Forest management in Hai Phong after merger

Cat Ba National Park (Hai Phong City) was recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve *(Internet photo)*

There is a world biosphere reserve

According to the City Forest Protection Department, after the merger, Hai Phong has over 33,096 hectares of forest and forestry land, distributed in 35 communes, wards, and special zones. Of this, there are over 11,000 hectares of special-use forests, nearly 16,740 hectares of protective forests, over 4,955 hectares of production forests...

Of the total existing forest area, the city's natural forest area accounts for nearly 10,165 hectares (2,241 hectares in Nguyen Trai ward and over 7,923 hectares in Cat Hai special zone). The city's forests play an important role in protecting the landscape, environment, historical - cultural relics, and scenic spots such as: the special national relic site Con Son - Kiep Bac belonging to the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son relic and scenic spot complex, which was recently recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

A highlight of the natural forest area in Hai Phong is Cat Ba National Park in Cat Hai Special Zone. In 2004, this national park was recognized by UNESCO as a world biosphere reserve. In 2013, it was ranked by the Government as a special national scenic spot and monument, and in 2023, it became a world natural heritage site of Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago.

Langur is one of the endemic, endangered, rare animals in Cat Ba National Park (Photo *from Internet)*

Cat Ba Archipelago Biosphere Reserve has a total area of nearly 26,419 hectares, including 3 typical ecosystems of Vietnam: terrestrial (forest), wetland and marine. Therefore, the biodiversity resources here have their own characteristics, being home to 4,048 species of forest and marine animals and plants. Of these, there are up to 154 endemic, endangered, precious and rare species that are threatened and protected by Vietnamese and international law such as langurs, deer, wild boars, white-crested pheasants, etc.

Hai Phong's mangrove forest area is quite large *(photo provided by the facility)*

The mangrove forest area in Hai Phong currently has nearly 3,000 hectares with 31 plant species, playing an important role in protecting sea dykes, preventing natural disasters, and creating livelihoods for local people.

Manage by 4 areas

After the merger, Hai Phong's forest area is large, diverse, and widely distributed. This is an advantage in socio-economic development, tourism, scientific research... However, this reality also poses many challenges for the forestry sector.

Currently, forest resource management is not synchronous and not very effective. Awareness of the natural value of Cat Ba archipelago is not adequate, and some officials and people do not fully understand the value of biodiversity and take environmental protection lightly. Hunting and trapping of wild animals, wild birds, and migratory birds still occur. The rate of forest cover is still low. Some forest fires still occur occasionally, especially during the dry season and prolonged hot weather...

A corner of the forest in Chi Linh City is currently managed and protected by the Forest Protection Department of Region 4 under the Hai Phong Forest Protection Department.

Therefore, immediately after the merger, the Hai Phong City Forest Protection Department quickly consolidated its organization and implemented forest management and protection with specific, unified tasks throughout the unit. The key tasks identified were to protect existing forest areas, protect wildlife, prevent and fight forest fires, plant and care for forests, etc.

Based on the forest area and existing forces, the City Forest Protection Department divides the forest into 4 areas for management, including the Forest Protection Sub-Departments: Area 1 (managing Cat Hai and Bach Long Vy special zones), Area 2 (managing the forest area east of the city), Area 3 (managing forests in Kinh Mon town and Thuy Nguyen district before) and Area 4 (managing forests in Chi Linh city before).

The immediate solution is to focus on gaining the attention and leadership of the City People's Committee, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the city's departments, branches and sectors, especially the two military and police forces; of the Party committees and authorities in communes, wards and special zones with forests in the management and protection of forest resources, contributing to enhancing the value of biodiversity and nature conservation.

Planting and protecting forests is one of the key tasks that the Hai Phong City Forest Protection Department focuses on implementing after merging provincial administrative units.

The City Forest Protection Department has directed the Forest Protection Departments in the areas to be proactive and active in coordinating with relevant agencies, units and authorities to diversify propaganda and education on the law on natural resource conservation to all classes of people. Mobilize the entire population to participate in planting, caring for, managing and protecting forests.

Strengthen coordination in patrolling, controlling and protecting forests, promptly preventing and handling violations of forest-related laws. Pay attention to forest fire prevention and fighting, protecting wildlife and wild birds, and migration...

GOING STRONG

Source: https://baohaiphongplus.vn/quan-ly-rung-o-hai-phong-sau-hop-nhat-417095.html