Local residents are planting mangrove forests in Tran De district, Soc Trang province (Source: VNA)Soc Trang (VNA) – The Mekong Deltaprovince of Soc Trang has devised numerous measures to protect the forest beltalong its 72km-long coastal line, with the co-management model proven to be oneof the most successful.
The model of mangrove co-management was firstpiloted in Au Tho B hamlet, Vinh Hai commune, Vinh Chau township in 2007, andthen officially implemented in Vinh Chau township, Tran De and Cu Lao Dungdistricts with funding of the German Society for International Cooperation(GIZ) under an agreement signed in September 2009.
Under the project, 240 households in Au Tho Bhamlet signed up to join local administration and forest rangers in protectingthe diversity of ecosystem and the coastal areas from sea encroachment.
The participants, divided into six groups, wereinvolved in building plans for planting and protecting forests, and for usingnatural resources in the forest.
Thesuccess of the model can be seen today in the green mangrove forests spreadingalong 2km of coastline in Au Tho B hamlet. The local forest coverage has beenexpanded from the initial 115 hectares to 370 hectares.
Thach Soal, head of a mangrove co-managementteam in Au Tho B hamlet said locals considered the forests under theirmanagement as their own property, therefore, they take good care of them.Well-developed mangrove forests help locals feel more secure while protectingsea dikes, he said.
Thach Son, head of a mangrove co-management teamin Vo Thanh Van hamlet, Cu Lao Dung district said, the team has establishedpatrol teams to protect local forests. The team members regular meet up anddiscuss plans and objectives of mangrove protection.
Besides protecting mangrove forests andenhancing the awareness of preserving and developing mangrove forests, the mangroveco-management model has created solidarity in the community as well as stablelivelihood for locals thanks to increase in resources.
Vice Chairman of the provincial People’sCommittee Ngo Hung said the model is an effective measure to protect mangroveforests while improving the living condition of local residents thanks tosustainable exploration of natural resources.
It has also helped protect sea dikes, reducecoastal erosion, and expand forest coverage, Hung added.-VNA
VNA
