"Green Shield" in Dong Giang

Thanks to the joint efforts of ethnic minority communities, the forests in Dong Giang are preserved green. This contributes to protecting the livelihoods of the community and promoting sustainable development in this mountainous region.

The policy of contracting out forest protection helps ethnic minority communities earn additional income and improve their living standards.

Stay close to the forest, preserve the greenery.

According to Mr. Le Minh Chau, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Dong Giang commune, Dong Giang is currently one of the localities with a large forest area. According to the published forest status as of December 31, 2025, the entire commune has over 16,557 hectares of forest, of which nearly 15,789 hectares are natural forest. The forest cover rate reaches 80.8%, placing it among the localities with high forest cover in the province.

To preserve the greenness of the forest, the local authorities always prioritize forest management and protection, fire prevention and control, and preventing deforestation and encroachment on forest land. Regular awareness campaigns on wildlife and aquatic resources are conducted, contributing to improved public understanding. Thanks to the coordinated efforts of relevant agencies and the cooperation of the people, for many years, there have been no forest fires or serious forestry violations in the area.

Besides the involvement of the government and relevant authorities, local people, especially ethnic minorities, are playing an increasingly important role in forest protection. The policy of contracting forest protection has been effectively implemented, contributing to promoting the role of the community in forest resource management.

In 2025, Dong Giang commune will have 394 households participating in forest protection contracts covering over 8,400 hectares, funded by forest environmental service payments and Resolution No. 04 of the Provincial People's Council. Through these contracts, people not only gain a stable source of income but also enhance their awareness and responsibility in patrolling, detecting, and preventing forest encroachment at the grassroots level.

For the source of life in the future

This shift in awareness has laid a crucial foundation for local people to participate more deeply in forest management and protection. From households that relied on the forest for their livelihood, many ethnic minority families have become partners with the forestry sector in preserving forest resources.

According to Mr. Nguyen Hong Hai, Deputy Head of the Dong Giang Protective Forest Management Board, the unit currently manages over 24,365 hectares of forest and non-forested land in the communes of Dong Giang, La Da, Ham Thuan Bac, Ham Thuan, and Ham Liem. In addition to the specialized force at 7 forest management and protection teams and 13 forest protection checkpoints, the unit also cooperates with 481 households contracted to protect over 14,600 hectares of natural forest using allocated funds. This policy not only creates additional income for the people but also contributes to enhancing community responsibility in forest management and protection.

However, from January 1, 2026, the signing of temporary forest protection contracts must be stopped because the unit is transitioning to a financially autonomous mechanism and the funds for forest protection contracts have not yet been allocated. This will more or less affect forest protection, anti-deforestation efforts, and forest fire prevention and control in the area.

In light of this situation, the Dong Giang Protective Forest Management Board continues to maintain its forces at forest protection checkpoints and stations. It is intensifying inspections, reviews, and the identification and signing of commitments with households whose production land adjoins the forest. At the same time, it is proactively gathering information and understanding the activities of violators to promptly prevent acts of forest resource encroachment and prevent hotspots of deforestation or forest fires.

In addition to protecting existing forest areas, Dong Giang actively implements the "Planting 1 billion trees in the period 2021 - 2025" project. In 2025 alone, the locality planted 23,500 trees, achieving 147% of the set plan. Cumulatively, during the period 2021 - 2025, the entire commune planted over 72,500 trees, contributing to increased forest cover and improved ecological environment.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/la-chan-xanh-o-ong-giang-445980.html