VietNamNet Bridge – The Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Forest in the central province of Quang Binh is considered to be a region of high biodiversity that needs special preservation, however, after four years of research and discussion by experts and local authorities, the establishment of a nature reserve in the forest remains on paper.

Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Forest in the central province of Quang Binh is highly valued for its biodiversity. — VNA/VNS Photo

According to Pham Hong Thai, director of Quang Binh Province’s Forest Ranger Department based on the high biodiversity of this forest, the National Master Plan for Biodiversity Conservation until 2020, dated January 8, 2014, and approved by the then Prime Minister, set out Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Forest as a nature reserve.

Based on the master plan, Quang Binh Province authorities have surveyed and planned a reserve for Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong.

The forest has been managed by the Dong Chau protective forest’s management board, in Le Thuy District. Since 2017, forest rangers have conducted many raids to arrest illegal loggers and remove thousands of animal traps illegally placed by local people.

A forest ranger said the livelihoods of many people mainly depend on the forest, so the protection work faced many difficulties and challenges.

Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong Forest in Kim Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District is one of the most valuable areas for biodiversity, preserving the outstanding and unique features of the Truong Son Range.

The forest has been highly appreciated by many international conservation organisations.

Recognising this forest as a nature reserve helps not only protect biodiversity but also contribute to maintaining national defence and security in the region.

The forest is located on the border between Vietnam and Laos, next to Quang Tri Province’s Bac Huong Hoa Nature Reserve. It is a tropical forest covering 22,000ha in the natural forest eco-region.

According to a survey jointly conducted by Quang Binh Province’s Forest Ranger Department, Institute of Investigation and Forest Planning under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, forest cover in Dong Chau-Khe Nuoc Trong is high at 99 per cent, ranking top in Vietnam.

Source: VNS