“The biggest challenges are the roads, the weather, and the travel costs. But when they see the forest turning green again, no longer being cut down as before, everyone becomes more aware. If in the future there is a model of growing medicinal plants under the forest canopy, people will feel more secure and committed to the forest in the long term,” Riem expressed.

You may also like

Workshop to provide feedback on the draft of the book "The Pleiku City Party Committee - From Congress to Congress (1954)"

New AI application helps detect forest fires early using sound.DNO - Amidst the peak of summer and the increasing risk of wildfires, an Israeli startup has successfully developed an artificial intelligence (AI) system that uses acoustic sensors to detect wildfires in just minutes.

A support system to help J'rai youth escape poverty.GIA LAI: Contributing to the revitalization of local agriculture and providing a foundation for J'rai youth to escape poverty... That's what the Dat Bang Youth Agricultural and Service Cooperative has achieved.

According to Mr. Trinh Thanh Khiet, Deputy Secretary of the Phu Tuc Commune Party Committee, in recent times, the Commune Party Committee has focused on leading and directing the entire political system to participate in strengthening forest management and protection.

"The allocation of land and forests to individual households helps people enhance their responsibility in managing and protecting forests at the grassroots level, contributing to reducing forest encroachment."

In 2024, in addition to state support, the commune implemented a model of sustainable production and livestock development linked with planting, managing, protecting, and developing forests, initiated by the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Krong Pa district (formerly) in Ama Giai hamlet. Nine poor and near-poor households were allocated forest land totaling 108 million VND to purchase livestock for livestock development.

"To date, many households have had more calves, helping families have additional livelihoods so they can feel secure in their commitment to the forest and enhance their responsibility in forest protection," Mr. Khiet shared.

Preserving forests through responsibility and livelihood.

Not only in Phu Tuc, but the forest protection contracting work with local communities in Ia Dreh commune is also proving to be very effective. In 2025, the commune organized forest inspections in 8 communities assigned to manage a total area of ​​over 2,040 hectares; the inspection results reached 100%, with no instances of forest encroachment or damage.

According to community forest management group leaders, the assignment of responsibilities has brought about a shift in people's awareness. Mr. Nay Phơr, head of the Kơ Jing village community group, said: "Our group has 17 people, with a total contracted area of ​​218.1 hectares. When the forest is assigned to the community, the people consider it a shared asset."

We take turns patrolling regularly, detecting strangers entering the forest early so we can report them to the authorities promptly. By preserving the forest, the payments for forest environmental services will be more stable for the local people.”

Authorities inspect the area of ​​forest land allocated to local residents in Uar commune. Photo: LN

Besides contributing to the protection of forest resources, the forest management model also helps people gradually become attached to the forest through long-term responsibility and benefits.

United States - Vietnam: Don't miss

Ambassador Nguyen Quoc Dung visits and works in Minnesota, USA.From June 28-30, the Vietnamese Ambassador to the United States, Nguyen Quoc Dung, paid a visit and worked in Minnesota.

Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment in high technology.On the morning of June 26th, at the Government Headquarters, Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung received Mr. Jeff Place, Supply Chain Director of Coherent Group (USA). During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam encourages US businesses to expand investment, especially in high-tech, innovation, and semiconductor industries.

Encourage U.S. businesses to expand investment in high-tech sectors.Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung said that Vietnam welcomes US businesses to continue expanding their operations in Vietnam, especially in high-tech industries and sectors with high added value.

According to Vo Thuy Van, Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Ia Dreh commune: "Handing over forest management to the community is a suitable direction for local conditions. In practice, people have become more proactive in patrolling and protecting the forest. In the future, the commune will continue to strengthen coordination and guide communities to effectively carry out their tasks, linking forest protection with stabilizing people's livelihoods."

Similarly, in Uar commune, forest protection contracting is implemented synchronously with two main forms: contracting to 6 community groups and 6 households, covering a total area of ​​over 1,310.2 hectares.

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Van, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Uar commune, the clear allocation of land area and boundaries has helped people be more proactive in patrolling and protecting the forest; their sense of responsibility has been significantly enhanced.

Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/khi-nguoi-dan-lam-chu-rung-post576932.html