Recognising forest fire prevention and sustainable forestry as strategic priorities, Da Nang’s Forest Protection Department and relevant agencies have implemented proactive measures to protect and restore forests. In 2025, efforts are focused on improving forest management, applying technology for resource monitoring, and advancing forestry towards a modern, sustainable model.

Forest fire prevention is a key priority for forest rangers and related units. In the photo: A forest fire prevention and response drill in Lien Chieu District. Photo: VAN HOANG

Proactive forest protection

Da Nang currently manages nearly 62,546 hectares of forest and afforested land, including over 57,731 hectares of actual forest. As of 2024, forest coverage in the city reached 44.67%, surpassing the national average (42,02%). Although the city has limited natural forest, its high-value timber reserves and biodiversity make forest protection particularly demanding. The city’s accessible terrain also poses challenges, making illegal logging, wildlife hunting, and encroachment easier.

To address this, coordination between forestry units and local authorities has been strengthened. In 2024, forest rangers issued 21 fire risk alerts and advised local communes to form 19 rapid response teams and 79 community-based forest protection groups with nearly 1,400 participants. A rapid reaction firefighting team of 30 local residents was also set up to deal with fire outbreaks during the dry season (April to September). Although nine fire incidents occurred citywide, no forest damage was reported.

Regular equipment maintenance is a key part of readiness, according to Mr Nguyen Duc Dung, Deputy Head of the Mobile Forest Ranger and Fire Prevention Team. His team also collaborates with localities to assess fire-prone zones and develop context-specific fire prevention strategies.

Support is also being extended to residential areas adjacent to forests, such as Hoa An and Hoa Phat wards in Cam Le District. Training and guidance are helping these communities build capacity to handle forest fires on-site, while also raising awareness about forest protection.

Beyond fire prevention, Da Nang has made notable progress in wildlife rescue. In 2024, 255 wild animals were voluntarily handed over to forest rangers. Of these, 125 were transferred to state ownership, and 100 were seized in administrative violations and handled legally.

In Hoa Vang District, education and communication have played a key role in enhancing public awareness. According to Mr Le Dinh Tham, Head of the Hoa Vang Forest Protection Unit, local authorities have promoted wildlife protection through community campaigns. As a result, many residents have voluntarily handed over animals, including 100 turtles from a local temple and several rare species like monkeys and pythons, which were rescued and released into the wild.

“We’ll continue expanding public awareness efforts. People should promptly notify authorities when they encounter wild animals to ensure safe rescue and release,” Mr Tham said.

Core goals and sustainable development

The Forest Protection Department has set four main priorities for 2025, including safeguarding biodiversity in special-use and protective forests. The focus remains on sustainably protecting current forests and newly afforested areas as outlined in the 2021-2025 plan, maintaining 45-47% forest cover, and improving forest productivity to meet environmental, economic, and conservation needs.

All designated special-use and protective forests will be managed under formal protection contracts. Da Nang is also integrating its forest data into the national forestry information system (FORMIS) to enhance management and oversight.

The department will continue encouraging large-timber plantations and converting small-timber forests under Resolution 254/2019/NQ-HDND, while working to amend and improve this resolution. Efforts are also underway to develop wood processing industries, hi-tech forestry zones, and support industries in key economic areas. Other initiatives aim to enrich natural forests through targeted forestry projects.

One significant target is the city’s contribution to the national “One Billion Trees” initiative. By the end of 2025, Da Nang aims to plant over 5 million trees in both concentrated and scattered areas. The city is also advancing forest certification schemes, particularly for production forests, to support sustainable management.

Mr Quach Huu Son, Deputy Director of the Forest Protection Department, stated that public awareness campaigns will be intensified to shift perceptions and forestry practices. The department also plans to complete boundary demarcations according to the three forest types outlined in the city’s 2018–2020 plan, with a vision to 2030. These efforts support the broader reorganisation of the city’s forestry sector as part of Da Nang’s agricultural restructuring.

Strict measures will be enforced against illegal conversion or sale of forest land. Forest fire prevention plans will also be reviewed at all levels, with attention to command structures, mobilisation of firefighting forces, and inter-agency coordination based on the “four-on-the-spot” approach.

Reporting by VAN HOANG - Translating by TRUC VY