VIENTIANE: The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is working to improve management and prevent encroachment into the Phou Phanang National Conservation Area and Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area.
A meeting to discuss the unlawful use of land in these conservation areas was led by the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Assoc. Prof. Dr Linkham Douangsavanh.
Participants shared views on the misuse of protected land, such as illegal logging, growing of crops, reckless burning of woodland, and the hunting of wild animals.
Ministry officials agreed to formulate new management plans and revise articles of law to reflect the current situation with regard to encroachment into conservation areas, with the aiming of strengthening the management and protection of forests.
Dr Linkham advised officials to raise public awareness of the laws around forest conservation and to ensure these were comprehensively understood and enforced.
The meeting agreed to enhance the management, protection, development and use of forested land, and prevent the destruction of forests and illegal burning.
These efforts would support the government’s green and sustainable development goals, he added, and should involve all responsible parties to ensure that natural resources were protected against encroachment.
The minister instructed the Department of Forestry to coordinate with local government agencies, national park management teams, and related parties to survey forested areas and re-demarcate boundaries.
This would serve to strengthen forest management and enable easier law enforcement against people who trespassed into conservation areas.
The Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area is situated in central Laos, approximately 40 kilometres northeast of Vientiane.
This pristine wilderness sanctuary spans the provinces of Vientiane and Borikhamxay, encompassing an area of over 2,000 square kilometres and containing diverse wildlife habitats.
The Phou Phanang National Conservation Area spans 70,000 hectares, mainly located in Vientiane.
This includes 3,500 hectares in Sikhottabong district, 23,800 hectares in Naxaithong district, and 24,500 hectares in Sangthong district, totalling 52,000 hectares. - Vientiane Times/ANN
