FUNCTIONS, DUTIES, AND POWERS OF THE LAK LAKE HISTORICAL, CULTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL FOREST MANAGEMENT BOARD

The functions, duties, and powers of the Lak Lake Historical, Cultural and Environmental Forest Management Board are stipulated in Decision No. 760/QĐ-SNN dated July 13, 2017, issued by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Dak Lak Province. Specifically:

1. Functions

– The Lak Lake Historical, Cultural and Environmental Forest Management Board is a public service unit under the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, assisting the Director of the Department in advising the People’s Committee of Dak Lak Province in exercising state management functions in the forestry sector, conservation of natural resources, and protection of cultural, historical, and environmental landscape values within the assigned forest and forestland area in accordance with legal regulations.

– The Management Board has legal status, its own seal and bank account for professional operations as prescribed by law. Its operating budget is allocated by the state. The board is under the direction and management of the Director of the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development regarding its organization, staffing, and operations.

2. Duties and Powers

– Organize the planning for protection and development of the special-use forest within the area under its management.

– Conduct forest inventory and monitoring of forest resource changes; submit statistical data to competent authorities. Implement boundary demarcation and management measures, including installation of boundary markers and guideposts both on maps and in the field.

– Receive and rescue native species or species suitable to the natural habitat of the special-use forest, or those approved for scientific research by competent authorities. Maintain semi-wild rescue centers for two wildlife species (deer and freshwater crocodiles) for conservation, gene pool preservation, scientific study, and eco-tourism purposes. Conduct breeding and supply of native species in accordance with current regulations.

– Protect the assigned forest and forestland area of 10,333.55 hectares; develop and implement plans to preserve forest ecosystems, prevent deforestation, illegal logging, poaching, and wildlife trafficking; manage forest fire prevention and control, as well as forest pest control. Patrol and prevent acts of forest encroachment, exploitation of forest products, and violations of forest protection laws. Establish a dedicated forest protection force authorized to document initial violations, secure the scene and evidence, and report to competent authorities for further handling. When necessary, the use of support tools is permitted as per legal provisions.

– Disseminate forest protection laws and policies to local communities; encourage sustainable and reasonable use of forest resources; guide organizations and individuals in complying with regulations on special-use forest management; develop internal forest protection rules in line with current laws.

– Organize and implement forest planting, rehabilitation, sustainable use of forest resources, and scientific research as permitted by law. Carry out international cooperation activities within the scope of its assigned duties and powers. Organize eco-tourism activities in accordance with legal regulations.

– Coordinate with district and commune-level People’s Committees to implement buffer zone investment projects as prescribed by law.

– Manage finances and assigned assets; implement financial autonomy and accountability mechanisms; promote thrift practices, prevent waste and corruption; and implement public administrative reforms as required by the State.

– Manage its organizational structure, officials, public employees, staff, salary regimes, rewards, and disciplinary actions in accordance with State regulations.

– Perform other tasks as assigned or delegated by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.