Tet in the old forest

Amidst the bustling atmosphere of Tet (Lunar New Year), deep within the forests, Ninh Binh's forest rangers quietly remain "awake" alongside the vast wilderness. Celebrating Tet in the ancient forest, they find joy in the sound of the forest wind as the rhythm of spring, and in the tranquility of the forest as the joy of the new day, so that spring arrives more fully and the ancient forest becomes even greener.

Forestry officials from Region 2 wrap banh chung (traditional Vietnamese rice cakes) to celebrate Tet (Lunar New Year) with residents of Gia Lam commune. Photo: Ngoc Linh.

Mr. Dinh Van Khoa, a forest ranger at the Forest Ranger Station Area 2, Ninh Binh Forestry and Protection Sub-Department, has been dedicated to the forest for nearly 20 years. Twenty years is not just a period of service, but twenty springs filled with memories, as in many of those years, Mr. Khoa celebrated Tet (Lunar New Year) in the old-growth forests.

Mr. Dinh Van Khoa shared: “In the early days of my career, I felt a pang of sadness not being able to be with my family on New Year's Eve. But then I got used to it and understood that the forest also needs people to protect it. Now, every time I'm on duty in the forest during Tet, I always feel warm-hearted celebrating the spring with my colleagues and the local people in the old forest. The peace of the forest is the greatest joy for every forest ranger.”

Having spent many years working in the area, Khoa has traveled through countless villages. He can vividly describe each forest, each area at risk of fire, and each trail leading into the forest. For nearly two decades, the forest has become an integral part of his life. In the days leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year), he often visits villages and hamlets, offering early New Year greetings and reminding villagers to be mindful of burning votive paper and using fire outdoors.

"There were Tet holidays when my brothers and I sat by the fire in our relatives' homes, eating sticky rice cakes and sipping hot tea. It wasn't Tet at home, but it was still incredibly warm," Khoa said, his eyes shining with pride.

Forest rangers from Region 2 are patrolling and monitoring the forest.

The Forest Protection Unit of Region 2 currently manages the forest area of ​​8 communes: Gia Tuong, Gia Lam, Phu Son, Nho Quan, Thanh Son, Quynh Luu, Phu Long, and Cuc Phuong. This is a large area with interspersed residential areas, including a large number of Muong ethnic minority people, where natural forests are mixed with planted forests; therefore, forest fire prevention and control is a top priority for the unit.

Recognizing that the period before, during, and after the Lunar New Year is a time of increased risk of forest resource encroachment and a higher risk of forest fires due to people clearing undergrowth, burning votive paper, going out for recreation, and traveling , the Forest Protection Unit of Region 2 has proactively implemented measures to manage and protect forests and prevent violations of forestry laws.

According to Mr. Dang Anh Tuan, Head of Forest Ranger Unit Area 2: During the Lunar New Year holiday, the unit is on duty 24/7. Patrol schedules are intensified, especially in key forest areas with a high risk of fire.

The force is divided into patrol and inspection teams. In some areas, we patrol twice a day. On New Year's Eve, when everyone is focused on the transition to the new year, the forest ranger teams still quietly move along the forest routes, inspecting areas at risk of forest fires.

Behind every night shift, every patrol during Tet, is the encouragement from the unit. Mr. To Van Vuong, Head of the Ninh Binh Forestry and Forest Protection Department, said: “Ninh Binh possesses a diverse forest ecosystem with nearly 40,000 hectares, from limestone mountain forests, special-use forests to mangrove forests. This is not only a green lung that regulates the climate but also an important foundation for the development of ecotourism and the livelihoods of the people.”

The atmosphere of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) was warm and cozy, with forest rangers gathering together to welcome the new year.

During the Lunar New Year holiday, the weather is dry and unpredictable, making this a particularly crucial period. The Forestry and Forest Protection Department has established a contingency plan well in advance, ensuring specific details, clear assignments of personnel, and preventing any unforeseen situations.

According to Mr. To Van Vuong, the unit always pays attention to and takes care of the lives of its officers, employees, and workers during Tet. Visiting, encouraging, arranging reasonable duty schedules, and ensuring benefits and policies are fully and promptly implemented.

"Forest rangers working throughout the Tet holiday is a significant sacrifice. Therefore, in addition to their professional duties, we always strive to create the best conditions for them to work with peace of mind, contributing to maintaining peace in the forests," Mr. Vuong emphasized.

Representatives from the Forestry and Forest Protection Department presented gifts and encouraged staff during the Lunar New Year of the Year of the Horse.

Spring is drawing closer, with new shoots sprouting amidst the vast green forests and the joyful chirping of birds. There, forest rangers pause, silently gazing at the night sky. Fireworks are in the distance. Closer is the rustling of the wind through the leaves. Though far from their families, they are proud to be protecting a larger home – the home of nature, their community, and their nation.

Minh Hai

Source: https://baoninhbinh.org.vn/tet-o-rung-gia-260215133655258.html