Forest rangers collaborating with local people on forest patrols

According to the 2025 forest status announcement for Thai Nguyen Province, the total forested area and area already planted with forest trees is over 552,000 hectares, with the forested area being nearly 517,000 hectares. From the beginning of the year until May 20, 2026, the concentrated forest plantation area across the province reached 5,327 hectares, an increase of 6.9% compared to the same period last year and equivalent to 71% of the annual plan. The number of scattered trees planted reached 892,800 trees, equivalent to 59.5% of the set plan. This result demonstrates the proactive approach of localities in implementing forest planting plans from the beginning of the year; it also reflects the increasing awareness among the people regarding the role of forests in economic development and environmental protection.

Currently, localities across the province are continuing to review forestry land areas eligible for forest registration, intensifying propaganda and mobilization efforts to encourage people to plant large-timber forests, practice intensive forestry, and convert small-timber plantations to large-timber forests to enhance economic efficiency per unit area.

Alongside forest planting, timber harvesting activities continue to maintain growth momentum. According to statistics, the volume of timber harvested from the beginning of the year until May 20, 2026, is estimated to reach 411,700 m³, an increase of 7.5% compared to the same period last year and equivalent to 55.3% of the annual plan. The increased timber harvest volume demonstrates the effectiveness of production forest development programs implemented over many years. A stable supply of timber raw materials not only meets the needs of processing facilities within the province but also helps create jobs and income for thousands of rural workers.

From early 2026 to date, the concentrated forest plantation area across the province has reached over 5,327 hectares

In Cho Moi commune, one of the localities with a large forest area, forest management and development are being implemented in a coordinated manner. The total forest area in the commune currently exceeds 11,880 hectares. Of this, natural forest accounts for over 4,260 hectares; planted forest for over 4,000 hectares; and areas planted with forestry trees but not yet meeting forest criteria for over 940 hectares; the remainder is other forestry land. The main tree species planted include acacia, eucalyptus, lat, and xoan. These species are suitable for the local soil and climate conditions, providing relatively high and stable economic efficiency.

Mr. Luc Van Ngan, a resident of hamlet 4, Cho Moi commune, stated that his family owns 5 hectares of planted forest, entirely consisting of acacia trees. In recent years, the forest economy has become the family's main source of income. According to Mr. Ngan, in addition to investing in care to improve the productivity and quality of planted forests, the family always focuses on forest protection, especially during the dry season. Forest-growing households in the area regularly exchange information and remind each other to strictly comply with forest fire prevention and fighting regulations to minimize the risk of incidents.

Forest Protection Unit No. 10 regularly collaborates with hamlets to enhance public awareness campaigns on forest fire prevention and fighting during the dry season

Alongside Cho Moi, Trang Xa commune is a locality with a strong movement for forest economic development. Previously, the livelihoods of many households in Trang Xa faced difficulties due to agricultural production being dependent on natural conditions. However, through propaganda efforts by local authorities and forest rangers, many households have shifted to developing production forests, gradually increasing their income and stabilizing their lives.

Mr. Nguyen Van Luyen, of the Tay ethnic group, residing in Dong Ruong hamlet, is one such exemplary household. With over 4 hectares of acacia forest, his family earns over VND 200 million annually from timber harvesting. Mr. Luyen stated that since developing the forest economy, his family's living conditions have significantly improved. Income from the forest not only provides the family with a stable financial source but also creates motivation to continue investing in expanding production. “Forest planting brings clear economic efficiency. People are also more conscious of protecting forests because this is a long-term asset and livelihood source for the family,” Mr. Luyen shared.

From the realities in Cho Moi, Trang Xa, and many other forested localities within the province, it is evident that when forests become a stable source of income, people are more motivated to care for, protect, and develop forests long-term. The value of forests is not solely in the harvested timber volume or immediate revenue. Forests also play a crucial role in environmental protection, water regulation, limiting soil erosion, and mitigating the impacts of natural disasters. Therefore, sustainable forestry economic development is only truly achieved when closely linked with forest management and protection, especially during the dry season, when the risk of forest fires is consistently high.

According to functional agencies, forest fire prevention and fighting efforts are being intensified amidst prolonged hot weather, with a high risk of forest fires in many areas. Forest fire warning information is regularly updated; response plans are reviewed and supplemented promptly to suit the actual conditions of each locality. Forest rangers closely coordinate with grassroots authorities to organize propaganda and guide people in implementing forest fire prevention and fighting measures; concurrently, they enhance inspection and supervision in key areas at high risk of forest fires or violations of forestry laws.

Mr. Trieu Tuan Linh, Deputy Head of Forest Protection Unit No. 15, stated that the unit has directed local forest rangers to intensify patrols and inspections in border areas and localities with a high risk of violations. Concurrently, forest rangers continue to promote their coordinating role with local authorities and the people in forest management and protection. Forest fire prevention and fighting plans are specifically developed for each area; on-site forces are consolidated; equipment and vehicles are regularly inspected and maintained to ensure response capability in case of incidents.

Thanks to the coordinated implementation of solutions, no illegal logging or serious forest fires have occurred in the area from the beginning of the year to date. The results achieved in the first months of the year indicate that Thai Nguyen's forestry sector is developing positively, linking economic efficiency with forest resource protection. Enhancing the value of planted forests, strengthening management, and promoting the active role of the people in forest protection are identified as crucial factors for the locality to achieve sustainable forestry development in the coming time.

With the solutions being implemented in a coordinated manner, along with the active participation of the people, Thai Nguyen's forestry sector is expected to continue maintaining stable growth, contributing to socio-economic development, environmental protection, and improving the livelihoods of people in rural and mountainous areas.