Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan and "Stories Under the Forest Canopy"

Recently, he released the book "Stories Under the Forest Canopy," designed as a small gift box containing 12 simple, relatable stories. At first glance, they seem like children's stories, but the more you read, the more you discover the profound messages hidden within about the environment, childhood memories, and the wholesome aspects that adults today sometimes forget. On the occasion of the book's release, reporters from Nghe An Newspaper and Radio and Television had a conversation with author Le Minh Hoan to better understand the reflections embedded in the shadows of the forests he has been connected to for many years.

PV: Sir, what prompted you—a person with many years of experience in agricultural management—to choose a storytelling style close to fairy tales when writing "Stories Under the Forest Canopy"? Was it a way to speak to adults in the language of childhood?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: There are things that become further and further away the more we try to reason with them, but a single call from childhood memories is enough to immediately find our way back. For many adults today, forests are simply indicators of forest cover, area, and volume. But in the memories of a child from years ago, the forest was a green blanket shielding from the sun, the whispering wind, and the earthy scent that evoked a sense of peace.

Choosing a fairytale-like narrative style with imagery isn't about "softening" the story, but about awakening the innocence that still resides within each of us. When adults engage in dialogue using the language of children, they don't lose their reason; instead, they rediscover the wholeness of their hearts, where nature always speaks its gentlest voice.

PV: Through the 12 "little gifts" in the book box, what does he hope readers will retain from the pure, innocent part of the child within each of us, especially in how we perceive and interact with nature?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: Each story is like a falling leaf, light but enough to evoke ripples in the mind. I hope readers will pause to see that beneath the numbers, decrees, projects… there is still an “inner child” waiting for us to listen to the voice of the forest.

Preserve that purity so that when we confront nature, we see not only its resources but also its connection. Not only its benefits but also its meaning. Not only the present but also the reflection of generations who have entrusted so much of their hopes and dreams to the forest.

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PV: He once shared that "forests teach us to share, to love... no matter what adversity we face." In this book, which image or detail best illustrates the lesson of the forest that he cherishes? Is each story he tells based on real-life experiences he has had?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: I will always remember the image of a bare, withered tree trunk, seemingly just "occupying the land" without contributing anything. But when the rain came, its deep roots held the soil from washing away, prevented water loss, and preserved life for the entire forest.

Nature teaches us in a gentle yet profound way: that things that seem useless sometimes play the most important, albeit quiet, role.

Most of the stories originate from very real things: a trip, a fleeting encounter with a forest ranger, a story from a mountain ethnic minority, or simply the sound of wind rustling through old branches. But when I write them down, I transform them into symbols, so that readers not only see a memory, but also see themselves within them.

PV: Currently, forests are often viewed primarily from an economic perspective. However, the book "Stories Under the Forest Canopy" seems to emphasize the intangible value of forests: culture, identity, ecology, quality of life... What kind of change in reader perception do you hope to bring about after they close the book?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: I hope everyone understands that forests are not just "resources" but also "natural ecosystems," where we can reflect on the human ecosystem and ourselves, so that we can all awaken together. Forests don't speak, but they offer advice. Forests don't demand, but they preserve us every day—the air we breathe, the water we drink, the shade we get, and even the balance in our souls.

If, after closing the book, someone pauses for a few seconds to look at a tree canopy, to listen to the rustling of leaves, and to ask themselves, "Have I treated the forest kindly?", then the book has fulfilled its mission.

PV: While serving as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, he repeatedly emphasized the shift in forestry thinking from "exploitation" to "responsible preservation and development." How can this book contribute to spreading that mindset, especially among young people and local communities closely connected to forests?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: Today's youth may not have the same experiences of the forest as their ancestors, but they have another advantage: curiosity, openness, and a willingness to get involved. A small story can become a "seed" sown in their hearts, so that one day, those "seeds" will grow into a way of life, a career choice, and a civic responsibility when faced with any decision related to the forest.

Preserving forests isn't just a slogan; it's an emotion, and emotions often begin with simple, genuine stories.

PV: Based on his practical experience in many localities, including Nghe An, what, from the stories in books to reality, have been achieved and what "gaps" need to be filled?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: Having traveled to many places, I see that people, the government, and businesses are starting to talk more about "sustainable forests," "ecological forests," "forest tourism," and "forest carbon credits"... That's a very encouraging sign. But the biggest gap lies in the mindset that considers forests only as something to exploit or generate direct income. Forests also have intangible values: water conservation, cultural preservation, creating local identity, and nurturing memories. When these intangible values are not considered, decisions are easily skewed.

Filling that gap is a long journey, a journey of awareness, education, and perseverance.

PV: Specifically regarding the Western Nghe An Biosphere Reserve – where forests are closely intertwined with the lives of the Thai, Mong, and Khmu ethnic groups – what message does he hope this book will evoke in the people about their responsibility to preserve the forest, maintain their culture, and develop sustainable livelihoods?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: Western Nghe An, especially the Ky Son, Tuong Duong, and Con Cuong areas, where I have visited, is a place where the forest not only stands on the land but also in the consciousness of the Thai, Mong, and Kho Mu people… The forest is their common home, the soul of their villages. I hope this book will gently remind us that preserving the forest is also preserving our traditions. Preserving the forest is also preserving our language, our flute melodies, and our way of life for generations.

And most importantly, preserving forests means preserving sustainable livelihoods for future generations, ensuring that streams don't dry up, fields don't burn, and villages no longer live in constant fear of natural disasters.

PV: He once said, "Forest economy must begin with forest culture." In the current context, which cultural layer, in his opinion, needs to change first: consumer culture, culture of interaction with nature, or the decision-making culture of policymakers?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: All change begins with a culture of interaction with nature. When we view forests as friends, teachers, and life itself, we will not make decisions that harm them. But that culture cannot spread without a consumer culture, where every choice we make either puts pressure on or relieves pressure on nature.

And finally, there's the decision-making culture of the policymakers. If every line in the document views the forest as the subject, not the object, then the policy will become more humane and sustainable.

I often believe that within each of us there are three selves: the economic self, the social self, and the cultural self . Depending on the individual, circumstances, and time period, one aspect of the self dominates their thoughts and actions. Culture is always present in everyone's consciousness; it only needs to be awakened to come alive, emerge, and become the very essence of their being.

PV: The book is designed like a gift box. According to him, what is the greatest gift that the forest has given to humankind – something we see every day but forget and fail to appreciate?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: It's about tolerance. The forest endures more than we imagine. Exploited, damaged, and forgotten, the forest patiently regenerates. Just like a mother, despite being covered in scars, still extends her arms to protect her child.

That gift is present every day: shade, cool water, fresh air, the peace in our breathing. But because it's so familiar, we sometimes forget to be grateful to Mother Nature.

PV: If, after reading the book, each person chooses to do just one small thing to contribute to protecting the forest, what, in your opinion, should that small thing be enough to make a difference?

Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan: Let's start by changing our perspective. When we look at forests with love, each of us will know what we need to do. Reduce the use of products that harm forests. Support eco-friendly products. Go to the forest responsibly. Tell children stories about plants and lessons about symbiosis. Or simply plant a tree in front of your house.

A small act, when spread widely, becomes a stream contributing to the great river of faith and responsibility.

PV: Thank you very much, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Le Minh Hoan. He has taken the time to share his profound thoughts on forests and the environment through this special book that has just been published!