Mr. Sang protects the forest.

Having once exploited the forest for a living, Mr. Dang Ngoc Sang has changed his mindset and become a dedicated forest guardian, actively participating in forest management and protection work alongside staff of the Tay Hoa Protective Forest Management Board.

Born and raised in My Thanh village, Hoa My commune, Mr. Dang Ngoc Sang (born in 1975) has lived a life closely connected to the forests of this area. Due to difficult circumstances, when he was young, he often went into the forest to cut down trees to sell to those in need. Although he earned some income, his life remained precarious. What troubled him most was the harm his actions were causing to the environment.

Mr. Sang shared: “With no trees left to retain water, the forests are gradually thinning, and floods are sweeping away crops and houses of the people in my hometown. Those images haunted me, so since 2000 I have decided not to cut down any more trees in the forest.”

Mr. Dang Ngoc Sang participates in forest protection patrols.

Having given up being a "forest poacher," Mr. Sang switched to farming and livestock breeding to stabilize his life. Currently, his family owns 3.5 hectares of acacia and cassava plants, earning nearly 100 million VND per year.

When the Tay Hoa Protective Forest Management Board implemented the policy of contracting forest management and protection to households, Mr. Sang saw it as an opportunity to contribute to forest protection. For nearly five years, Mr. Sang has consistently been one of the most active participants in patrolling and protecting the forest, and has been highly regarded among the 211 households contracted to manage and protect the forest by the Tay Hoa Protective Forest Management Board.

With his experience and familiarity with the area, Mr. Sang effectively supports the forest rangers in many patrols. For Mr. Sang, this work is not simply about money , but also about his responsibility to the forests where he has left his footprints. "I consider patrolling with the forest rangers as my responsibility. It's also an opportunity for me to contribute to caring for, preserving, and reviving natural forests, keeping the greenery for future generations," Mr. Sang shared.

According to the Tay Hoa Protective Forest Management Board, the unit has contracted out the protection of 6,189 hectares of natural and protective forest to 211 local households. This is an important force, contributing alongside the staff of the Tay Hoa Protective Forest Management Board to fulfilling the task of managing and protecting the forest in the past.

Mr. Dao Ngoc Dung, Director of the Tay Hoa Protective Forest Management Board, said: “Previously, the Hoa My and Son Thanh communes were considered hotspots for deforestation. Many people, including Mr. Sang, had to rely on the forest for their livelihood due to difficult circumstances. However, thanks to propaganda, mobilization, and a change in awareness, Mr. Sang has become one of the exemplary individuals, making positive contributions to the unit's forest protection work over the years.”

Nhat Huy

Source: https://baodaklak.vn/kinh-te/202606/ong-sang-giu-rung-674215f/