The Xuan Nha Special Use Forest is well protected.

Son La province has a large natural area with great potential for agricultural and forestry development. The province currently has 671,596 hectares of forest, with a forest cover rate of 47.43%. With such a large forest area and limited personnel, preserving these forests requires great effort and determination from the forest rangers. At times during the peak of the dry season, forest rangers practically live and sleep in makeshift shelters in the forest, on duty 24/7 to monitor for fires. They also have to confront the aggressive actions of those who illegally exploit the forests.

The Xuan Nha Special-Use Forest has a planned area of ​​18,173 hectares, located in the communes of Chieng Son and Xuan Nha. The forest has 10.7 km bordering Laos and 15.6 km bordering Thanh Hoa province. The Xuan Nha Special-Use Forest holds a particularly important position with high conservation value, possessing a diverse ecosystem and many rare species of flora and fauna. Mr. Pham Quang Canh, Head of the Forest Ranger Station Region XVI and Director of the Xuan Nha Special-Use Forest Management Board, stated: "To preserve these pristine forests and diverse ecosystems, the officers and staff of the unit have made persistent efforts and demonstrated a high sense of responsibility in carrying out their duties as forest guards. Because even a moment of negligence can lead to forest encroachment, we must regularly patrol the forest. Each patrol can last from a few hours to a whole day."

Officers from the Forest Protection Unit of Region XVI – Xuan Nha Special Forest Management Board, along with forest patrol forces.

Joining the patrols with the rangers, we truly understood that forest patrolling is not simple at all. Each patrol can sometimes extend for tens of kilometers, traversing deep forests along narrow trails, winding through dense woodlands, climbing slopes, and crossing streams. Patrol teams take turns staying in their assigned areas, inspecting high-risk fire zones, and promptly detecting any unusual signs. The terrain is rugged, the weather is harsh, the area is vast, and the force is small. During the peak of the dry season, forest rangers have almost no days off. But for those who have been dedicated to the forest for many years, protecting it is not just a duty, but a responsibility to the greenness of their homeland.

Mr. Lo Van Nguyen, an officer of the Forest Protection Unit of Region XVII and the Sop Cop Special Protection Forest, shared: "During patrols, our forces frequently face many difficulties and challenges, including aggressive and reckless illegal loggers, and rugged, complex mountainous terrain. Despite the hardships, seeing the green forests preserved intact motivates us even more to continue working with the people to protect the forests and safeguard our green lungs."

Officers from the Sop Cop Special Protection Forest Management Board patrol the forest.

It is even more commendable that amidst the vast forests, not only are there the footsteps of male forest rangers, but for many years, there has also been the active contribution of female rangers. For female rangers, the work of protecting the forest is even more arduous. They not only patrol, monitor, and prevent forest fires, but also go down to the villages to educate and mobilize people to raise their awareness of forest protection. There are days when they have to walk dozens of kilometers through the forest; during peak periods of intense heat and high risk of forest fires, they often don't return home, juggling work with family and young children. Yet, with their gentleness, perseverance, and responsibility, these female rangers always remain a close bridge between the forest ranger force and the local people.

Ms. Dao Thi Thanh Huyen, an officer at the Thuan Chau Special-Use and Protection Forest Management Board, shared: "The forestry sector has many unique characteristics, but with the support of my family, the encouragement of my colleagues, and my love for the forest, I have been dedicated to the forest for over 10 years. It's difficult and arduous, but when we see the forests still lush and green, and many rare animals and plants are safely protected, we feel that all our efforts are worthwhile."

Officials from the Thuan Chau Special-Use and Protection Forest Management Board guide local people in planting saplings.

Beyond their duties of managing and protecting forests, female forest rangers have become close to the people, understanding their needs and forging strong bonds with the communities in the highlands. From forest fire prevention and control awareness campaigns to supporting local communities in developing livelihoods and stabilizing their lives, wherever people need assistance, the footprints of these female rangers are often found. This sincerity and responsibility have helped bridge the gap between the forest rangers and the people, working together to keep the forests green.

Ms. Ca Thi Nua, from Nhop village, Nam Lau commune, honestly said: "The female forest rangers often come down to the village, even to the fields, to guide the villagers in planting trees, reforestation, preventing forest fires, and farming according to regulations. We find them very approachable, easy to understand, and helpful. The villagers appreciate and are very grateful to them."

Deep in the mountains and forests of Son La, forest rangers continue to work tirelessly, reaching every village and forest area to carry out their duties. The work is arduous, but with a sense of responsibility and love for their profession, these officers remain dedicated day and night, preventing harmful acts and contributing to the conservation of biodiversity and the preservation of the forest's greenery.

 

Viet Anh