To enhance forest coverage, protect the ecological environment, mitigate the impacts of climate change, and support socio-economic development, Nậm Pồ district has mobilized support from various organizations and individuals. Among the notable contributors is the Hà Nội - Điện Biên Green Heart Group, which donated over 360,000 tree saplings worth more than VND 900 million to communities in remote and mountainous villages such as Chà Tở, Chà Nưa, Phìn Hồ, Si Pa Phìn, Nậm Khăn, and Chà Cang. Thanks to this support, residents have planted over 200 hectares of new forests with significant economic potential.

Local residents have been actively engaged in afforestation efforts, with many receiving training and guidance on planting and caring for trees. For example, Khoàng Văn Kim from Nà Ín hamlet received over 300 tree saplings and planted them on a 6,800 square meter area of abandoned farmland. Kim happily shared: “Members of the Hà Nội - Điện Biên Green Heart Group gave me clear, step-by-step instructions on how to dig the holes and plant the saplings at the right spacing, as well as how to prevent diseases so the trees would have a better chance of surviving”.

Pòng Văn Dũng from Chăn Nuôi village, Phìn Hồ commune, shared: “We have to clear the underbrush regularly to prevent forest fires and keep the soil moist so the trees can grow well. If the brush gets too thick and the grass grows too fast, it blocks the light, and the trees can get pests or even die. Taking care of the trees often helps them get enough sunlight and stay at the right moisture level”.

The district has achieved a forest cover rate of over 64%, with Chà Nưa commune being one of the leading areas in forest protection and development. In addition to effectively maintaining and protecting its existing forests, residents have received support from both individuals and volunteer groups providing seedlings for reforestation efforts.

Thùng Văn Ánh, Chairman of the Chà Nưa Commune People’s Committee, shared: “With a total of 33,000 seedlings of various species donated by the Hà Nội - Điện Biên Green Heart Group, the commune authorities have distributed them to local households. At the same time, we’ve encouraged residents to clear the land, prepare the soil, and plant the trees across more than 28 hectares. The seedlings are now growing well, which has inspired more households to take part in forest planting and protection, creating opportunities for economic development in the years ahead”.

In recent years, Nậm Pồ district authorities have mobilized various resources to support residents in reforestation efforts. They have also been helping communities integrate long-term forestry development with short-term, multipurpose crops to improve livelihoods and promote economic stability. The district has introduced a range of coordinated solutions, including raising awareness about forest protection, encouraging people to treat forests as valuable assets to be preserved, and mobilizing land contributions from residents for new reforestation projects. In addition, the district has reviewed and adjusted forestry land-use plans across communes to ensure effective implementation of community-based reforestation initiatives. These plans are updated annually. The district has also assessed and identified suitable forestry species for planting, ensuring they align with the ecological conditions of each specific area.

Nguyễn Hữu Đại, Vice Chairman of the Nậm Pồ district People’s Committee, shared: “Planting trees and reforesting bare hills and unused land is essential - it helps prevent land degradation and creates income for residents. More importantly, forest development contributes to environmental improvement and reduces the impact of natural disasters. To proactively manage reforestation efforts, the district allocates annual plans down to each village and organizes community-based registration for new forest planting.

The district’s policy of promoting community-based reforestation has enhanced the effectiveness of forest management, protection, and development. By linking benefits with responsibilities, it empowers local residents to confidently manage and invest in their forest resources. Targeted reforestation support also fosters sustainable forestry development, encourages the efficient use of degraded hills and former shifting cultivation land, and promotes broader participation from organizations, individuals, and local communities in forest development.

Currently, reforestation activities have been widely implemented across communes, with most planted areas growing well and meeting density standards. Looking ahead, Nậm Pồ district will continue to strengthen communication and education on forest management and development, further promoting community-based reforestation and effectively implementing forestry-related support policies. These efforts are expected to improve living standards, increase household incomes, enhance forest coverage, foster socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas, and contribute to long-term poverty reduction.