Stumps remain after loggers illegally cut down trees in Gia Lai. VNA/VNS Photo

GIA LAI On March 14, the Gia Lai Forest Protection Department announced that law enforcement agencies are actively coordinating to investigate two cases of illegal deforestation in Kon Chiêng Commune, Mang Yang District.

Based on the report from the Gia Lai Provincial Forest Protection Department, forest rangers and local authorities in Kon Chiêng Commune discovered two cases of illegal forest exploitation during inspection patrols on March 5th. These occurrences took place in sub-areas 580 and 585, falling within the administrative boundaries of Kon Chiêng Commune, Mang Yang District. The total deforested area amounted to 3,600 square meters.

The first area, encompassing 1,500 square metres, was designated as a production forest with broad-leaved trees in a deteriorating condition. This forest fell under the jurisdiction of Ktu Village in Kon Chiêng Commune. Upon inspection of the entire area, which had been subjected to burning and clearance, investigators discovered 20 logs ranging from 18 to 22 centimetres in diameter, evidently felled with a chainsaw. During the investigation, the Kon Chiêng Commune police identified a suspect, a 30-year-old man named Jim, residing in Kon Dơng Town, Mang Yang District.

The second site, located in sub-area 585, comprised a deforested area of 2,100 square metres within a production forest featuring broad-leaved trees undergoing restoration. This area was also under the management of Ktu Village in Kon Chiêng Commune, within the administrative boundaries of Mang Yang District.

Similar to the first location, the entire area had been subjected to burning and clearance, leaving behind five tree trunks with diameters ranging from eight to 15 centimetres, indicating chainsaw cutting. The Kon Chiêng Commune police have identified a suspect and are actively pursuing the investigation.

The Provincial Forest Protection Department has instructed the Mang Yang District Forest Protection Team, the mobile Forest Protection Team, and Fire Prevention and Control Unit No. 1 to collaborate promptly with the People's Committee of Kon Chiêng Commune, along with relevant agencies and units. Their task is to continue the investigation at the scene, identify offenders, and gather evidence to enforce penalties rigorously for illegal deforestation in Kon Chiêng Commune, in accordance with the law. Furthermore, they are urged to enhance management measures, forest protection efforts, and public awareness campaigns to deter involvement in deforestation activities. – VNS