VIENTIANE, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- Laos' Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has decided to develop new management plans and revise laws to strengthen the protection of conservation areas.
The decision was made at a meeting of the ministry on Tuesday, which focused on addressing the unlawful use of land in the Phou Phanang National Conservation Area and Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation Area, a report from the ministry said on Friday.
During the meeting, presided over by Lao Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Linkham Douangsavanh, participants discussed issues such as illegal logging, crop cultivation, reckless burning of forests, and wildlife hunting.
The meeting also agreed on measures to improve forest management, protection, and sustainable use, aligning with the government's green development goals.
In his speech, Linkham stressed the need to raise public awareness of forest conservation laws and ensure effective enforcement, urging collaboration among relevant sectors, local authorities, and park management teams to survey and re-demarcate forest boundaries in a bid to protect natural resources and prevent illegal activities. ■
