Challenges of “green lungs” protection during rainy season

ĐBP - During the rainy season, when the mountains and forests of Điện Biên province are drenched in prolonged downpours, the forest rangers cannot afford to let their guard down in forest management and protection. Facing countless hardships, slippery, treacherous roads, poor living conditions deep in the forest, the spirit of these forest guardians remains optimistic. They give their all to patrol and protect the “green lungs” in the Westernmost region of the country.

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.

The rugged terrain and difficult transportation pose significant challenges to forest rangers and local communities involved in patrolling and forest protection.

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.

Local communities in Mường Pồn commune accompany rangers during the rainy season to patrol and protect the forest.

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.

During the rainy season, in addition to field inspections, forest rangers also use technical equipment and information technology to promptly detect forest violations.

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.

Quang Hưng
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Awakening Pú Vạp relic site

    Awakening Pú Vạp relic site

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - Located at an altitude of 1,260m above sea level, the Pú Vạp relic site lies about 10km west of the center of Mường Lay ward, Điện Biên province. Although known for its year-round cool climate, picturesque scenery, and especially its rich historical and cultural values, in recent years Pú Vạp has seemed to “fall asleep” in the forest, little known to visitors.
  • 'Turning heritage into driving force for development

    Turning heritage into driving force for development

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - From a land rich in historical traditions and unique cultural identity, Điện Biên province is gradually “awakening” the potential of its cultural industry, transforming heritage into assets and creating new momentum for socio-economic development. Though the journey ahead still holds many challenges, the initial results confirm a promising and well-chosen path.
  • 'Preserving the soul of ethnic culture in modern life

    Preserving the soul of ethnic culture in modern life

    CULTURE - TOURISM -
    ĐBP - In Điện Biên province, each of 19 ethnic minority groups contributes to a vibrant cultural mosaic in Điện Biên province. Amid the current of integration, traditional values are cherished and passed down through generations, embodied in many concrete actions.
  • 'Proactively responding to minimize flood damage

    Proactively responding to minimize flood damage

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, with the impact of climate change, unpredictable and extreme rainfall and floods have caused significant damage to both lives and property. Proactively preventing, responding to, and preparing for these events early not only ensures a proactive approach but also reduces risks and minimizes damage.
  • 'Beautiful homeland - Eyeing from border areas

    Beautiful homeland - Eyeing from border areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - On the westernmost edge of the country, the historic days of August are filled with a spirit of celebration, echoing the nationwide joy of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, National Day (September 2), and the upcoming 14th national Party Congress. In this cloud-covered mountain frontier, the red flag with a yellow star flutters proudly above border markers and village rooftops, a vivid reminder that the sacred sovereignty of the nation remains firmly protected.
  • 'Tapping into agricultural strengths in Điện Biên province

    Tapping into agricultural strengths in Điện Biên province

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In recent years, Điện Biên province has introduced and implemented a series of policies to unlock its agricultural potential. As a result, specialized farming zones producing high-value crops and livestock have emerged, making agriculture a reliable pillar of the local economy.
  • 'A local government close to the people, serving the people

    A local government close to the people, serving the people

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - More than a month after the launch of the two-tier local government model, grassroots-level authorities have been actively inspecting villages, meeting residents, and listening to their voices. This has enabled them to grasp the real situation on the ground, understand local needs and aspirations, and develop timely solutions and action programs that address urgent issues while laying the foundation for sustainable development.
  • 'Điện Biên’s signature dried meat faces challenges from counterfeits and low-quality products

    Điện Biên’s signature dried meat faces challenges from counterfeits and low-quality products

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - Products such as dried pork, dried buffalo meat, and sausages have long been recognized as specialties rich in the flavors of the Northwestern localities in general and Điện Biên province in particular. Today, however, these specialties face a major challenge as counterfeit and substandard products infiltrate the market. This not only damages brand recognition and erodes consumer trust, but also threatens the livelihoods of local producers.
  • 'Reshaping Điện Biên Phủ into a modern, civilized ward

    Reshaping Điện Biên Phủ into a modern, civilized ward

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Điện Biên Phủ ward, Điện Biên province, was established under Resolution No.1661/NQ-UBTVQH15 of the National Assembly Standing Committee, through the merger of five former wards (Him Lam, Tân Thanh, Mường Thanh, Thanh Bình, Thanh Trường) and Thanh Minh commune of the former Điện Biên Phủ city. Immediately after transitioning to the two-tier local government model, the ward’s Party Committee successfully held its first Congress, setting a clear goal of building a modern, civilized urban area.
  • 'Provincial armed forces replace makeshift homes for poor households in border areas

    Provincial armed forces replace makeshift homes for poor households in border areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Since early August, nearly 100 officers and soldiers from Infantry Battalion 1, Regiment 741, and the Defensive Area Commands of Region 1 - Mường Nhé, and Region 2 - Na Sang in Điện Biên province have split into teams carrying shovels, hammers, saws, chisels, and welding machines, marching into disadvantaged villages in the border communes of Mường Nhé, Nậm Kè, Mường Toong, and Na Sang. Their mission: to eliminate makeshift, dilapidated houses for poor households, improve local living conditions, and strengthen the “people’s defense” in the frontier of the Fatherland.
  • 'Solutions needed to address teacher shortages in mountainous and remote areas

    Solutions needed to address teacher shortages in mountainous and remote areas

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - The shortage of teachers at many public preschool and secondary schools in the province presents a significant challenge to the education sector. To address this issue, Điện Biên province has directed relevant departments and local authorities to urgently assess, recruit, and allocate teachers to meet the teaching needs for the 2025-2026 school year.
  • 'A strong “shield” protects national security and social order

    A strong “shield” protects national security and social order

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The achievements in the fight against drugs, the resilience in overcoming challenges in major criminal cases, and the steadfast trust of the people in the mountainous villages have all shaped the image of the brave and determined police officers of Điện Biên province. Through a journey of building, fighting, and growing, the sacrifices of each generation of officers have written a heroic history, confirming their central role in the fight to protect national security.
  • 'Điện Biên - Aspiration to develop further

    Điện Biên - Aspiration to develop further

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Eighty years after the success of the August Revolution in 1945, Điện Biên province has transformed from a remote, underdeveloped borderland into a bright spot of growth in the Northwest. This achievement is the crystallization of the Party’s leadership, the government’s management, and the solidarity and contributions of generations. Entering a new stage, Điện Biên continues to nurture its aspiration for innovation, integration, and breakthrough, toward a prosperous, distinctive, and livable future.
  • 'From the historic autumn to the two-tier government

    From the historic autumn to the two-tier government

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - The August Revolution of 1945 was a brilliant milestone in the history of the Vietnamese nation. Under the Party’s banner, the entire people rose up to seize power, opening an era of independence, freedom, and the path toward socialism. That victory was the result of unyielding willpower, great solidarity, and the burning aspiration for national liberation. In that historic flow, Điện Biên province - the westernmost frontier of the Fatherland - merged with the nation’s revolutionary surge, contributing to the country’s monumental event.