Rangers from the Area 3 Forest Protection Sub-Department and the Muong La Nature Reserve conduct a forest patrol.

The province has five nature reserves, one historical landscape protection area, one species–habitat conservation area, and 11 scenic sites of high value. These areas provide habitats for many rare aquatic species as well as flora and fauna. The province also has over 26,500 hectares of water surface, with annual capture and aquaculture output exceeding 9,000 tonnes.

Continuing the implementation of the national programme, Son La will coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to roll out several priority projects. These include surveying and assessing the status of endangered species and building a comprehensive database; piloting in-situ conservation, captive breeding, and reintroduction models to restore populations at risk of extinction; developing emergency action plans for highly threatened species; and integrating conservation management into regulations of nature reserves and sustainable forest management plans.

To ensure feasibility, the province plans to mobilise funding from multiple sources, including the state budget, credit capital, forest environmental service payments, and contributions from organisations and individuals. The Department of Agriculture and Environment will serve as the standing agency, advising and coordinating the implementation of priority projects.

At the same time, relevant units such as the Department of Public Security, the Department of Industry and Trade, as well as commune and ward People’s Committees will strengthen patrols, inspections, and strict enforcement against illegal trading and consumption at markets and hotspots. Communication efforts will also be enhanced, with Son La Newspaper and Radio-Television expanding programmes in ethnic minority languages to raise public awareness and promote wildlife conservation among local communities.