Authorities in Quang Ninh province are applying technology to patrol and protect forests. (Illustrative image).

Currently, the total forested area in Quang Ninh province is over 321,273 hectares, of which natural forest accounts for 119,652.70 hectares; planted forest accounts for 162,357.3 hectares, and planted forest area is 39,263.57 hectares. The forest cover rate of the province is 45.5%. This places high demands on management to ensure the economical and sustainable use of forest resources in the area.

Therefore, the locality is promoting the modernization of forest management and protection through the strong application of digital technology. At the same time, data is interconnected across all levels and sectors, improving the efficiency of direction, management, and coordination. Technology also contributes to reducing the pressure on manual patrol personnel, increasing accuracy and transparency in management.

Furthermore, Quang Ninh focuses on training digital human resources, gradually improving technological infrastructure, and aiming to build a smart forestry ecosystem. This is considered a crucial solution for sustainably protecting forest resources in the context of climate change and increasing economic development pressure. Specifically, Quang Ninh has deployed a Forest Fire Monitoring and Warning Center, along with modern monitoring equipment.

The monitoring system, invested in as part of the project to enhance the capacity of the forest ranger force in the 2024-2025 period, includes 7 monitoring towers located in key areas: An Sinh, Vang Danh, Dong Mai, Ky Thuong, Duong Hoa, Quang Tan, and Hai Son. The monitoring center, located at the Forest Protection Department, serves as the central hub for receiving, processing, and coordinating warning information throughout the province.

Thanks to the integration of thermal imaging cameras and modern monitoring software, the system is capable of early detection of forest fire risks, supporting timely response and minimizing damage. Recently, the Provincial Forest Protection Department coordinated a training course and technology transfer program to operate this system for officials and employees throughout the department.

With the participation of trainees from affiliated units, the training program not only provided theoretical knowledge but also emphasized direct practical application, helping trainees quickly master the technology. Through the training, 100% of trainees have mastered the operating procedures, from receiving information and processing alerts to equipment maintenance and repair. Mastering the technology not only enhances professional capacity but also creates a foundation for continuous and efficient system operation, especially during peak periods of forest fire risk.

Furthermore, the recent application of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) has proven remarkably effective in forest management and protection. In areas with complex terrain such as Binh Lieu, An Sinh, and Binh Khe, drones enable forest rangers to observe the entire area from above, quickly detecting any unusual signs such as forest fires, pests, or acts of forest encroachment.

In particular, in the inspection of replacement plantations, drones have become an effective tool to support the assessment of the growth quality of forest trees, check compliance with technical procedures, and monitor the responsibilities of relevant units.

High-resolution image data serves not only professional work but also forms a crucial basis for reporting, public awareness campaigns, and handling violations. The application of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), automated monitoring systems, digital maps, remote sensing data, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) is fundamentally changing the working methods of forest rangers.

Thanks to technological support, forest resource monitoring is no longer limited by terrain or weather conditions. Thermal imaging camera systems and automated monitoring equipment, combined with remote sensing data, help detect anomalies early, especially the risk of forest fires, right from their inception.

Meanwhile, digital maps and specialized software support real-time monitoring of forest changes, helping forest rangers accurately grasp the current state of the forest and make timely and appropriate management decisions. In addition, AI is gradually being researched and applied in data analysis, forest fire risk forecasting, and identifying hotspots of forestry law violations.

When integrated with a centralized monitoring system, AI can assist in screening and analyzing large volumes of collected data, thereby providing highly reliable early warnings and helping authorities be more proactive in prevention and response. Beyond improving professional efficiency, the application of technology also contributes to changing the mindset and work style of forest rangers towards a more professional and modern approach.

To effectively protect forests, the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee issued Decision No. 646/QD-UBND approving the results of forest monitoring and publishing the forest status for 2024, providing an important legal basis for management activities, handling violations, and subsequent policy planning. The application of a monitoring system integrating environmental, water resource, and meteorological data has also been implemented, helping to promptly detect violations in resource exploitation and use throughout the province.

The application of digital technology in forest management and protection is opening up an effective and sustainable path for Quang Ninh. Not only does it enhance the capacity for monitoring, detecting, and handling violations, but digital solutions also create a foundation for modern, transparent forest governance, in line with the national digital transformation trend.

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