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| Forest protection and fire prevention awareness session by forest rangers and border guards (Photo: VNA) |
At the event, residents received information, materials and training from the Dien Bien Provincial Forest Protection Department on forest management, conservation, forest product regulations, and fire prevention and control. The session also covered key aspects of the Forestry Law, prohibited activities, and the responsibilities of authorities and citizens in forest protection.
Mr. Tong Van Linh, head of Pa Thom village, shared that the campaign significantly raised awareness among local officials and residents of Pa Thom and Na Luong villages regarding Party policies, laws, and the consequences of deforestation, forest fires and slash-and-burn agriculture.
Mr. Phon Van, head of Na Luong village, Sop Hun cluster, Muong May district (Phongsaly province, Laos), noted that the program is part of the village-pairing commitment. In the coming period, the residents and officials of Na Luong village and Pa Thom village will collaborate closely to prevent forest fires, as agreed, while sharing information and supporting one another in economic, cultural and social development. Additionally, they will work together to ensure border security, sovereignty and the management of border markers.
After the ceremony, households in Pa Thom Village signed pledges to protect forests and prevent forest fires during the dry season of 2024–2025, by avoiding deforestation for farming, refraining from careless use of fire in the forest, not cutting live trees for firewood or trading firewood, prohibiting the extraction of timber and other forest products without permission, creating firebreaks before controlled burning and ensuring fires are completely extinguished before leaving.
Furthermore, residents pledged to promptly report any activities harming the forest to village leaders, border guards or local authorities for timely action, and to encourage their families to adhere to these commitments.
On this occasion, the Dien Bien Border Guard Command presented over 50 gift packages to residents of Pa Thom village (Vietnam) and Na Luong village (Laos)./.