The launch of “Community Forest Protection Patrol Team” in Dak Lak province

Participants at the event

The first “Community Forest Protection Patrol Team” consists of 5 members from ethnic minority communities. Their main objective is to support the ranger stations of Chu Yang Sin National Park in conducting patrol activities, searching for and removing traps for wildlife, and combating illegal hunting and resource exploitation. They also fulfill the function of raising awareness among the local community.

The pilot program for the “Community Forest Protection Patrol Team” is being implemented at Forest Ranger Station No. 5 from June to December 2023. The team members are local ethnic minority individuals who are familiar with the terrain and possess various skills in natural environments. They actively support the forest ranger forces in their overall forest management and wildlife protection efforts. They also play an essential role in disseminating information to the local ethnic communities, fostering their participation in forest and biodiversity conservation.

Members of the “Community Forest Protection Patrol Team” coordianting with the rangers at  Chu Yang Sin National Park

In the future, by leveraging the role of the community in forest protection and wildlife conservation, the wild animal populations will gradually recover and develop. This will attract eco-tourism investment and research activities aimed at providing benefits to the buffer zone communities and the development of Chu Yang Sin National Park.

Established in 2002, Chu Yang Sin National Park covers an area of 59,484 hectares in Krông Bông and Lắk districts, with forest coverage of over 90%. The national park not only serves as a repository of rare and wild genetic resources but also plays a crucial role in protecting water sources for domestic use, irrigation, hydropower plants, climate regulation, and environmental conservation.

Presenting donation to Mr. Ngo Duc Lien

During the ceremony, the Vietnam WildAct Center for Wildlife Action presented a donation of over 105 million VND to Mr. Ngo Duc Lien, an officer of Chu Yang Sin National Park, to cover the medical expenses for removing 5 remaining bullets from his body. Mr. Lien was seriously injured in September 2018 when he was shot by illegal loggers with nearly 20 bullets in his thigh and arm while conducting patrol and anti-poaching duties.