The "shield" protecting the U Minh Ha forest.

In March, the harsh, dry heat of the dry season blankets the vast melaleuca forests in the southernmost part of Vietnam. Beneath the increasingly dry undergrowth, the risk of wildfires can erupt at any moment. But through proactive measures taken early and far-reaching, Ca Mau province is creating a solid "shield" to protect its forests.

Regular drills involving simulated scenarios help forest management and protection forces in Ca Mau improve their operational skills when applying them in real-world situations.

As the peak of the 2026 dry season approaches, forest conservation efforts are being carried out with great discipline. There, the government, relevant authorities, and the people are working together to protect and preserve the endless greenery of their homeland...

The most effective forest fire prevention measures

Forest fire prevention and control are often associated with images of powerful pumps, blaring tanker trucks, or giant firebreaks winding through the heart of the forest. However, in the vast U Minh Ha forest, the most effective and sustainable fire prevention measures stem from the awareness of the residents who live rooted in the buffer zone.

U Minh Ha Forestry One-Member Limited Liability Company manages and protects over 23,000 hectares of forest land, mainly planted with Melaleuca and acacia trees using intensive farming methods. This area also accounts for more than 50% of the forest area prone to wildfires in Ca Mau.

However, in the last five years, the area under the unit's management has not experienced any fires. To achieve this result, as in previous years, from the very beginning of 2026, before the morning mist had even cleared from the melaleuca leaves, the forest protection force embarked on a journey of "going from street to street, knocking on every door."

They didn't reach the farmers with empty reports. Everything was subtly and delicately integrated through propaganda sessions, through everyday conversations over morning tea, inquiries about farming, harvesting fish, and so on.

Mr. Huynh Minh Nguyen, Secretary of the Party Committee of Khanh Lam commune, concluded: "Thanks to the smooth coordination with the local Party committee and government in promoting propaganda, farmers in the forest area now understand that the leased production forest is their property. If they are negligent and a fire occurs, all the fruits of their labor will be lost."

Ca Mau currently has over 148,000 hectares of forest land, of which more than 45,800 hectares face a very high risk of fire. The "hottest" area is the forest area of ​​U Minh Ha National Park, which has more than 8,500 hectares of special-use forest associated with the freshwater wetland ecosystem.

Ngo Van Khang, Head of the Forest Protection Management Department of U Minh Ha National Park, shared: Before the dry season begins, the unit proactively coordinates with the U Minh Forest Ranger Station, the Tran Van Thoi Forest Ranger Station, and the authorities of Khanh An, Khanh Lam, and Da Bac communes to organize many meetings with local people.

Through these meetings, nearly 1,000 households in the buffer zone voluntarily signed a commitment to jointly protect the forest. At the same time, 11 coordination regulations between forest owners and local authorities were signed to implement comprehensive fire prevention and control measures.

Mr. Pham Van Ngot, who owns nearly 100 hectares of forest land combined with tourism development in Da Bac commune, confided: "My family considers preserving the forest as preserving our livelihood, preserving the clean air and the source of life that has existed for generations."

According to Tran Cong Hoang, Director of U Minh Ha National Park, the park has proactively established 13 checkpoints and mobilized 13 pumping units in high-risk areas.

Rapid response teams continuously and discreetly monitor those entering the forest to collect honey, preventing risks from afar. “The quiet presence of the forest protection force has brought a sense of peace to the villages. It creates an invisible green wall in the hearts of the people…,” remarked proudly, elderly farmer Tang Van Thang, owner of 14 hectares of forest land in Khanh An commune.

Main support point

Proactive forest conservation is not just a matter of awareness, but is also evident in the thorough preparation of the Ca Mau provincial government. At the beginning of December 2025, the province approved the Plan for implementing forest fire prevention and control tasks for the 2025-2026 dry season.

The overarching goal is to effectively manage the existing area, detect problems early, and address them promptly to minimize damage to people and resources. A large force along with a system of equipment has been mobilized to be on duty day and night.

Throughout the U Minh Ha forest area and Bac Lieu Bird Sanctuary, 89 sluice gates and dams have been closed to regulate water and maintain moisture at the base of the forest. The entire area maintains 74 fire watch towers. In addition, there are 129 specialized pumps, over 61,000 meters of fire hoses, and more than 100 mobile transport vehicles operating on the canals.

The core force comprises 75 teams with over 500 well-trained members, ready to respond. The Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau province, To Hoai Phuong, emphasized: "The thorough preparation is evident at every station and checkpoint."

The "four on-site" principle is now seamlessly integrated with the "five readiness" principles regarding information, command, personnel, equipment, and logistics. "When an unexpected incident occurs, in addition to the core force, we can quickly mobilize more than 1,000 local residents to participate in extinguishing the fire," Mr. Phuong stated.

Traversing the vast U Minh Ha forest, the canals have been cleared. A series of sluice gates and dams are closed to retain moisture in the vegetation, prevent heat from spreading, and store water for firefighting. From their towering watchtowers, the protection force constantly observes and stands guard 24/7, facing the scorching sun and biting wind to ensure peace for tens of thousands of hectares of fire-prone forest in Ca Mau.

Meanwhile, on the ground floor, machinery is inspected and tested daily to ensure immediate response to commands. Simulated scenario drills based on the 2025-2026 plan are also conducted regularly and realistically, helping to improve coordination efficiency.

Now, even though the dry season in Ca Mau may be harsh and challenging, with the deep love for the forest and the high sense of responsibility of all levels of the people, that green will forever be preserved intact.

According to nhandan.vn

Source: https://baodongthap.vn/-la-chan-giu-rung-u-minh-ha-a238341.html