Fate with forestry
Born and raised in a mountainous province with 2/3 of its area covered by forest, Thang had a strong love for nature and forests since childhood. After graduating from the Forestry University in 2002, he returned to his hometown to work.
“At first, I approached the new job, familiarized myself with the regulations and specific tasks of the forestry sector. One of the major tasks I was assigned was to be a member of the working group researching and advising on the establishment of the provincial forest protection and development fund and implementing the policy of payment for forest environmental services,” said Mr. Thang.
This is an important policy that Vietnam is the first country in the world to issue and be recognized - 1 of 10 outstanding achievements of the Agriculture and Rural Development sector in the period 2010-2015 (Son La is 1 of the first 2 provinces in the country selected to pilot).
“However, at that time, the legal framework for this policy was not yet complete, making the implementation process very difficult. I had to work, research, and learn from experience to advise on the implementation and completion of the policy,” Mr. Thang shared.
In the 1990s and 2000s, severe deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture and illegal exploitation of forest resources seriously reduced forest area; increased the risk of flooding, soil erosion and threatened the existence of many rare animal species...
With his constant efforts, Mr. Thang has achieved many achievements throughout his work. In particular, he was recognized by the Provincial People's Committee as a provincial-level emulation fighter in 2023, with the provincial-level initiative "Applying free GEOPFES software installed on tablets and personal phones to improve the efficiency of determining forest areas providing forest environmental services and managing the work of officials at the grassroots level".
Responsibility in all areas
During his work, Mr. Thang has always received the trust of union members in the unit. At the 1st Congress, term 2013-2015, he was elected as Chairman of the Trade Union and has held this position since then.
As the Chairman of the Trade Union, Mr. Thang not only cares about protecting the rights of union members but also focuses on improving the material and spiritual life of cadres, civil servants and workers. He has coordinated with local authorities to propose many support policies for workers, such as salary, bonus, shift meals, uniforms, travel, periodic medical examination and treatment, and especially the establishment of the Education Promotion Fund of the Forest Protection and Development Fund of Son La province...
Up to now, the Forest Protection and Development Fund's Trade Union has had more than 95% of its members recognized as Excellent Trade Union Members, and 100% of its female members have achieved the title of "Good at public affairs, good at housework"... awarded the leading flag in "Culture - Sports" by the Son La Provincial Labor Federation.
For many years, Mr. Le Manh Thang has been honored as a Provincial Emulation Fighter. He has also received many prestigious certificates of merit, including many certificates of merit from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Vietnam General Confederation of Labor for his initiatives and outstanding achievements at work.
Ms. Phung Thi Minh Tam - President of the Agriculture and Rural Development Trade Union of Son La province - shared: Mr. Thang is not only an exemplary trade union leader but also an enthusiastic person, always devoted to the interests of workers and the development of the industry. His contributions not only bring benefits to the present but also have lasting value, creating a foundation for the development of the forestry industry in the future.
