Tet holiday of forest rangers
Yok Don National Park is currently protecting 115,545ha of "unique" Khop forest in Vietnam. In the peak dry season of the Central Highlands, when the gentle wind blows through the Khop forests, the patrol rhythm of Yok Don National Park officials is increasing.
For the Yok Don National Park functional forces, keeping the forest is not only a daily task but also a responsibility order, even in the New Year's Eve moment, throughout Tet, throughout the day, throughout the month...
Yok Don coconut forest is a typical and unique ecosystem in Vietnam, mainly spread in Dak Lak province. In the dry season, the leaf carpet falls thickly, the sun is harsh and prolonged, even a small ember can break out into a large fire.
Therefore, along with preventing illegal loggers, forest fire prevention and fighting work is always placed at the highest level of alert. At the end of the year, amidst the bustling Tet atmosphere, 17 Forest Protection Stations of Yok Don National Park with hundreds of officials are still quietly crossing the forest, inspecting high-risk points.
Mr. Phan Thanh Hoa - Deputy Head of the Yok Don National Park Forest Protection Department shared that the dry season is the most stressful time for the forest protection force. The vegetation is thick and dry, and the prolonged heat makes the risk of forest fires very high.
In addition to the task of patrolling and preventing illegal logging, we must maintain 24/24 hour duty at checkpoints, ready to respond immediately when there is a fire signal. Just a minute of negligence can lead to very serious consequences.
According to Mr. Hoa, having to celebrate Tet and welcome the New Year in the forest, frankly, everyone feels a little sad because they miss home. New Year's Eve is a very special moment, but many people still stay at checkpoints in the forest, completing their tasks.
Although sad, this is a job that the brothers have chosen and committed to. Therefore, everyone always encourages each other to put aside personal joys, share with family to try together to overcome.
We understand that forest protection is not only protecting green trees, but also protecting the ecosystem, protecting long-term livelihoods for people. When thinking about that, brothers have more motivation, regularly encourage and share with each other to maintain a stable spirit, determined to complete the task, protect the green for the great forest." - Mr. Hoa added.
Proactively protect forests
According to Mr. Pham Tuan Linh - Director of Yok Don National Park, the work of preventing and combating the "fire enemy" was deployed early, with handling plans at each level.
In which, the forest ranger force coordinates with local authorities, soldiers, and police to propagate to people living along the forest not to burn fields, not to bring fire into the forest in the dry season.
Khop forest is a priceless asset. We not only protect forest trees but also protect biodiversity and long-term livelihoods for the community. During holidays and Tet, the force is still fully on duty, not letting passivity occur." - Mr. Pham Tuan Linh emphasized.
Also according to Mr. Linh, on New Year's Eve, the checkpoints maintained 70% troop strength, and the observation and communication system ensured smooth operation.
Just a minute of carelessness can cost tens of hectares of forest. Therefore, even at the moment of transition to the new year, the task of keeping the forest is still put first.
In addition to the risk of forest fires, the forest ranger force also regularly fights against acts of encroachment on forest resources, especially in border areas. Patrol work is organized flexibly, combining ambushes and surprise inspections.
In the midst of the quiet great forest, the New Year's Eve moment of Yok Don National Park security officers passed through the sound of radios and flashlights sweeping through each tree and bush. No fireworks, no reunion feast, but for forest rangers, it is a joyful and exciting moment when knowing that the forests are still safe." - Mr. Linh added.
