Yen Bai aims for modern, sustainable, high-value forestry

>> Yen Bai strives to increase total agricultural, forestry and fishery products by 5.55%

>> Yen Bai gradually shifts from traditional forestry to forest economy

Talking to reporters of Yen Bai Newspaper, Mr. Kieu Tu Giang - Head of the Provincial Forest Protection Department clarified more about this impressive digitalization journey.

Reporter : Sir, how has the Provincial Forest Protection Department applied digital technology to modernize forest management and reform administrative procedures?

Mr. Kieu Tu Giang: We are deeply aware of the importance of science and technology and digital transformation in improving the efficiency of forest management, protection and development. Many effective tools have been put into use. Notably, the Forest Resource Monitoring System (FRMS) and the Forest Fire Early Detection Software (PHSCR). FRMS helps us collect and update forest data continuously and accurately, while PHSCR processes satellite images to warn of forest fire risks in real time.

The synchronous application of these two systems helps closely monitor forest developments, quickly detect changes or fire risks for timely inspection, verification and response. Initial results show that the time to detect forest incidents is significantly reduced, improving the ability to quickly respond to emergency situations.

In addition, we are deploying the iTwood System as a central database for managing information on forest plantation codes, supporting real-time traceability of wood origin. This system applies cloud computing and QR codes, and can be integrated with the Forestry Management Information System (FORMIS). The province is piloting the issuance of plantation codes in Yen Binh and Luc Yen districts.

Up to now, we have issued codes for over 1,697 hectares of raw material forests with 1,600 codes. Maintaining the stable and effective operation of these software is our top priority. Digital mapping technology and high-resolution satellite image interpretation are also effectively exploited, especially useful in checking the current status of forests, accurately determining the area of ​​forest that has been converted to another use or the area damaged by violations, especially in areas with complex terrain.

Along with expertise, digital transformation is also the focus of reforming administrative procedures, aiming to better serve people and businesses, and build a digital government. The Department has completed the review and proposed a list of eligible conditions for providing full-process online public services, and is actively coordinating to complete it to soon put it on the Provincial Public Service Portal. The goal is to facilitate, reduce travel time and costs (especially in remote areas), and increase publicity and transparency.

In the first 4 months of the year, the Department received and processed 21 administrative procedure files under its authority, all within the prescribed time. To support the people, the unit has developed detailed instructions and closely coordinated with local authorities. Completed information provision and account creation for staff on the "Digital Desk" platform. This is an important step in the internal digital transformation roadmap.

PV: The application of technology certainly comes with many difficulties. What challenges has the Department faced and what solutions have they had to overcome them, sir?

Mr. Kieu Tu Giang: Yes, applying technology is effective but also comes with many difficulties. These are: limited finance for equipment investment, uneven staff skills, weak infrastructure in remote areas, inter-sectoral coordination and people's awareness need to be improved. To overcome these, we have implemented many synchronous solutions. Specifically, we actively mobilize capital sources; promote training and fostering information technology skills for staff; build and standardize forest resource databases and data management processes.

At the same time, we strengthen inter-sectoral coordination, mobilize the community and promote and encourage people to participate in technology application. Finally, raise awareness and build a digital culture throughout the unit. Technology application is a continuous process, requiring perseverance and determination. By identifying challenges and implementing solutions, the Department gradually improves work efficiency, contributing to sustainable local development.

Reporter: What specific directions and plans does the Provincial Forest Protection Department have to continue promoting the application of technology and digital transformation, towards a modern, sustainable, high-value forestry industry, sir?

Mr. Kieu Tu Giang: To continue promoting the application of technology and digital transformation, towards a modern, sustainable, high-value forestry, Yen Bai Forest Protection Department closely follows the orientations, at the same time, focuses on promoting the application of technology in forest management, protection and development: perfecting FRMS, PHSCR, applying remote sensing/GIS, researching flycam/field equipment.

Along with that is the development of digital infrastructure and the construction of a centralized, standardized database, along with upgrading technical infrastructure. Improving the quality of human resources is also a top priority, through training, skills training, building a core team, and raising awareness of digital transformation.

In addition, we will promote the provision of online public services, instructing people on how to use them (especially in rural areas and ethnic minorities). Finally, we will strengthen cooperation and data sharing with other departments, branches, sectors and localities. These orientations affirm the determination of the Department in effectively applying digital technology to firmly protect forest resources, contributing to promoting local socio-economic development, and improving the lives of people attached to forests in a sustainable manner.

PV: Thank you very much!

V an Thong (Implementation)

Source: https://baoyenbai.com.vn/12/350441/Yen-Bai-huong-den-nen-lam-nghiep-hien-dai-ben-vung-gia-tri-cao.aspx