Sustainable forest development - A strategic priority in Dong Nai

(ĐN)- Dong Nai currently boasts around 350,000 ha of forest, holding the largest forest area in Vietnam’s Southeast region and preserving a rich, diverse ecosystem of rare plant and animal species. The province is undertaking a detailed zoning assessment, including special-use, protection, and production forests, to create its 2030 forestry master plan, emphasizing sustainable and multi-functional forest use.

Forest rangers patrol mangrove forests in Phuoc An commune.

Dong Nai aims to fully harness the economic, social, and environmental benefits of its forests through sustainable practices. Initiatives include ecotourism development within forests, understory cultivation of medicinal plants, aquaculture integrated with mangrove ecosystems.

Abundant in forest resources

Former Dong Nai maintains 99,800 ha of special-use forest, 35,000 ha of protection forest, 46,900 ha of production forest. While former Binh Phuoc manage 31,200 ha of special-use, 43,500 ha of protection, 96,800 ha of production.

Cat Tien National Park is internationally recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, Ramsar Wetland, and National Monument, hosting 1,529 animal and 1,615 plant species. Bu Gia Map and Dong Nai Nature-Cultural Reserves similarly contain outstanding biodiversity, including hundreds of endangered and endemic species.

Effectively utilizing forest resources

Dong Nai actively promotes the multifunctional forest ecosystem value project through 2030 vision to 2050, capitalizing on forest resources, including wood, non-timber products, ecotourism, environmental services, and carbon credits. Notably, mangrove-shaded aquaculture of shrimp, crabs, and brackish-water fish is gaining traction. Local farmer Luu Nhat Nam highlights how preserving mangroves enhances productivity and income by supporting natural aquatic habitats.

Visitors explore rare timber species at Cat Tien National Park.

Dong Nai ranks highest regionally in forest cover, driven by robust forestry efforts. Responding to the program to plant 1 billion trees, the province planted nearly 20.6 million trees by the end of 2024, exceeding central targets. It plans to plant another 4.4 million in 2025, totaling over 25 million trees in five years.

The province also nurtures its timber industry, supporting producers to obtain FSC sustainable forest management certification. So far, 3,600 ha of plantation forests, including protection forest areas like Xuan Loc, have earned this sustainable standard.

With vision to 2030 and beyond, Dong Nai focuses on forest ecosystems for ecological services, climate resilience, and sustainable livelihoods. Its multi-pronged strategy, encompassing zoning, ecotourism, agroforestry, replanting campaigns, aquaculture, and FSC certification, is making the province a countryside model of environmentally balanced development.

By weaving together conservation, community engagement, and economic value, Dong Nai showcases how large-scale forest regions can thrive while sustaining nature and enhancing rural prosperity.

Reported by B.Nguyen