Preserving the "green lungs"

Along with the process of socio-economic development, the work of forest management, protection and development in Phu Tho province in general, and Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department in particular, has always been concerned and considered a key and regular task. With the characteristic of a relatively large forest area, every year, the work of forest management and protection is always focused on by the forest rangers, local authorities and people, contributing to preserving the "green lung", ensuring livelihoods for people, and developing the ecological environment sustainably.

Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department is currently managing more than 20,000 hectares of forestry planning land, including more than 2,200 hectares of special-use forest land; nearly 4,200 hectares of protective forest land; nearly 15,000 hectares of production forest land, spread over the wards of Thong Nhat, Hoa Binh, Tan Hoa, Ky Son, and Thinh Minh commune of Hoa Binh city (old).

With complex terrain, natural forests and planted forests interspersed with residential areas, the forest rangers have to face many difficulties and challenges in patrolling and controlling the forest. However, thanks to the synchronous implementation of solutions and close coordination between the forest rangers, local authorities, forest protection teams and people, for many years there have been no hot spots of deforestation or illegal logging in the area.

One of the highlights in forest protection work in Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department is promoting the role of the community in forest management and protection. People are not only beneficiaries of the forest but also an important force participating in forest protection. People consider the forest as their own property. If the forest is cut down or eroded, their lives will be affected. Therefore, everyone is conscious of preserving it and reminding each other not to violate it.

Officers of Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department inspect forests managed by the Department in Hoa Binh ward.

Along with forest management and protection, many households in the area know how to exploit the potential of forests to develop the economy and increase income. A typical example is Mrs. Nguyen Thi Thu's family in Hoa Binh ward, which currently has nearly 20 hectares of forest. Mrs. Thu shared that in the past, she and the people considered the forest as a place to collect firewood and bamboo shoots, with low income. Since being allocated land and forest, the family has invested in planting perennial trees, caring for them, and protecting them according to the instructions of the professional sector, especially the local forest rangers. Every 6-7 year cycle, the family earns hundreds of millions of dong from exploitation.

Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department also promotes the application of technology in forest management. The system for monitoring forest and forestry land developments in the area using FRMS software is applied synchronously; information on forest fire risks is regularly updated for timely warning and handling. Especially in the dry season, forest fire prevention and fighting plans are strictly implemented according to the "4 on-site" motto: On-site forces, on-site means, on-site command and on-site logistics.

Propaganda and education on forestry law are also focused. Communication sessions in residential areas and on loudspeakers in communes and wards are held regularly, helping people better understand the economic and environmental value of forests and the responsibility to protect them. Thanks to forests, water sources are more abundant, the climate is cooler, and the environment is safer.

Along with forest management and protection, Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department also coordinates with wards, communes, forestry enterprises and households to promote economic forest planting associated with livelihood development. Models of planting acacia and eucalyptus combined with livestock raising under the forest canopy have brought about remarkable results.

Since the beginning of the year, in the area of ​​5 wards and communes managed by the Department, more than 700 hectares of forest have been planted; 48 thousand scattered trees of all kinds. Support has been provided for planting high-quality seedlings on nearly 150 hectares, with more than 200 thousand trees, increasing forest cover to nearly 45%. Developing the forest economy not only increases people's income but also reduces pressure on natural forests, contributing to long-term resource protection.

Forest rangers coordinate with people to propagate forest management and protection.

Comrade Bach Thi Thu Hang - Deputy Head of Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department said: "We identify forest management and protection as a key task, closely linked to economic development and stabilizing people's lives.

The District always strengthens inspection, supervision, detection and strict handling of violations of forestry laws, and at the same time does a good job of propaganda and mobilization of people to join hands in protecting forests. The District continues to strongly apply information technology, strengthen coordination with local authorities, and focus on forest protection associated with livelihood development so that forest management is truly sustainable.

It can be seen that, thanks to the drastic participation of all levels and sectors, the close coordination between the forest rangers and the people, the area and quality of forests in the area managed by the Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department are increasingly maintained and developed. The lush green forests are not only a "shield" to protect the environment, but also a source of livelihood and pride for the local people.

In the coming time, Hoa Binh Forest Protection Department will continue to adhere to the motto "protecting forests is protecting life", contributing to the whole province's successful implementation of the goal of developing a green, sustainable and environmentally friendly economy.

Hoang Huong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/gin-giu-la-phoi-xanh-241451.htm