Meanwhile, about 3.35 million cu.m. of timber was logged in the period under review, rising 4.2%, statistics show.
To protect and sustainably develop forest, the administration under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has asked localities to issue an appropriate forest development policy that encourages capable domestic and foreign organisations and individuals to invest in forest planting, protection, and caring.
It has also called for enhanced application of science and technology to afforestation; selection, import, and hybridisation of useful forest plants; and creation of alternatives to natural wood and firewood.