The central province of Thanh Hoa and the Lao province of
Houaphan have worked extensively together in forest protection since
signing an agreement on this field in 2009 and are preparing to step up
their cooperation further.
The programmes were
implemented based on the principle of equality, respect, consensus and
friendly cooperation, for the benefits of both provinces and countries,
following international and national laws.
In the
2013-2015 period, more projects will be realised at provincial, district
and communal levels for people living in the shared border areas
between the two countries.
Thanh Hoa and Houaphan
will share experience about how to keep their forests safe and persuade
local people to stop deforestation, wild animal hunting and illegal
trade of wood from the forest.
They will also expand several forest farming models which could bring high economic benefits.
A total of 54 local groups will be responsible for protecting the
public forest and 16 groups of militia will support them in ensuring
legal regulations on forest protection and development, fire fighting
and prevention are upheld at all times.
In July, key
communal officials from the two provinces will attend a training course
on the two countries’ law and regulations on forest protection and how
to respond to forest fires.
Since the agreement was
signed in 2009, nine intentional fires (for the purposes of
cultivation) have been extinguished and 71 violations of forest
resources have been successfully uncovered.-VNA