The southern province of Dong Nai is currently organizing a range of activities to protect and develop local forests in 2014 and 2015, with a view to the longer term. During the period, six projects will be implemented, focusing on preserving wild elephants, building a database on local forest land and boosting forestation in areas affected by chemicals. According to Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Vo Van Chanh, the plan aims to manage, protect and use the current forests in an effective and sustainable manner. It also aims to maintain forest coverage of 30%, helping prevent the impacts of climate change and boosting local socio-economic development, security and defense and new-style rural area building. Accordingly, Dong Nai will strictly protect almost 162,000 hectares of forest and plant 660 hectares of new trees. (vietnamplus.vn Feb 7)
