Authorities in southernmost Ca Mau province are taking drasticmeasures to relocate residents living in a protected forest along thecoast as many of them refuse to leave.
Covering4,000 hectares of land that belong to Phu Tan, Tran Van Thoi, and U Minhdistricts, the mangrove forest is currently home to 1,500 localhouseholds.
Since 2010, Ca Mau has injected morethan 200 billion VND (9.2 million USD) into building a number ofrelocation sites, two of which have been completed.
However, most locals have declined transition offers. Although livingnear the sea can be hazardous, particularly in rainy season, thefamilies have long relied on the forest to earn a living.
As the province targets to complete the resettlement programme by2020, authorities are intensifying communication campaigns andestablishing collective groups to process seafood, plant vegetables andraise domestic animals, among others.
Coercion will be used only as a last resort for local safety.-VNA
Covering4,000 hectares of land that belong to Phu Tan, Tran Van Thoi, and U Minhdistricts, the mangrove forest is currently home to 1,500 localhouseholds.
Since 2010, Ca Mau has injected morethan 200 billion VND (9.2 million USD) into building a number ofrelocation sites, two of which have been completed.
However, most locals have declined transition offers. Although livingnear the sea can be hazardous, particularly in rainy season, thefamilies have long relied on the forest to earn a living.
As the province targets to complete the resettlement programme by2020, authorities are intensifying communication campaigns andestablishing collective groups to process seafood, plant vegetables andraise domestic animals, among others.
Coercion will be used only as a last resort for local safety.-VNA
