Rice grains help preserve the forests in the border region!

(Baothanhhoa.vn) - In the difficult border communes, rice is not only the food that sustains the people but also becomes a "bond" that connects responsibility, trust, and motivation in the journey of preserving the forest. The rice support policies implemented by the province and the central government in recent years have contributed to helping people feel secure in their connection with the forest, stabilizing their lives while preserving the "green lungs" of the Fatherland's border.

People in Na Meo commune receive rice as support for forest protection.

In the border commune of Na Meo, forest protection and development are implemented comprehensively, from forest protection contracts and new forest planting to payments for forest environmental services and greenhouse gas emission reduction. A notable initiative is the policy of providing rice support to households participating in forest planting and protection, as stipulated in Decision No. 5402/QD-UBND dated December 21, 2020, by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee. Rice is distributed quarterly, reaching villages and hamlets in a transparent and targeted manner. This policy not only addresses some of the food shortages but also provides encouragement and reassurance to the local people in their work of preserving the forests and mountains.

Mr. Ngan Van Theu's family in Sa Na village manages 5 hectares of forest under a contract. Mr. Theu shared: “Besides receiving payments for forest environmental services, the annual rice support policy is very important. It not only helps the family have more food at the end of the harvest but also reminds us to fulfill our responsibilities to the forest and prevent violations.” This practical experience has become vivid proof of the policy's effectiveness, because the rice not only helps people fill their stomachs but also cultivates their awareness, responsibility, and affection for the forest.

According to Ha Van Thong, Head of the Economic Department of Na Meo Commune: “The area of ​​forest protection contracts in the commune is 4,100 hectares annually, 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 the forest. This is a practical source of support, helping people feel secure in protecting the forest and not worry about food shortages at the end of the season.”

Over the years, thanks to supportive policies, including rice subsidies, the awareness of forest protection among people in border areas has significantly improved. The number of forestry law violations has gradually decreased, and forest fire prevention and control are organized effectively according to the "four on-the-spot" principle, with the active participation of forest owners and local forest protection teams. Simultaneously, new forest planting has also been emphasized.

Not only in Na Meo, but also in other border communes of the former Muong Lat district, the rice support policy has proven remarkably effective. The total area managed by the Muong Lat Forest Protection Department is 75,000 hectares of forest land, of which more than 14,000 hectares are managed by local communities. Each village has established a forest protection team, with the active participation of youth union members, women's associations, and farmers' associations. On average, they organize one to two patrols per month, and during the dry season, they assign personnel to guard against fires and prevent indiscriminate slash-and-burn farming. When there is a risk of forest fire, the local forces are always ready to respond. Thanks to this shared responsibility, the forest area in these border communes is always well protected; the forest is not only a "shield" protecting the border, but also a sustainable livelihood for the people.

According to Le Ngoc Hiep, Head of the Muong Lat Forest Ranger Station: "For people to truly cooperate with the government in forest protection and development, support policies are key. Among these, the rice support policy plays a crucial role for people in border areas who have limited arable land and often face food shortages during lean seasons. Through these support policies for forest planters, the awareness of ethnic minorities in border areas has changed significantly. From viewing forests as a shared resource easily exploited, they now know how to protect and care for them as their own property."

It can be said that these grains of rice, though small, are daily sowing seeds of faith, responsibility, and motivation in the hearts of the people. This is how we help keep the forests on the border of our country green, so that life in these border regions becomes more prosperous and sustainable.

Text and photos: Son Dinh

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