Phu Quoc island district of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang is taking all necessary measures to prevent forest fires as the dry season is nearing.
Pham Quang Binh, Director of Phu Quoc National Park, said 31,500 out of 37,000 hectares of the island’s forest are within the park. More than 60 hectares of forest on Phu Quoc are at high risk of fire.
The park’s management board has summoned forces with all necessary equipment to ready for any fire. They have also set up around-the-clock monitoring stands at high-risk spots and conducted regular patrols, he said.
Forest management units have also worked with local authorities to popularise fire prevention in the public.
Phu Quoc National Park is a part of the Kien Giang biosphere reserve, which was recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2006. The park is covered with lush green foliage and tropical flowers, and boasts the natural resources of both jungle and sea. It is home to 929 plant species, of which 42 are listed in the Vietnamese and world red books of endangered species.
In the dry season of 2013, the island district witnessed 19 wildfires, destroying over 91 hectares of forest. The fires were attributable to the burning of land for cultivation by local residents.
At present, nine provinces nationwide have been alerted of forest fire risks, namely Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Kon Tum, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh and Son La.-VNA
Pham Quang Binh, Director of Phu Quoc National Park, said 31,500 out of 37,000 hectares of the island’s forest are within the park. More than 60 hectares of forest on Phu Quoc are at high risk of fire.
The park’s management board has summoned forces with all necessary equipment to ready for any fire. They have also set up around-the-clock monitoring stands at high-risk spots and conducted regular patrols, he said.
Forest management units have also worked with local authorities to popularise fire prevention in the public.
Phu Quoc National Park is a part of the Kien Giang biosphere reserve, which was recognised as a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2006. The park is covered with lush green foliage and tropical flowers, and boasts the natural resources of both jungle and sea. It is home to 929 plant species, of which 42 are listed in the Vietnamese and world red books of endangered species.
In the dry season of 2013, the island district witnessed 19 wildfires, destroying over 91 hectares of forest. The fires were attributable to the burning of land for cultivation by local residents.
At present, nine provinces nationwide have been alerted of forest fire risks, namely Binh Phuoc, Dong Nai, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa, Kon Tum, Lam Dong, Tay Ninh and Son La.-VNA
