From June to September each year, Điện Biên enters its long rainy season, bringing heavy and persistent rains day and night. This is also the time when forest rangers must brace themselves against tremendous challenges in their work. The mountainous terrain is treacherous, forest paths become muddy and slippery, and the harsh weather makes patrolling extremely arduous and dangerous. Nevertheless, forest rangers persevere, staying on constant alert, closely monitoring their assigned areas, guarding every forest canopy to promptly detect and prevent illegal logging.

According to many rangers, illegal loggers often take advantage of holidays, festivals, or heavy rain, when enforcement is thin or distracted, to sneak into forests, hunt wildlife, or harvest timber illegally. Therefore, stepping up patrols during the rainy season is of utmost importance. Patrol teams often have to trek through forests, cross streams, and face the risk of sudden flash floods or landslides.

Nguyễn Xuân Hưng, a ranger assigned to Núa Ngam commune, shared: “During the rainy season, loggers tend to operate at night, thinking we won’t dare go out. But we remain on duty 24/7 and frequently visit hot spots to stay informed. No matter how slippery the roads, how steep the slopes, or how deep the streams, we strive to patrol and prevent any illegal forest exploitation.”

In addition to harsh terrain, the rainy season also poses challenges to daily survival for rangers during their patrols. On days of prolonged rain, access to food and supplies becomes difficult. Wet firewood and muddy stream water make cooking tough. On many patrols, rangers have to shelter in soaking-wet tents and eat dry instant noodles or compressed rations just to get by, this takes a toll on their health. Furthermore, the sound of chainsaws used by loggers can be drowned out by the roar of rain, wind, and rushing waterfalls, making it difficult to track violators. While dry-season patrols can be conducted by motorbike with full equipment, rainy-season patrols require the rangers to walk, carrying only a raincoat and a few emergency rations.

Nguyễn Đình Cương, a ranger in Mường Nhé, noted: “Patrolling during the rainy season is extremely strenuous. Many times, when the water levels rise, we have to hang hammocks and sleep in the forest. Sometimes we encounter snakes, leeches, or other insects, and without proper first aid, it can be life-threatening.”

Điện Biên has a total natural area of over 953,000 hectares, of which forest planning covers 592,000 hectares, 62% of the province. With more than 426,000 hectares of forest and complex, rugged mountainous terrain, forest protection here is always an arduous task, especially during the rainy season from June to September. Heavy rains cause floods and landslides in many areas, not only affecting local residents but also seriously hindering forest patrol and management.

Hà Lương Hồng, Director of the Điện Biên provincial Forest Protection Division, said: “Protecting the forest during the rainy season is not just a physical challenge, it’s also a test of climate change resilience. Hotspots are easily exploited by loggers during heavy rains, while travel conditions are extremely difficult.” In response, the department has increased patrol forces, provided specialized rain gear, GPS devices, and headlamps, and coordinated closely with local authorities and village residents to monitor and forecast the activities of violators. Despite facing many dangers, rangers always maintain a steadfast spirit, ready to respond in any weather. However, for more effective and sustainable forest protection, community involvement is crucial, especially from local people, who serve as the forest’s first line of defense.

Though protecting the forest during the rainy season is full of hardships, the companionship of local communities empowers the forest rangers. Villagers not only provide information but also directly join patrols to protect the forest. Lò Văn Bình, from Lĩnh hamlet, Mường Pồn commune, shared: “We see the forest as our own property, so we’re always ready to join the rangers in patrols, even in stormy weather. The close bond between villagers and forest rangers has strengthened forest protection efforts and reflects every individual’s sense of responsibility in preserving natural resources.”

The journey to safeguard the forests of Điện Biên is always difficult, especially during the rainy season. Rangers face extreme weather, dangerous terrain, pressure from illegal activities, and resource shortages. Yet with perseverance, unyielding spirit, support from the people, and close direction from the forestry leadership, they continue to overcome challenges and uphold the green mantle of the forest.