Building a plan to protect the "green lung" of Can Gio

The forest is also a breeding ground for many aquatic species, contributing to sustainable economic development through ecotourism, aquaculture and scientific research. Therefore, protecting Can Gio protective forest is one of the important tasks that Ho Chi Minh City pays special attention to.

can gio.jpg -0 — A corner of Can Gio mangrove forest, Ho Chi Minh City.

According to the sustainable forest management plan for Can Gio protective forest until 2030, which has just been approved by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, Can Gio protective forest currently has a total area of 34,809.68 hectares, of which forested land accounts for more than 32,482 hectares, including more than 12,490 hectares of natural forest and nearly 19,000 hectares of planted forest.

This is the only mangrove forest in Ho Chi Minh City, and is also an "ecological shield" protecting the urban area from the effects of high tides, saltwater intrusion and climate change. In addition, the forest is also a source of livelihood for hundreds of households involved in forestry, a gathering place of more than 200 animal species and 150 plant species, creating the richest and most diverse ecosystem in the Southeast region.

Also according to this plan, Ho Chi Minh City aims to develop eco -tourism , resorts and entertainment in Can Gio protective forest in the period of 2025 - 2030, attracting an average of 400,000 - 500,000 visitors per year. Dan Xay tourist area will be built into a model of green eco-tourism, and Can Gio Mangrove Forest Park will be an open space for Ho Chi Minh City residents to return to nature and experience the unique mangrove ecosystem.

In addition, forest environmental services such as carbon absorption, climate regulation, water conservation, etc. will be deployed to create additional economic value, contribute to green growth and contribute to the local budget. These benefits will be shared fairly with the community participating in forest protection, creating a cycle of benefits - responsibility - development.

By 2030, the plan aims to maintain the existing forest area intact, ensuring a coverage of 48.8%, while improving the quality of planted forests with advanced silvicultural techniques. It is expected that about 1,500 hectares of forest will be enriched, nurtured, developed, and restored by combining natural regeneration with additional planting.

The application of digital technology in forest management is also a highlight of this plan. Digital transformation solutions will be deployed to monitor changes in forest resources, inventory and accurately count forestry land, contributing to improving management efficiency. This is an important step in the process of modernizing the forestry sector, helping forest protection work become more scientific, transparent and effective.

The plan also focuses on consolidating and promoting the results of forest protection contracts for people, considering this the “key” to sustainable conservation. Ensuring jobs, income, and livelihoods for people will help limit forest encroachment, while spreading the spirit of attachment to nature and forestry.

To effectively implement the plan, the total investment capital is expected to be more than 3,165 billion VND, of which the State budget supports more than 1,453 billion VND, the rest is mobilized from joint ventures, associations and socialized sources. This is an important resource to invest in infrastructure for forest management and development, construction of patrol roads, ranger stations, forest fire warning systems, eco-tourism centers and research and training projects for forestry human resources.

Not only stopping at management work, the plan also aims to spread the value of forests to the community. Scientific research, teaching and ecological practice activities will be expanded; environmental education programs and propaganda of laws on forest protection will be promoted in schools and residential areas. People are not only beneficiaries but also become the subjects accompanying the government in the work of protecting forests and conserving ecosystems.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/doi-song/xay-dung-phuong-an-bao-ve-la-phoi-xanh-can-gio-i787403/