“We’re not just protecting trees, we’re protecting our own future, our children’s future, and the future of many others.”
At the foot of Muong Chieng Mountain, where a small stream murmurs through endless forests, people share the story of the journey of the Ke village’s Forest Management Group (FMG). It is a story of transformation, revival, and gratitude.
From Peril to Peace
Back in the 1990s, the natural protection and plantation forests of Ke Village, spanning over 270 hectares, were under serious threat from illegal logging and poaching. Precious trees were being cut down, and rare animals were hunted. The villagers realised that if they didn’t do something, they wouldn’t just lose the forest—they’d lose their way of life —the clean water, the cool climate, and the soul of their village.
In 1996, the Ke Village’s FMG was established. At first, their job was pretty basic: patrolling the area and dealing with violations. Despite overwhelming challenges—vast terrain, limited manpower, and harsh weather— they kept at it, quietly watching over the forest. But when they joined the project “Strengthening community-based forest management to protect the Da Bac’ Forests in Viet Nam”, everything began to change. The project is funded under IKI Small Grants programme and implemented by The Centre for Research on Initiatives of Community Development (RIC) in three villages of Ke, Ban Ha, Chieng Cang in Muong Chieng commune, Da Bac district, Hoa Binh province, Viet Nam from 01 November 2023 to 31 January 2025.
Beyond the trees – building the blueprint
The project has given the Ke village’s FMG new perspectives. They learned that protecting the forest wasn’t just a job; it was about safeguarding their lives and the heart of their community.
To truly empower community-driven forest management, for the first time, a well-structured community forest management plan of Ke village’s FMG was established. They mapped out high-risk areas, and developed detailed patrol and wildfire prevention and suppression strategies with a “four on-the-spot” approach. The signboards for forest protection were also installed and ensured visibility to increase the effectiveness of awareness raising for all. The assignment of tasks was also clearer—the team leader served as a liaison with the forest rangers, while the deputy leader and members took on patrol and record-keeping duties.
Community-driven changes
Training sessions on community forest management and communication skills for forest protection have given Ke village’s FMG the confidence to truly connect with their neighbors. Not only did they understand the significance of their work and receive the necessary equipment for patrols and protection, but team members were also able to lead communication sessions for the villagers.
“Before, we’d tack on forest protection to village meetings, just telling people to ‘protect the forest,'” one member explained. “Now, thanks to training, we have a deeper understanding of why we need to protect the forest and how to manage it to share it with the villagers. We can even run our own separate sessions on this topic.”
The FMG began explaining the forest’s vital role: it holds water, shelters wildlife, shields against natural hazards, and provides long-term livelihoods. “We finally know how to get people to listen and care,” shared Kien, a team member, with evident pride. Stories of rescued deer and new saplings taking root changed hearts and minds. “We’re not just protecting trees,” emphasized Mr. Dinh Cong Doc, “we’re protecting our own future, our children’s future, and the future of many others.”
A Foundation for the Future
The transformation in Ke village’s forest management wasn’t a quick fix. They are the result of a long process built on community unity. The most visible change wasn’t just in the paperwork, but in the lush, green forests that now blanketed previously exploited areas.
Ke village’s FMG now operates with written plans, clear responsibilities, seamless coordination, and enhanced knowledge and skills. “Everyone knows their role, there’s no more waiting around,” Mr. Dinh Cong Lap – village’s head and a member of FMG – shared, expressing his peace of mind as forest protection has a solid foundation for the long term.
However, the journey ahead still has many challenges. Climate change brings unpredictable weather, the terrain is vast, communication is tough, and maintaining community engagement is an ongoing effort. But one thing is certain: Ke village’s forest is no longer just a responsibility; it’s a source of deep pride. “This forest is ours,” Mr. Bui Van Thuong declared, eyes shining. “Look how healthy it is—we did that.”
