This model not only helps maintain forest area but also creates livelihoods, making people the core force in protecting resources.
Forest owners are sustainable support
In Tuy Duc commune, Lam Dong province, the Community Forest Management Board of Bon Bu N'dor B is currently contracting to protect more than 1,000ha of production forest and protection forest. For the people, the forest is not only a national resource but also a living space and a cultural attachment for generations.
To protect the forest, patrol teams are maintained regularly. Every month, members take turns sticking to the forest, checking each sub-area to promptly prevent encroachment acts. Thanks to being familiar with the terrain and having a high sense of responsibility, the forest area here has been maintained for many consecutive years.
Mr. Dieu Noi - Head of the Community Forest Management Board of Bon Bu N'dor B - shared that land and forest allocation helps people have stable income and preserve assets for their children and grandchildren.
Since 2013, the policy of paying for forest environmental services has helped each member receive from 3 to more than 4 million VND per quarter. Under the forest canopy, people also take advantage of natural products such as bamboo shoots, mushrooms, medicinal herbs... to improve their lives.
Currently, nearly 4,700ha of forest in Tuy Duc commune has mostly been assigned to 4 community forest management boards. Mr. Tran Van Si - Chairman of Tuy Duc Commune People's Committee - said that the role of the community is very large, especially when fields are interspersed with natural forests. Without the involvement of the people, management will be very difficult and costly.
Tighten management in key ATK Dinh Hoa area
In the ATK Dinh Hoa forest area (Thai Nguyen), after rearranging the apparatus in July 2025, Forest Protection Department No. 11 and the ATK Dinh Hoa Forest Management Board have synchronously implemented forest protection solutions.
In the early stages when the new government went into operation, the situation of forestry violations became complicated because subjects took advantage of the lax inspection.
Faced with that reality, the units urgently coordinated, prepared dossiers for planting boundary markers and arranged forces to be on duty 24/24 hours during peak heat.
In the first months of 2026, the Management Board has accepted and paid for contract protection of more than 1,600ha for 11 communities and 59 households. At the same time, Forest Protection Department No. 11 also mobilized people to plant nearly 100ha of concentrated forest and conducted 66 patrols.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Thang - Head of Forest Protection Department No. 11 - said that the unit is actively advising communes to develop plans for propaganda and dissemination of laws to raise people's awareness, determined not to let deforestation or forest fires occur in the area.
Reality affirms that relying on ethnic minorities is the core solution to effectively preserve forests, protect national resources and create sustainable livelihoods.
