Strengthening forest protection and promoting values of Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve

On the morning of January 7, the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve held a conference to review its 2025 performance and outline key tasks and orientations for 2026. The event also served as a year-end review of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board’s activities in 2025 and the rollout of its tasks for 2026. The conference was attended by Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee.

Panoramic shot of the conference. Photo: Phuoc Tho

The Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve is part of Vietnam’s system of special-use forests and cultural heritage sites, and is one of the three core zones of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, with a total natural area of over 100,000 hectares. In 2025, the reserve effectively implemented forest management and protection plans, along with fire prevention and control measures for the 2024–2025 dry season. It also worked closely with relevant agencies to organize forest patrol and protection forces. As a result, nearly 3,500 wire snares of various types, more than 250 clamp traps, and hundreds of spring traps, loop traps, net traps, squirrel cages, folding traps, and others were discovered and dismantled within the forest.

Additionally, the reserve conducted dissemination activities and required more than 1,790 individuals who had illegally entered forest areas to leave the area. It also processed 32 violations in the forestry sector. During the year 2025, nearly VND 696.4 million was disbursed to households contracted for forest environmental services (PFES).

However, the reserve currently faces challenges related to human resource shortages, limited equipment and support tools for forest protection forces, as well as complex issues arising from spontaneous migration by fishermen on Tri An Lake.

Regarding the activities of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board, four training courses were organized in 2025 to strengthen institutional capacity, attracting over 200 participants. A variety of environmental communication and education events were also held, including “Golden Bell Challenge,” Dong Nai Green Camp, the Green Race, and others. In addition, the board signed multiple cooperation agreements with partners both domestically and internationally.

Nguyen Hoang Hao, Director of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve, addresses the conference. Photo: Phuoc Tho

In 2026, the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve will continue to promote digital transformation and apply information technology in management and operations in accordance with approved plans. It will also review, revise, and classify records and documents for submission to institutional archives and the provincial historical archives. Furthermore, the reserve will continue to effectively implement approved forest protection, forest fire prevention and control, and forest environmental service. They also carry out scientific research projects on nature conservation and biodiversity.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Dong Nai Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, delivers a directive at the conference. Photo: Phuoc Tho

Speaking at the conference, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang acknowledged and highly appreciated the efforts and notable achievements of the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve over the past year, while commending the strong sense of responsibility demonstrated by its staff and employees.

Regarding future directions and tasks, the Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee generally agreed with the proposed plans, while emphasizing the need to strengthen training and professional development to enhance the staff's expertise. She also called for the prompt recruitment and assignment of personnel to ensure sufficient staffing in line with operational requirements.

In forest protection, she emphasized the importance of developing investment proposals for infrastructure and applying scientific and technological solutions to enhance the effectiveness of forest management, protection, and development.

As for tourism development, the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve was urged to effectively implement the Ecotourism, Resort, and Recreation Development Plan for the 2021–2030 period. At the same time, it must continue to strictly and properly enforce forest environment leasing contracts in accordance with regulations.

Regarding the activities of the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve Management Board, she called for further strengthening of cooperation with domestic and international biosphere reserves, as well as close coordination with the Vietnam National Commission for UNESCO to provide consultation on the proposed transport route project that connects through the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve.

Nguyen Thi Hoang, Member of the Provincial Party Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee, plants a tree at the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve campus. Photo: Phuoc Tho

At the conference, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Nai Provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Hoang took part in a tree-planting activity at the Dong Nai Nature and Culture Reserve, helping to spread the message of environmental protection and sustainable development.

By Le Thuy – Translated by Thuy Trang, Minho