ගස් කැපීම වෙනුවට ගස් වවා සංවර්ධනය වන යීචුන්

Logging ban revives natural forests, spurs economic growth in Yichun

From deforestation to a balance between forest protection and economic growth, China's ban on commercial logging has help restore the ecosystem, boost industrial growth and increase locals' incomes in northeast China's Yichun City.

A city abundant in forest resources, Yichun was once an important supplier of timber in China and has a history of more than 60 years of forest exploitation. In 2013, the local government decided to halt commercial logging in natural forests for ecosystem restoration.

Ten years later, the decision has resulted in new job opportunities and economic growth for residents.

With a forest coverage rate as high as 83.8 percent, the city in Heilongjiang Province has earned the title of China's natural oxygen bar city. Dang Xiangmin, a former lumberjack, is now a forest fire lookout officer.

The tremendous changes in Dang's job has to do with the city he lives in. Yichun's development used to mainly rely on wood production. Years of high-intensity logging had an adverse impact on the forest and the ecological environment. In late 2013, the local government made the decision to completely shut down commercial logging in natural forests to protect the environment.

"During the transition, businesses were struggling to survive, and we workers also faced challenges such as layoffs. We were told to wait for new jobs and during the period, the government would give us pensions for daily spending," Dang told CGTN.

After more than a decade of protection, natural forest resources are showing signs of recovery and growth. Former lumberjacks in the area have transitioned their roles to become forest rangers.

"After the logging ban, my job has now turned into clearing forest litter, planting trees, and monitoring forest fire risks," Dang said.

He will climb onto the lookout tower, survey the area, confirm there is no smoke in the air, and then report to the fire department.

"In the past, it was just a job for me, but now there is a sense of accomplishment by seeing the ecological environment improve, and more tourists visiting, I find my work very meaningful," Dang said.

Liu Yangshun is a retired forest worker who runs a family restaurant with his wife.

After logging in the forest was banned, they were only reliant on their pension for income. However, in 2016, they opened a restaurant which transformed their living conditions dramatically.

"Before opening the restaurant, this was our home. Seeing more and more tourists coming, we decided to turn our home into a restaurant. I can't tell you how much visitors love the fresh food that we grow in our garden. After years of running our businesses, our income has increased significantly," Liu said.

"Our son is also working in forest conservation. We hope that future generations will realize that only when the environment improves, can our lives truly get better," said Yang QIue, Liu’s wife.

There are long-time residents like the couple who have wisely utilized the environmental advantages of the area to start businesses. Additionally, there are younger individuals who have returned to the village after witnessing an increase in tourism.

"I studied tourism management and previously worked in China's first-tier cities such as Shanghai and Shenzhen. However, after witnessing my hometown gaining popularity as a tourist destination, I made the decision to return home and open (a BnB) (Bed and Breakfast). The summer months are typically the peak tourist season in our forested region, and the income generated during this time is enough to sustain us throughout the entire year," said Duan Lijuan, general manager of Lingshang Yuxue BnB.

In addition, relying on abundant forest resources, the region's food and beverages are also gradually entering the market.

"Our company used to make wood products, but now we focus on beverages. Our top drinks are blueberry juice and birch juice made from wild mountain blueberries and birch trees. In addition to our offline stores, we also sell our products through live streaming sessions," said Liu Lihong, general manager of Zhongzhi Mountain King Company.

Now the "forest capital" has expanded its protection of forest trees and woodlands to systematic protection of mountains, waters, forests, farmlands, lakes, grasslands and wildlife. Its economy also flourishes by developing eco-tourism, forest food, medicine, and specialty breeding industries.

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