VietNamNet Bridge – The Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands) province of Lam Dong is planning to cut tens of thousands of hectares of natural pine forests throughout the province and replace them with high-value cash crops,

“We have decided to replace natural pine forests with others because the pine is old and stunted. Cutting the trees and planting new ones will help local people improve their living standards”.

“We have decided to replace natural pine forests with others because the pine is old and stunted. Cutting the trees and planting new ones will help local people improve their living standards,” said Minh.

“We have carefully carried out relevant studies before developing the project. We will publicise the details after submitting it to the Government.”

Minh said the project was designed with high feasibility.

In the dark

However, many local people do not know about it, including Deputy Chairman and General Secretary of Lam Dong Science and Technology Association Nguy Xung Hung.

Hung said his organisation did not hear about the project until it was released in the mass media. “It’s a pity that if the project is approved, we, the relevant sectors, did not have a chance to contribute our ideas.”

Painter Pham Mui, a member of the Viet Nam Art Association, said he did not have enough economic information to assess the project, but he had doubts about its feasibility.

“Da Lat built a golf course in a spot that used to be the most beautiful place in the city. But the golf course has lost money in the last 16 years, and people continue to build many golf courses in the province. I don’t know why, for what?” asked Mui.

“From the view of a painter, I feel anguish. I hope the Government will consider this project carefully before making a decision.”

Deputy head of the Department of Forestry under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Quang Duong said his department had received the proposal from Lam Dong Province. However, he did not know much about it.

“In my opinion, if the 60-70 year old pine forest’s exploitation value is low, it’s necessary to cut it down and plant new ones. I support the province’s plan. However, we need to define the age of every forested area to avoid mistakes,” said Duong.

Head of Lam Dong Department of Forest Cat Quoc Khanh said he agreed with the project because afforestation helps create jobs and improve living standards for local people, especially ethnic minority people living in the forest.

“It’s feasible, but it needs a clear plan,” said Khanh.

Khanh said the project does not include protected forests and forests with special uses, like tourism areas and areas near lakes and streams. The project would only be carried out in forested areas marked for the purpose of production and trade.

“We’ll cut it down and then plant new ones immediately. It’s necessary to have a systematic plan including good seedlings and a closed system from investment to processing,” said Khanh.

Minh and Khanh stress that the project is very feasible and will help improve the local economy.

(Source: Viet Nam News)