【 Echo of Xi's Voice 】 Not Disappointed by the Revitalization and Development of Qingshan Old Forest Area | Yichun | Youth and Vitality

How is the economic transformation and development of forest areas going? How about ecological protection in forest areas? How is the life of forest farm workers?

Yichun is located in the northeast of Heilongjiang Province, with a forest coverage rate of up to 83.8%. It is the earliest developed key state-owned forest area and national key ecological function area in China.

For many years, the people of forest areas have kept in mind the instructions of General Secretary to seek economy from the forest, food from the forest, and development from the forest.

"I used to be a logging worker, and the more we harvested, the greater our contribution. Later, with the enhancement of people's ecological awareness, we completely stopped logging. I became an observer, and my colleagues became forest rangers and patrolmen, guarding this forest." Party, a forest defense observer at the Wumahe Forest Farm Branch of Yichun Forest Industry Wumahe Forestry Bureau Co., Ltd., told the people that his biggest wish is for future generations to shoulder the responsibility of protecting the mountains and forests, and jointly build a better home.

Bi Haijiao is a "third generation of Lin" who has lived in a forest area since childhood and has a deep affection for this forest.

"I often hear my father say that my grandfather and his former forest farm workers would go into the mountains to carry out logging operations in winter, living in temporary tents under very difficult conditions. Long term logging has depleted forest resources, and my father has become a forest ranger. He goes up the mountain early every day to protect these precious tree species." Bi Haijiao said, and her father often told her that things always need to be done by someone, and that forest protection requires people to persevere. Now, as a tour guide, her main job is to popularize knowledge about forest ecological protection to tourists.

In 2013, Yichun completely stopped commercial logging of natural forests and embarked on a new journey of green transformation and development. Entering the exhibition hall of Yichun Yongda Crafts Co., Ltd., the rosin flavor of "North Agarwood" fills the air, and many parents take their children here for study and visits.

"North agarwood", also known as pine nut, is rich in the oil of red pine and was originally used by people in forest areas to start fires. After the complete cessation of commercial logging of natural forests in Yichun in 2013, forestry worker Zhang Guixia "turned waste into treasure" and used these red pine residues to make exquisite handicrafts.

"Since the summer vacation, about 200 people have been received every day. They can do carpentry, rice dumpling, tofu, and some amusement projects here." Zhang Guixia, the company's head, said that the company's products are sold throughout the country, with an annual sales of nearly 5 million yuan.

In the future, Zhang Guixia will continue to improve the craftsmanship of "Beichengxiang" and invite more talents to join, making the products more youthful.

Liu Yangshun, a forestry worker who once sat and chatted with the General Secretary, still remembers the situation at that time vividly.

At lunchtime, tourists crowded into the courtyard to taste the authentic farmhouse flavor. "At the beginning, there were only two or three tables, but later on, the number of tourists continued to increase. Now we can accommodate seventeen or eighteen tables, even for a tour group of about a hundred or so people, we can still accommodate them." Liu Yangshun's wife, Yang Qiu'e, is also a retired employee of the forest farm. Now their farmyard is thriving, and the days are getting better and better.

Including Liu Yangshun's farmhouse, there are currently 29 farmhouses and homestays in Xishui Forest Farm, forming a street called Xishui Farmhouse. More and more forest workers are working on "green articles" around the word "forest", and characteristic industries such as edible mushrooms and small berries are emerging. New industries such as ecotourism and understory economy are flourishing, achieving harmonious coexistence between humans and nature in a focused "green" environment. According to statistics, the average income of forestry workers in Yichun has increased by over 60% compared to 2018.

Riding on the fast train of ecological priority and green development, Yichun Old Forest District has ushered in new opportunities for economic development and transformation, constantly radiating new youthful vitality.

Produced by: Ma Junwei, Lu Yue

Dubbing: Liu Xia