QUẢNG BÌNH — The Động Châu-Khe Nước Trong Forest in the central province of Quảng Bình 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.

According to Phạm Hồng Thái, director of Quảng Bình 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 Động Châu-Khe Nước Trong Forest as a nature reserve.

Based on the master plan, Quảng Bình Province authorities have surveyed and planned a reserve for Động Châu-Khe Nước Trong.

The forest has been managed by the Động Châu protective forest’s management board, in Lệ Thủy 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.

Động Châu-Khe Nước Trong Forest in Kim Thủy Commune, Lệ Thủy District is one of the most valuable areas for biodiversity, preserving the outstanding and unique features of the Trường Sơn 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 Việt Nam and Laos, next to Quảng Trị Province’s Bắc Hướng Hóa Nature Reserve. It is a tropical forest covering 22,000ha in the natural forest eco-region.

According to a survey jointly conducted by Quảng Bình Province’s Forest Ranger Department, Institute of Investigation and Forest Planning under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, forest cover in Động Châu-Khe Nước Trong is high at 99 per cent, ranking top in Việt Nam. — VNS