On September 7, Mr. Nguyen Van Hoan - Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Gia Lai province sent an official dispatch requesting units such as the Forest Protection Department, the Board of Management of Protective and Special-use Forests, and the People's Committees of communes to strengthen the prevention and handling of illegal exploitation and trading of Uoi and Xoay fruit.
Ai, Xoay fruit has long been considered a local specialty, mainly distributed in remote natural forests in Kbang, Son Lang, Dak Rong communes of Gia Lai province. During the season, people living near the forest often gather in groups to pick riperies.
It is worth mentioning that these fruits often grow on trees tens of meters high. People not only climb but also cut branches, even cut down trees to make harvesting more convenient.
This fruit is collected and bought by traders to supply the market, helping people earn some extra income.
However, the Department of Agriculture and Environment assessed that destructive exploitation such as cutting branches and cutting down trees to get fruit has caused serious damage to forest resources, biodiversity and the ability to regenerate naturally.
Meanwhile, Gia Lai is focusing on protecting forest resources to develop tourism, sell forest carbon credits, and provide forest environmental services to raise funds to protect thousands of hectares of forests in Kon Ka Kinh Nature Reserve, Kon Ha Nung...
These forests are likened to the "longs" of the Central Highlands and South Central regions, with great value in climate regulation and biodiversity conservation.
Therefore, the Department of Agriculture and Environment requires forest owners, Forest Rangers, and People's Committees of communes to increase patrols and inspections in areas with many U O and Xoay trees; resolutely handle cases of illegal exploitation, trading, and transportation, and traceability of forest products in accordance with regulations.
The People's Committees of communes and wards are responsible for coordinating with forest owners to widely propagate, raise public awareness; handle illegal collection, gathering and transportation points for Uoi and rot in the area.
Forestry companies, the Management Board of Protective and Specialized Forests and Kon Chu Rang Nature Reserve are also required to tighten protection work, arrange forces to block off key areas, and completely prevent violations.
