THANH HOA PROVINCIAL POLICE SUPERVISE PROJECT TO ENHANCE DISASTER RESPONSE IN THUONG XUAN

On the afternoon of May 29 and the morning of May 30, 2025, a delegation from the External Security Department of Thanh Hoa Provincial Police conducted a visit and supervision mission in Xuan Loc and Xuan Thang communes, Thuong Xuan district. The mission aimed to assess the progress of the project titled “Strengthening disaster resilience of watershed forest communitie” a significant initiative that is delivering numerous positive changes to local residents.

Objectives of the visit

In line with Official Letter No. 268/CAT-ANĐN dated May 20, 2025, the delegation, led by Thanh Hoa Provincial Police, conducted field inspections of the project’s activities. Joined by representatives from the Thanh Hoa Union of Science and Technology Associations (TUSTA) and the Center for Research, Consulting on Resource Management and Climate Change Adaptation (CORENACCA), the visit focused on evaluating the project’s implementation effectiveness. This effort was intended to ensure the project meets its goals of strengthening disaster resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods for the community.

The working delegation consisted of:

• Thanh Hoa Provincial Police: 4 officers
• TUSTA: 2 representatives
• CORENACCA: 3 representatives

The mission also saw full participation from the leadership of the People’s Committees of Xuan Loc and Xuan Thang communes, reflecting strong coordination between the project and local authorities.

Key Activities

Over the two-day period, the delegation engaged in a series of practical activities:

Visiting beekeeping households

In Xuan Loc and Xuan Thang communes, the delegation inspected three households participating in the beekeeping model (one in Xuan Loc and two in Xuan Thang). Each household received exactly two beehives as planned, along with comprehensive technical training. As a result, these households have begun harvesting honey, demonstrating that this model is not only feasible but also paves the way for new avenues in household economic development.

Observing indigenous chicken farming training in Xuan Loc commune, the delegation attended a training session on indigenous chicken farming techniques. Led by experts, the session adhered to the planned curriculum and drew significant participation from locals. This activity is regarded as a practical step toward enhancing residents’ farming skills and improving their livelihoods.

Surveying the wild banana planting site in en village, Xuan Thang commune, the delegation praised the project’s plan to cultivate wild bananas. This initiative not only aids in water retention and drought prevention but also aligns with the locality’s development goals. The Provincial Police leadership hailed it as a practical model that effectively supports the social development resolution of the Xuan Thang Commune Party Committee.

Engaging with local authorities – During a meeting with Xuan Thang commune leaders, the delegation was informed that the project’s activities are on track, transparent, and well-coordinated with the locality. The commune leadership also suggested scaling up the project to benefit more households.

Meeting with the project implementation unit – On the morning of May 30, 2025, at the Thuong Xuan district town, the delegation reviewed a progress report covering the project’s activities from October 2024 to May 2025. Discussions focused on implementation methods and solutions to address challenges, particularly the 25% capital contribution requirement – a major hurdle for the project. The project team requested that the Provincial Police propose more favorable financial support from the Thanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee.

Mr. Binh, head of the delegation, commended the project’s impressive achievements after six months of implementation. He emphasized: “The project has generated positive impacts, from supporting livelihoods to raising disaster response awareness among the people.” Beside that, the delegation stressed the need for strict adherence to financial and legal regulations as outlined in Decision No. 4196/QĐ-UBND dated October 21, 2024.

Despite its successes, the project faces certain challenges, including the effects of administrative consolidation and difficulties in mobilizing counterpart funds. These issues require prompt support from leaders at all levels to maintain momentum. Moving forward, the project pledges to continue its planned activities, aiming to enhance the lives and disaster resilience of ethnic minority communities in Thuong Xuan’s headwater forest areas. With the ongoing collaboration of the government and partners, the project holds promise for delivering sustainable changes in the future.

Pham Van Thuong

Photos of activity: