Rice grains protect the border forests!

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - In the border communes with many difficulties, rice is not only food to feed the people but also becomes a "string" connecting responsibility, trust and motivation in the journey of preserving forests. The rice support policy of the province and the Central Government implemented in recent years has been contributing to helping people feel secure in their attachment to the forest, both stabilizing their lives and preserving the "green lung" at the border of the Fatherland.

People of Na Meo commune receive rice to support forest protection.

In the border commune of Na Meo, forest protection and development work has been implemented synchronously, from forest protection contracts, new forest planting, to payment for forest environmental services and greenhouse gas emission reduction. Notably, the policy of supporting rice for households participating in forest planting and protection according to Decision No. 5402/QD-UBND dated December 21, 2020 of the Provincial People's Committee Chairman is outstanding. Rice is provided quarterly, to the villages, ensuring publicity, transparency, and the right beneficiaries. This policy not only partly solves food difficulties, but also encourages the spirit, helping people feel secure in the work of preserving forests and mountains.

Mr. Ngan Van Theu's family in Sa Na village has 5 hectares of forest managed under a contract. Mr. Theu shared: "In addition to receiving payments for forest environmental services, the annual rice support policy is important. It not only helps the family have more food at the end of the season but also reminds us to fulfill our responsibility to the forest and not to violate it." That practical experience has become a living proof of the effectiveness of the policy, because rice not only helps people fill their stomachs but also fosters their awareness, responsibility and affection for the forest."

Head of the Economic Department of Na Meo Commune, Ha Van Thong, said: “The annual forest protection contract area in the commune is 4,100 hectares, with 741 households and communities participating. From 2020 to 2025, more than 1,000 tons of rice have been provided to poor households contracted to protect forests. This is a practical source of support, helping people feel secure in protecting the forest, without having to worry about hunger at the end of the season.”

In recent years, thanks to the support of policies, including rice support, the awareness of forest protection among people in border areas has been significantly raised. The number of violations of forestry laws has gradually decreased, and forest fire prevention and fighting has been closely organized according to the "4 on-site" motto, with the active participation of forest owners and forest protection teams at the grassroots level. In parallel, the work of planting new forests has also been focused on.

Not only in Na Meo, in the border communes of the old Muong Lat district, the rice support policy has shown clear effectiveness. The total area managed by the Muong Lat Forest Protection Department in the area is 75,000 hectares of forestry land, of which more than 14,000 hectares of forest are managed by the village community. Each village has established a forest protection team, with the active participation of the youth union, women's union, and farmers' association. On average, one to two patrols are organized each month, and in the dry season, people are assigned to guard the fire to prevent indiscriminate burning. When there is a risk of forest fire, local forces are always ready to respond. Thanks to that sense of responsibility, the forest area in the border communes here is always well protected, the forest is not only a "shield" to protect the border, but also a sustainable livelihood for the people.

Head of Muong Lat Forest Protection Department Le Ngoc Hiep said: In order for people to truly accompany the government in forest protection and development, support policies are a key factor. In particular, rice support policies play an important role for people in border areas, who have little land and often face food difficulties during the lean season. Through support policies for forest growers, the awareness of ethnic minorities in border areas has changed significantly, from considering forests as a common resource that is easily exploited, now people know how to attach themselves to, protect and look after them as their own property.

It can be said that the grains of rice, though small, are sowing faith, responsibility and motivation in the hearts of the people every day. That is the way to help the forests in the border areas of the Fatherland stay green forever, so that life in the border areas becomes more prosperous and sustainable.

Article and photos: Son Dinh

Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/hat-gao-giu-rung-vung-bien-259091.htm