The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Inspection Team of Đắk Lắk Province has released an audit report on forest management and protection by the M’Đrắk District People’s Committee, highlighting a severe reduction in natural forest area.
According to the findings, from 2007 to 2022, M’Đrắk District lost more than 7,100 hectares of natural forest. Of this, over 6,900 hectares were illegally encroached upon by local residents for farming without timely detection or intervention.
Over 7,100 hectares of natural forest in M'Đrắk District have been degraded, with most areas illegally converted into farmland
Notably, the 2014 forest inventory conducted by the district was inaccurate, relying solely on maps and diagrams without field verification, resulting in undetected forest loss between 2007 and 2014.
The report also highlighted that the decentralization of state management over forests and forestry land was not strict enough, and forest management units failed to clearly monitor their designated areas.
Responsibility for these shortcomings lies with the M’Đrắk District People’s Committee, its Chairpersons and Vice-Chairpersons overseeing forestry from 2007–2024, the Chief of the Forest Protection Department, relevant forestry rangers from 2007–2020, as well as the Director and staff of M’Đrắk Forestry Company and the Núi Vọng Phu Protective Forest Management Board from 2015–2022.
The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Inspection Team of Đắk Lắk Province has recommended that M’Đrắk District immediately address and reclaim over 6,900 hectares of encroached forest land. They have also urged relevant forest management units to collaborate with authorities to review and document encroached forestry land.
The Chief Inspector of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Đắk Lắk Province has further recommended that the Provincial People’s Committee direct the Department of Home Affairs to evaluate and hold accountable all individuals and entities involved.
Mr. Nguyễn Đức Thảo, Vice Chairman of the M’Đrắk District People’s Committee, stated that the district is taking responsibility seriously and will implement plans to reclaim the encroached forest areas, addressing issues accumulated over many years.
