The memories and national pride will forever remain vibrant.

Given the impacts of climate change, the risk of forest fires, and the encroachment on natural resources, forest protection efforts in Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park increasingly require a combination of human resources and science and technology.

Preserving the greenery of Lo Go-Xa Mat today is also a way to remember the glorious traditions and protect the "green lung" of the southwestern border of our country.

Working together day and night to protect the forest.

Located in the transitional zone between the Southeast, Central Highlands, and Mekong Delta regions, Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park covers an area of nearly 30,000 hectares and borders Cambodia with a border length of almost 70km. It is one of the areas with high biodiversity in the South, featuring many characteristic ecosystem types such as evergreen broadleaf forests, dipterocarp forests, and wetlands.

According to the leaders of Lo Go Xa Mat National Park, the park currently records 934 plant species (including Dalbergia tonkinensis, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Dalbergia tonkinensis, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, and other timber trees belonging to the Dipterocarpus family such as Dipterocarpus indicus, Dipterocarpus pilosa, Dipterocarpus sessiliflorus, etc.) and more than 580 animal species, including many rare species such as the black-footed langur, Javanese gibbon, red-backed pheasant, slow loris, red-cheeked gibbon, king cobra, and red-crowned crane…

Beyond being a treasure trove of biodiversity, the forest plays a crucial role in regulating the climate, protecting the ecological environment, and maintaining border security. Amidst the scorching sun of the dry season on the border, forest rangers tirelessly patrol the arid dipterocarp forests, where even a small spark can cause a major fire.

With over 20 years of dedication to the Lo Go-Xa Mat forest, Mr. Tuong Quang Hai, Deputy Head of the Forest Ranger Station Area I under the Tay Ninh Provincial Forest Protection Department, has participated in numerous forest patrols, fire prevention and control efforts, and handling of violations of forestry laws.

Mr. Hai shared: "When I see the forests being protected and thriving, and people understanding the value of forests better, I feel that all my efforts have been worthwhile."

Forest patrol and protection work is regularly maintained by the forest rangers according to both scheduled and unscheduled plans. Depending on the actual situation, task forces closely monitor the area, inspecting key routes to promptly detect and prevent illegal logging and wildlife hunting.

Forest fire prevention and control drill for the Lo Go-Xa Mat forest protection forces. (Photo: Minh Phu/VNA)

Mr. Hai recounted that during a night patrol in the border forest area, the forest rangers detected the sound of a chainsaw coming from deep within the woods. The team quickly approached the scene. Upon being discovered, the suspects fled and fiercely resisted. After many hours of pursuit, the authorities apprehended the two suspects along with the evidence. "At that time, the team had to carry each log, escorting the suspects back to the station in the middle of the night. Everyone was tired but very happy because they had completed the mission," Mr. Hai recalled.

The work of forest rangers is always fraught with difficulties and hardships. There are days when the outdoor temperature exceeds 38 degrees Celsius, yet rangers still have to walk through the forest on patrol. During the peak of the dry season, many of them stay awake for many consecutive nights to be on duty for forest fire prevention and control.

In addition, border guards are working day and night to protect the forest. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung, a medical officer at the Lo Go Border Guard Post, has served in this border region for over 20 years. Besides patrolling and protecting the border, he also regularly goes to the area to meet with people who own land near the forest to disseminate information about border laws and forest protection.

He understands every local custom and is familiar with each community and household in the border region. Thanks to the close cooperation between forest rangers, border guards, and the local people, many violations have been detected early through information provided by the public.

"We have to be close to the people so that they will listen and believe us. When people understand the value of the forest and their responsibility to protect the border, they will not abet illegal logging or hunting," Hung said.

Technology is helping to protect border forests.

Border guards in Tay Ninh province patrol and monitor the border system, boundary markers, and protect the forests along the border. (Photo: Duc Hanh/VNA)

In recent years, the pressure on forest protection in Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park has increased significantly. During the peak months of the dry season, the risk of forest fires is always high. In response to this, the Park Management Board has proposed investing in various pieces of equipment applying science and technology, such as forest fire detection cameras, wildlife monitoring cameras, plows, and water tankers to support forest fire prevention and control efforts.

However, most of the items are still in the proposal stage and are not yet fully equipped. "If we invest in more equipment and apply science and technology, patrolling, detecting, and handling violations will be much faster and more effective," said Mr. Nguyen Minh Cuong, Deputy Director of Lo Go - Xa Mat National Park.

Science and technology have become powerful tools to support forest management and protection. By 2026, the park will be equipped with an AI-powered surveillance camera system capable of detecting smoke and fire and sending early warnings to the control center. In addition, drones and software for monitoring forest changes will also be used to support monitoring and early detection of forest resource encroachment.

According to Ms. Tran Thi Ngan Ha, Head of the Forest Protection Department of Tay Ninh province, the forest protection sector has promoted the application of science and technology, while strengthening coordination among patrol and control forces in border areas, the Vam Co Dong river route, and key locations.

Thanks to the synchronized implementation of various solutions, the number of violations of the Forestry Law in the province decreased from 521 cases in the 2016-2020 period to 390 cases in the 2021-2025 period.

However, the current technology system still does not fully meet practical requirements due to the limited number of cameras, which do not cover all hotspots; and there is a shortage of transmission infrastructure and personnel to operate the technology.

Therefore, Tay Ninh province is implementing a plan to invest over 40 billion VND in the period 2026-2028 to enhance forest fire prevention and control capabilities, expand the Artificial Intelligence camera system, add specialized drones, and build a digital operations center to serve forest management.

In addition to applying technology, the Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park Management Board continues to implement various solutions for biodiversity conservation, wildlife rescue, scientific research, and raising community awareness. Models for developing ecotourism, the forest canopy economy , and livelihood support for people in the buffer zone are also being promoted to reduce pressure on forest resources.

In 2019, Lo Go - Xa Mat National Park was recognized as an ASEAN Heritage Park - a significant milestone acknowledging the efforts in nature conservation in the southwestern border region. Preserving the forest today means protecting green trees, protecting wildlife, maintaining ecological security, protecting national border sovereignty, and preserving the greenery for future generations.

The memories and national pride will forever remain vibrant.

Ta Not Observation Tower (or Ta Not Fire Watchtower) is located in Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park. (Photo: Minh Phu/VNA)

Amidst the lush green forests of Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park, historical memories remain present in every trail, every hut, and every landmark associated with a time of arduous resistance.

Returning to the land that once bore the imprint of his father's years of activity—the late Lawyer Nguyen Huu Tho—Mr. Nguyen Huu Chau, Permanent Vice Chairman of the Club of Traditional Resistance Fighters of the Youth Union of the Central Agencies of the Southern Region, could not hide his emotion when recalling historical memories of the former revolutionary base.

From "R" - the revolutionary base of the North Tay Ninh War Zone - tens of thousands of young people from all over the country flocked here, ready to dedicate their youth to national independence, following President Ho Chi Minh's teachings: "Wherever youth are needed, youth will be there; whatever is difficult, youth will overcome it." This place has witnessed countless sacrifices and contributions of generations of cadres, soldiers, and patriotic youth throughout the fierce years of the resistance war.

Today, the Central Committee Headquarters of the Southern Region National Historical Site has become a meaningful destination for many generations; a place where veterans and former officials return to pay tribute to their comrades, and also a vibrant "outdoor history classroom" for the younger generation.

Each year, the historical site attracts more than 130,000 visitors who come to learn about and explore history. According to Tay Ninh province's tourism development plan, the site will be connected with ecotourism projects within the Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park to form a chain of heritage tourism products linked to nature experiences, contributing to the promotion of the local historical value and ecological resources.

In implementing the 2026 plan for cultural, sports, and tourism development, Tay Ninh province plans to launch several tourist routes combining history and ecology. These include a tour of the Memorial Monument at the Central Propaganda Department of the Southern Region, and the Monument at Nguyen Van Troi School, combined with exploring the Artemisia annua fields in the Border Forest Protection Management Team area via hiking, cycling, or motorbike.

In addition, connecting routes between the Provisional Revolutionary Government Base of the Republic of South Vietnam and the Da Ha oil palm forest, Ta Not wetland, Tan Thanh wetland, etc., are also being built to serve tourists who enjoy experiencing nature and learning about history.

Many new tourism products are also being developed, such as the "Tay Ninh - Journey to the Source" route, a tour exploring Kim Quang Cave combined with experiencing the forest of Lo Go-Xa Mat National Park, and outdoor programs and history learning activities for students.

(VNA/VietNam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/xanh-mai-ky-uc-va-niem-tu-hao-dan-toc-post1113671.vnp