Effective implementation of forest environmental services in the buffer zone of Sao La Conservation Area

The buffer zone of the Sao La Nature Reserve (SNR) in Quang Nam Province is home to thousands of households, mostly Co Tu ethnic people. Bringing forest management and protection, wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation to each household in the buffer zone of this SNR is a strategic step, in line with the trend of sustainable development and putting people at the center of conservation work.

For generations, ethnic minorities living in the buffer zone of Sao La Nature Reserve, Quang Nam Province have been closely attached to the forest, considering it a part of their flesh and blood. Therefore, creating livelihoods for people, in addition to propaganda work, raising awareness of forest management and protection, biodiversity protection, especially effectively implementing forest environmental services, has contributed to stabilizing people's lives and protecting biodiversity.

Increasing propaganda andeducation to raise awareness to each household, especially women and young people about forest management and protection will create a solid social foundation for conservation. Changing awareness is not simply understanding the importance of forests, but also changing behavior from hunting and gathering to living in harmony with nature, participating in afforestation, forest monitoring, ecotourism or other sustainable livelihoods.

Promote propaganda work on forest protection management and biodiversity protection for students.

In recent years, the Saola Nature Reserve Management Board has actively coordinated with local authorities, social organizations, and community forest protection groups to promote communication and raise awareness among people in the buffer zone. Communication and training sessions were organized in village communities in the area, including Dang, Ateep, Talang village communities of Bhalêê commune, Tay Giang district; Aur, Arec, Ga'lau, Cr'toonh of Avuong commune, Tay Giang district; Pa Nai, Areh Dhrong of Ta Lu commune, Dong Giang district; Gung, Aduong, Ta Vac of Prao town, Dong Giang district; Pho, BhloBen, K8, Bhohong of Song Kon commune, Dong Giang district.

The propaganda content not only introduces the value of rare animals such as saola, red-shanked douc langur..., but also integrates knowledge about forest management and protection, the harmful effects of hunting and trapping wild animals, regulations on banning deforestation, as well as the role of forests in responding to climate change.

Currently, a number of models have been piloted in the Sao La Nature Reserve buffer zone with the support of local authorities and conservation organizations such as: Organizing training and communication classes in villages, thereby helping people better understand the role of each species of flora and fauna, the forest ecosystem and the consequences of biodiversity loss.

Establish community forest patrol teams consisting of villagers who voluntarily monitor and report violations, and coordinate with forest rangers to inspect and handle violations when detected; support alternative livelihoods such as beekeeping, growing medicinal herbs under the forest canopy, and making handicrafts from legal materials; thereby reducing dependence on forest resource exploitation; integrate conservation into education through extracurricular programs and nature clubs at schools to help form a love of nature in young children from an early age.

According to the leader of the Quang Nam Provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund, bringing forest management, wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation to each household in the Sao La Nature Reserve buffer zone is a bright spot in forest management. When people are involved, supported and have alternative livelihoods, they will be the “extended arm” of the specialized forest protection force.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Xa-hoi/trien-khai-hieu-qua-dich-vu-moi-truong-rung-o-vung-dem-khu-bao-ton-loai-sao-la-i766537/