Special forest keepers

Nestled amidst the majestic Truong Son mountain range, Song Thanh National Park (Nam Giang District, Quang Nam Province) is gradually experiencing a powerful resurgence, overcoming its painful past marked by illegal gold mining.

More than a decade ago, the Ta Vat, Thanh My 1, and Thanh My 2 areas (Dac Pring commune, Nam Giang district) were "hot spots" for illegal gold mining. Hundreds of gold mines sprang up like mushrooms, leading to countless social ills such as drug use, prostitution, and bloody purges between gold mining groups. In 2021, the Quang Nam authorities carried out a "historic" campaign, using 6.2 tons of explosives to collapse all the gold mines, restoring peace to the forest. After that campaign, another "battle" began to revive and protect the old-growth forest.

What is most remarkable about the story of forest conservation in Song Thanh is the involvement of those who once "inflicted wounds" on this very forest. Ríah Nhiếp and Hốil Trân are prime examples. They once made mistakes, destroying the forest or assisting illegal loggers. However, after being reformed and given opportunities by the authorities and government, they applied to work in forest protection. For them, this is not just a job, but also a way to "repay" the forest and find peace of mind.

Sharing his story with the writer, Hốil Trân recounted his past involvement with illegal loggers by working as a hired wood carrier. Upon understanding the value of the forest, he voluntarily applied to work as a forest ranger as a way to atone for his past mistakes. In his seven years of service, only this past Tet (Lunar New Year) did Hốil Trân take time off; in all other years, he remained stationed throughout the holiday to protect the forest.

Mr. Dinh Van Hong, Director of Song Thanh National Park, shared a meaningful quote with the writer: "Everyone here owes a debt to the forest, one way or another."

For the dedicated forest keepers in Song Thanh, protecting the forest has become a noble mission, a sacred "repayment" for what nature has bestowed, even though the work is arduous, facing harsh weather conditions and the lurking dangers from illegal gold miners.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nhung-nguoi-giu-rung-dac-biet-185250615210918943.htm