What is the best way to conserve trees and ensure more land is forested?

The government’s goal is to restore forest cover to 70 percent of the country’s land area by 2025, and to develop a sustainable plan for natural resource conservation and usage. To mark National Arbour Day this year, forestry authorities are partnering with provincial education and sports departments to encourage schools, colleges and other institutions to plant trees, especially in public parks and along roadsides. Vientiane Times asked around for opinions about reforestation and the need to protect the natural environment.

 
Ms Pao, a government official in Naxaithong district, Vientiane: Every year the government urges people to plant trees, which is a costly undertaking. But after planting trees, no one pays much attention to them so I don’t know how long they survive for. I think the best thing is to make sure that we don’t cut down trees, so that they grow and provide shade. It is essential that more is done to protect our forests and other natural resources. It’s not only the responsibility of the authorities, it is the duty of everyone to cooperate in this endeavour.
 
Ms Kingkham, a resident of Borikhamxay province: I think forests are crucial to conserving the environment. Forests everywhere, including in Laos, are now at risk. This is a critical issue and everyone should join forces to turn the situation around and halt environmental degradation. To restore our forests, I would like everyone, including young people and children, to think about the importance of tree cultivation and the most suitable types to plant, such as commercial tree species. We should not fell too many trees, or use or buy wood derived from exotic trees. We should plant more trees because it will make our country greener and help preserve water sources, while enlarging the area that is forested. More trees and thick forests will make the air fresher and cleaner and help to reduce global warming.

Mr Saengthavy Sinkhavong, a government official in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane: As we know, forests in Laos are shrinking every day because of development projects and illegal logging. The best way to protect forests is to enforce the rules and stop more trees from being felled. And we need to plant more trees and protect our planet for our children’s sake. You can begin at home by planting a few trees, as this can help reduce global warming and ensure a healthy and balanced environment.
 
Mr Somsay, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: It’s good that we plant more trees each year because, properly cared for, they will mature and last for a long time. The best way to protect forests is for the authorities to put a stop to the illegal timber trade and forcefully remind people about the impacts of this trade. I have seen many problems caused by deforestation. Wildlife is threatened because habitats are being destroyed, and fewer trees means more flooded land, hot weather and landslides.
 
Ms Vongthong Vongsavang, an employee in Vientiane: These days you don’t see many big trees around, especially commercial species. We should get serious about this problem and think about what we can do to stop the illegal timber trade and make people fear the law. Even though we have many forest conservation areas, vast swathes of trees are felled illegally. I urge the authorities and everyone else to do more to protect our forests. We should not plant trees only on National Arbour Day, but should do so every day, as forests are an important part of our lives. I’d like the government to create more jobs for people so they won’t have to do things like cut down trees because this depletes our store of natural resources.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update June 1, 2022)