Reforestation in Oro Village, Nyachuka: update

Reforestation in Oro Village, Nyachuka: planning mission

October 4, 2000

Note: More mission photos may be seen in this GALLERY

INTRODUCTION by Pamela Logan

I'm sitting in a noisy, rustic cafe outside the seat of Nyachuka (Chinese: Yajiang) County where our team has been held up by a landslide. They say it won't be cleared until tomorrow, so we're taking the opportunity of a free afternoon to write up our work so far.

We have come from Oro Village, in Bajiaolou Township, where Kham Aid Foundation is undertaking a reforestation program to replant slopes devastated by fire in 1993. In a typical Chinese Catch-22, once a forest has burned down, the Forestry Bureau no longer has anything to do with it, so there are no government funds for this work. It's a relatively compact area that's manageable for a small organization like Kham Aid. The local people have asked for our help. That's why we're involved.

We are planning a pilot planting project for spring, 2001, which will help us perfect our system for planting, hiring workers, bringing in supplies, and cooperating with local agencies. In future years the program will expand. We foresee five years of involvement.

One really unusual feature of our program is our plan to invite foreign volunteers to come and take part in the planting. People who come from abroad can stay inside the beautiful and comfortable homes of Oro Village, and get to know its residents. Please see www.khamaid.org/planttrees for more information.

What follows are two reports by team members Shiyin Siou, who is managing the reforestation project, and Dana Isherwood, who will tell you how wonderful it is to stay in Oro Vilage.

REFORESTATION PROJECT STATUS REPORT by Shiyin Siou

This is the first time I have visited this place. I am very impressed with the scenery around, my only regret is that there is no phone and internet access, even though a fiber optic wire just runs through the village.

I talked to the village people in person, and visited the slops where
reforestation are needed. Pam, Mr. Wu, Mr Li (the village head)
and I also discuss the reforestation plan, and drafted our first plan of action. Now I feel much more comfortable as how to proceed. This is a very productive visit.

The local people are very eager to get the slopes replanted, but they do not have
any financial ability to undertake such task. Looking at the beautiful mountains
around and the river which runs through the village, I decided to do my best to keep
this place as beautiful as it can be for the years to come.

STAYING IN ORO VILLAGE by Dana Isherwood

Staying with a Tibetan family in their home reminded me of the old fashioned hospitality as it was practiced in other cultures, including my own, long ago. We were welcomed by the whole family. Our car doors opened and eager hands were there to carry our luggage up the hill to their home. A traditional Tibetan house of three stories built around a courtyard complete with piglets greeted us. On the second floor, we crossed through the family room or kitchen into a living room lined with carpet covered beds which served as couches during the day. Immediately, tea was served and we were urged to rest. The tea was followed by snacks and food of many kinds including a yoghurt with sugar and hot bread.

Our hunger met, we began to notice the beauty of this room. The walls, even the ceiling, were painted in bright colors. A dozen cranes flew across the ceiling. The auspicious symbols so revered in Buddhism lined the walls. Painted flowers and scrolls covered the room supports. Our hostess, like a good mother, urged us again and again to eat, eat. The tea bowls could not be emptied. Watching eyes filled them again and again. All of this was accompanied by laughter and the gentle warmth of friendship given willingly and asking for nothing but our enjoyment in return.

Night came and the living room was quickly converted into a dormitory. Out of the storage cabinets came pillows, thick converters, and sheets. Pam and I, being the only females, were led upstairs. Our backpacks were carried by the lady of the house and her daughter, who pushed me gently away when I tried to carry my own. Our room, with two windows that looked out over the roof, was decorated as well. Our two beds had two thick comforters and the women busied themselves in trying to anticipate our every need. Sleep came gently. I was wakened in the morning by a man on the roof performing a puja ceremony by carrying smoking incense from corner to corner to purify the house and the people in it. I climbed out of bed feeling cleansed.