What should we do to preserve our forests?

The government is encouraging people across the country to plant more trees, but continuing illegal logging is hampering efforts restore the country’s forests. Vientiane Times asked members of the public what should be done to protect forests and put a stop to illicit activities.
 

Mr Saengthavy Silattana, a resident of Naxaithong district, Vientiane: I think the illegal timber trade is decreasing, but I’m not sure whether this is because the authorities are cracking down or because there are fewer trees left to fell. But the authorities should do more to stem illicit activities by punishing those who break the regulations and impounding any illegally felled wood. The best way to protect forests is for the authorities to remind people about the impacts of the illegal timber trade. I have seen many problems caused by deforestation. Wildlife is threatened because their habitats are being destroyed. We need to think about planting more trees. If everyone planted a tree in their yard it would help to reduce global warming and improve the air quality in our neighbourhoods.
 
Ms Soudchai, a resident of Xaythany district, Vientiane: 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. There are many problems caused by human activity that pose a serious challenge. Because of global warming and an increase in pollution, hot weather is affecting many countries. It would be great if everyone ensures that development takes nature into consideration, including all ecological systems. We ought to do everything we can to make sure development doesn’t affect natural resources.
 
Ms Noy Souvixay, a resident of Luang Prabang province: I think forests are crucial to conserving the environment. Forests everywhere, and 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 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 Anon Duangphichit, an employee in Vientiane province: 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 conservation areas, vast swathes of trees are felled illegally. I urge the authorities and everyone else to do more to protect our forests. I’d like the government to create more jobs for people so they won’t have to do things like cut down trees as this harms our store of natural resources.

Mr Somsy Sinkhavong, a government official in Sikhottabong district, Vientiane: As we know, forests in our country are shrinking every day because of development projects and the illegal harvesting of timber. The best way to protect forests is to enforce the rules and stop more trees from being felled. I have seen many problems caused by deforestation. Wild animals are suffering because forests are being decimated. It affects the entire ecological system 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 protect the environment.

By Lamphone Pasanthong
(Latest Update September 20, 2022)