Journey to return green to the forest

The lush green forests that once collapsed under the flames due to human carelessness were reduced to ashes in an instant. But in that same place, the hands that once damaged the forest are diligently cultivating and caring for each sapling, as a way to “pay back” their debt to nature.

In the highland commune of Phinh Ho, Lao Cai province, in the dry season, dry winds blow, the fear of forest fires becomes a constant obsession. On March 8, 2021, accidentally burning down fields, Sung A Lang in Ta Ghenh village caused a fire of nearly 3 hectares of 2-year-old forest in plot 3, lot 586 in Mu Thap village, Phinh Ho commune.

The accident caused Sung A Lang to violate regulations on forest fire prevention and had to pay the price with a 6-month suspended sentence with 5 years of probation.

After the trial, not turning his back on the past, Lang wrote a special petition – asking to replant and care for the forest area that he had accidentally burned down. An act of repentance and a desire to make up for his mistakes.

Sung A Lang checks the forest area that he replanted himself.

"I am very sorry for causing the forest fire. I have replanted and taken care of the burnt forest area. Now the trees are growing well. I hope people will not let the fire spread to affect the forest and do a better job of protecting the forest" - Mr. Sung A Lang shared.

Sung A Village reforestation caused a fire.

From the hand that once accidentally ignited a fierce fire, causing forests to suddenly burn down. Now that hand carefully cultivates each sapling. No pay, no one forced. The incident not only caused damage to natural resources but also left behind consequences for the environment, livelihoods and lingering remorse in those who caused it.

To repay the forest debt, they went to the forest with all their will and determination to return the green color to the hills. The local government and the Tram Tau Forest Protection Management Board along with their relatives created conditions for them to participate in reforestation under close supervision. New forests are gradually being nurtured by the awakening of people.

The hand that causes forest fires is also the hand that replants forests.

"No one wants a forest fire to happen. My brother caused the fire, we helped him replant the forest and together we protected this forest area" - Mr. Sung A Hanh - cousin of Sung A Lang said.

Application for reforestation of Sung A Lang.

Also causing the forest fire and facing the court's judgment is Mr. Vang A Pha in Khau De village, Hanh Phuc commune. His carelessness in the process of burning down the fields caused a fire of 2.8 hectares of forest in sub-zone 546, plots 7 and 9. Mr. Pha, like other cases, did not choose to avoid the past, voluntarily wrote a petition to participate in planting and taking care of the destroyed forest area. The petitions have simple and sincere content but contain an awakening of responsibility and a desire to make amends.

Mr. Vang A Pha - Khau De village, Hanh Phuc commune replants the forest he caused the fire. (Photo provided by Tram Tau Protective Forest Management Board).

Mr. Vang A Pha in Khau De village, Hanh Phuc commune said: Now that I caused the forest fire, the law has been lenient and given me a suspended sentence. I feel remorseful for causing the forest fire, so I have to replant the forest.

From those applications, the local government and forest rangers have created conditions for households to participate in forest restoration teams. Those who caused forest fires were trained in techniques of planting, caring for, and preventing pests and diseases for trees organized right in the village. The once bare lands are now gradually covered with the green of pine trees, myrtle, tohap and po mu. These are trees suitable for the local soil and climate. During the planting process, there is strict inspection, supervision and annual care.

Tram Tau Protective Forest Management Board monitors and inspects the forest area being cared for by Sung A Lang.

On the windy mountain slopes, in the dry sun, people who were once “criminals” of the forest have become forest rangers. They patrol, check each tree, and clear weeds. Each sapling planted is not only an act of remediation, but also a silent promise to the forest.

From 2018 to now, in the area of ​​Hanh Phuc and Phinh Ho communes, there have been 4 forest fires that damaged 8 hectares of forest, in 2 of which the perpetrators were given suspended sentences, and in all 4 cases, the perpetrators have submitted applications to remedy the consequences by replanting and caring for the damaged area. Burned forests take many years, even decades, to revive. But each sprout growing every day is proof of hope. There is a silent apology, a silent promise and a persistent determination.

"Through this, people in the highlands have become aware that allowing forest fires to occur is a violation of the law and also affirms the humanity of the law," said Mr. Pham Thanh Do - Deputy Director of Tram Tau Protective Forest Management Board.

Many forest areas were restored after being planted and cared for.

This is also a warning to those who continue to encroach on the forest, raising awareness of forest protection among the people in the highland villages. From considering forests as a place to provide wood, firewood, and forest products for exploitation, forests are now recognized as treasures, green walls protecting villages from natural disasters, a source of water for fields and a cultural space closely linked to the lives of ethnic groups.

Sung A Lang's journey to return green to the forest.

Returning the green color to the forest is a long journey, requiring perseverance, responsibility and awareness awakening of each person. As long as there are people willing to bow down before nature to admit their mistakes and take action, the forest will become green again, and the highland villages will continue to be protected by the green coat of the great forest.

Source: https://baolaocai.vn/hanh-trinh-tra-lai-mau-xanh-cho-rung-post888081.html