PM toughens up on forest protection

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone has issued an order to ensure more stringent management and protection of forests.
The order is aimed at preventing encroachment on forest land and the widespread of destruction of forests through the indiscriminate felling of trees and burning, which has reached unacceptable levels.
The overarching goal is to ensure that 70 percent of the country’s land is forested, as has been the government’s target for several years, and for forests to be used sustainably and in ways that boost Laos’ development.
The order calls on all government bodies to carry out their duties more diligently and responsibly with regard to the management of forests and to prevent large swathes of trees being lost and plundered.
Government officials were instructed to widely disseminate the policies and laws regarding the management, protection, development and use of forests in various ways for the benefit of society, and all members of the public should be obliged to comply with these policies and laws.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is advised to coordinate with all related local government agencies to review the boundaries of forests and each type of forest land in detail, as well as urgently carry out surveys and draw up management plans in line with the laws and regulations.
In addition, forest boundaries should be clearly marked through the use of signs, and local governing bodies should ensure that boundaries are respected.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment, in coordination with related sectors and local government agencies, is instructed to determine development plans for each area according to local circumstances, and help provide people who are entirely dependent on agriculture for their survival to find new and stable livelihoods.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, related sectors and local government agencies are to review the issuing of land titles, land use certificates and land development certificates and other documents regarding land use ownership, and the leasing and concession of land in forested areas.
Any permits that have been issued illicitly, along with the illegal acquisition of land, should be revoked and the individuals responsible prosecuted.
Local government bodies at all levels are to coordinate with the relevant sectors to allocate permanent land and production areas to ensure stable production patterns for people living in rural areas, especially in national parks and all types of forests, to improve their way of life, alleviate poverty, and stop the unfettered encroachment of people on forested land.
Government agencies at all levels are to cooperate with the relevant sectors to carry out inspections, collect data and put a stop to forest encroachment, reservation, the purchase and sale of forest land, and any illicit activities or business operations carried out by individuals, legal entities or organisations in forests.
Unauthorised or illegal activities must be stopped and rule-breakers prosecuted.
Local government bodies at all levels must prevent the reckless burning of forests, and in the event of a fire, should ensure the fire is extinguished quickly so that it does not spread and cause serious damage.
Disaster management committees are instructed to make forest fire prevention a priority task and to set aside a budget for preparing the necessary equipment to deal with forest fires in a timely manner.
It is prohibited for individuals, legal entities or organisations to directly or indirectly support forest encroachment, reservation, trading, clearing, clearing, and felling of trees, expanding production areas and carrying out unlawful activities in national parks and all types of forests. Violators are to be hunted down and prosecuted.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update August 2, 2023)