Quang Tri strictly handles forest destruction

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Illustrative image.

Initial results of the inspection shows that 50 trees with stem diameters of 20-40 cm were illegally chopped down in Vinh O Commune, Vinh Linh District. In Linh Truong Commune, Gio Linh District, 49 trees with same stem diameters were also illegally chopped down.

According to Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Hung, Director of the Ben Hai Forest Management Board, the time during and after the Tet holiday 2021 was the high season of illegal logging, due to the neglect and subjectivity of forest management officers. 

Hung acknowledged the seriousness of the recent forest destruction cases and suggested the police forces investigate, soon prosecute these criminal cases, and strictly handle them in accordance with the laws.

Regarding the forest destruction and illegal logging, Mr. Ho Xuan Hoe, Director of the Quang Tri Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development affirmed that, in addition to the forest management officials, the forest owners should also hold the responsibility for the illegal logging.

The Department directed the Quang Tri Division of Forestry Protection and the Ben Hai Forest Management Board to mobilized forces, increase patrols, and take measures to firmly protect the local forests. The Ben Hai Forest Management Board also set up more forestry check points at the forest gates.

The Department also asked local ranger forces in coordination with the local authorities to mobilize people not to destroy forests and not to use products from natural forests for personal purpose.

The Department also directed relevant units to clarify responsibility of organizations and individuals that failed to control deforestation and illegal logging.