Illegal hunting and logging is threatening several endangered species in protected forests in the Cape Ca Mau National Park every day, said Tran Quoc Tuan, park director.
Illegal logging is now more severe than ever. Before, only trees along the roads were targeted, but now trees deep inside the forest are getting the axe.
Local residents have even devastated areas of forest managed by the Cai Doi Forestry Station.
Tuan blames the high number of households living within the park’s borders, nearly 2,000, on the illegal destruction of large tracts of forest.
Many locals report that their chief means of support is cutting down trees to collect timber and hunting rare animals and birds. Poverty is widespread in the area.
Furthermore, residents frequently hunt for snails and crabs, resulting in declining local biodiversity resources.
The limited forest management force in the area impedes watching for or catching logging violations, said Tuan.
One park ranger reported that deforestation has become increasingly brazen and the means of transporting felled mangrove trees increasingly diverse. For example, loggers may use rafts or canoes to avoid the supervision of forestry officials.
One logger admitted to simply cutting the rope linking his boat to illegally-procured timber upon spotting a park ranger to avoid being detected.
The illegal logging and poaching of marine species have motivated local authorities to take part in conservation efforts and the sustainable development of the park’s biodiversity in order to prevent the illegal use of natural resources.
Various agencies will organise frequent community education programmes to raise awareness of the importance of protecting the environment.
Moreover, authorities will relocate many households living in the forest outside the park, and improve job opportunities for poor residents.
Located in Dat Mui Commune, Cape Ca Mau National Park covers over 41,800ha, including 26,600ha of coastal areas and 15,200ha of inland areas.
It is home to 200 animal species and more than 60 plants, including cajeput, mangrove, mam and water coconut trees. Huge flocks of birds are protected in bird sanctuaries there.