Nguyen Anh Vu, head of the Ia Puch Protection Forest Management Board, said on March 5 that authorities were searching for those responsible for destroying the forest area.
In late February, a patrol discovered that natural forest under the management board’s jurisdiction, had been illegally cut down.
Over 2,000 square metres of forest completely cleared by perpetrators (Photo: Chi Anh).
An inspection confirmed that more than 2,000 square metres of forest had been completely cleared. Nearly 40 trees, mainly Konia and other indigenous species, with trunk diameters ranging from 12 to 40 centimetres, were felled. Most of the timber remained scattered at the site.
After the discovery, the management board worked with commune police to document the scene, measure the affected area and search for suspects, but those responsible have not yet been identified.
Felled trees scattered at the scene (Photo: Chi Anh).
All illegally harvested timber is being collected and transported to Forest Management and Protection Station No. 1 under the Ia Puch Protection Forest Management Board for storage and handling in accordance with regulations.
Vu said the damaged forest area lies in a remote location about 15 kilometres from the commune centre. Initial assessments suggest the perpetrators may have used the cover of night to cut down the trees and clear land for cultivation.
A felled tree at the scene (Photo: Chi Anh).
The management board plans to develop a restoration and replanting programme for the affected area and will review the responsibilities of individuals tasked with protecting the forest.