Currently, the illegal exploitation of forest resources is considered as a hot issue occurred in many places across the country. However, in Binh Tan commune, Binh Son district in Quang Ngai province, many invaluable natural forests still exist and are reserved by the local people and commune authorities.
Those who have a chance to visit Binh Tan commune are easily to see areas of natural forest to be interspersed in lush paddy fields.
There are not few people to be surprised since these natural forests locate not far from residential areas but they are still intact.
In Binh Tan commune, the natural forest covers about 1,100 ha, including a varieties of ancient trees with their lifespan of over 300 years, it is the habitat of many rare species.
The surprise of the visitors is the pride of the residents here. They consider forest as their precious asset to be preserved for the next generations.
To protect and expand forests, the local people here develop their own regulations and follow strictly the rules written by themselves.
In flood season, they even never take falling trees home for their own firewood at all.
Every village, every group was ruled by their own provisions to protect the forest as well as they protected the historic relics of the two wars against French and American armies, said Mr. Bui Van Huan – Chairman of Binh Tan commune.
Mr Nguyen Thai Son- Guard Team leader of Cam Forest of Binh Tan commune expressed that the villagers followed the forest protection rules seriously, because they were aware of tremendous benefits provided by these forests.
If someone broke the rules, they had to be responsible for their mistakes in front of their race that was considered the most ashamed punishment.
Binh Tan people are keenly aware of the role and responsibilities in the protection of forest so the "Green Lung" in here is always protected in security, creating healthy ecological environment that is hardly to find anywhere in the plain districts of Quang Ngai in a such place like in Binh Tan.
The traditional way of forest protection in Binh Tan commune, Binh Son district should be honored, expanded and supported by organizations and agencies not only in the province of Quang ngai but other provinces nationwide as well.