What more should we do to protect forests?

International Day of Forests is marked today, March 21, by raising global awareness of the importance of forest conservation and protection. Amid shrinking forest cover worldwide, Vientiane Times asked members of the public for their thoughts on ways to prevent further loss of forest cover. 

A conservation forest in Xayaboury province.

Mr See, an employee in Xaysettha district, Vientiane: It’s good that we have this special day because it helps to remind everyone about the importance of forests. I think it’s vital to do more to protect forests around the world. The number of trees is declining day by day because people don’t realise their importance and don’t care about the relevance of forests to the whole environment and to human life. A large number of trees are cut and forests are destroyed by humans each year. Having fewer trees and forests has caused the earth to become warmer and weather patterns to change, which of course has a negative effect on the lives of many people. All countries should work together to expand forest areas by reducing logging and planting a lot more trees to replace those that have been felled. And we need better solutions to forest protection and conservation across the world.
 
Mr Phoukham, a resident of Chanthabouly district, Vientiane: Forest conservation and protection is an international issue and something that every country and everyone around the world should think very carefully about. Forests are essential to the earth’s survival because they are an integral part of ecological systems and help to maintain a natural balance, while also harbouring sources of water. So we must protect forests and ensure that they grow by reducing or putting a stop to logging. It is good that activities are held in all countries, including Laos, to campaign for forest conservation. Fortunately, Laos still has large areas of forest because the government has tried to impress upon people the need to protect trees. The government has also banned the export of logs and is conducting checks to prevent the illegal export of logs. On the plus side, many of our forests are under conservation orders and on National Arbour Day every June people gather to plant trees around the country. All of this helps to safeguard our forests. Of course, we must continue doing things like this and the public should be made more aware of the importance of forest preservation.
 
Ms Noy Vongthisone, an employee in Sisattanak district, Vientiane: There should be more awareness-raising of the importance of forests and trees for the earth and all living things. And more activities should be held to raise awareness of the importance of all types of forests, and trees in general, for the benefit of current and future generations. Every country should organise and share in local, national and international activities involving forests and trees, such as planting trees, on International Day of Forests and other important occasions as well as disseminate more information about ways to protect forests among the general public. Vast areas of woodland are destroyed in fires every year. Forest fires tend to occur in hot weather and damage large swathes of trees, while the smoke also causes a lot of problems. The authorities in every country should educate people about ways to prevent fires and protect forests against fires.
Mr Bounthiem Luangmano, a resident of Xayaboury province: A large number of trees and forests are being cut down in developing and undeveloped countries because people want to free up land to grow crops, as well as to sell the wood so that money can be earned to support development efforts. Unfortunately, illegal logging is common practice here in Laos and lots of people ship wood across the border illegally. Every government should try to stop illegal logging and work with international organisations to thrash out ways to protect forests. Developed countries and international organisations should also provide help by giving guidance on forest conservation and providing funds and equipment. People in every country should take this issue seriously and be more conscientious about forest conservation.

By Visith Teppalath
   (Latest Update March 21, 2022)