[Commentary] In front of the camera, these four Tibetan herdsmen who are voluntarily picking up trash in the countryside come from Gangcha Gongma Village, Yikewulan Township, Gangcha County, Haibei Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. They are the first environmental protection team on the Gangcha grassland. Twelve years have passed since the four-member voluntary environmental protection team was formed in 2008.
[Explanation] Wanma Tashi, the leader of the voluntary environmental protection team, told reporters that in 2008, he saw that the village was full of rubbish. The scene in front of him made him feel that trash control and environmental protection are urgent. Wanma Tashi hopes to change all of these.
[Concurrent] Wanma Tashi, Captain of the Voluntary Environmental Protection Team of Gangcha Gongma Village, Yikewulan Township
We used to be full of rubbish on the ground. I looked at myself and felt that environmental protection was very important. So I went to the (village party secretary) at that time to discuss the matter too. At that time, he also supported my idea. The four of us set up this environmental protection team to pick up rubbish and clean up the surrounding villages and pastures.
[Explanation] In 2008, Wanma Tashi and the villagers Suonan Mudanpa, Renzin Cairang and Ji Kejia who had the same idea jointly formed a voluntary environmental protection team on the grassland. The four people worked in weather all year round. Everyone will drive a truck and carry out activities of picking up garbage from time to time.
[Concurrent period] Member of the voluntary environmental protection team of Gangcha Gongma Village, Yikewulan Township, Renzeng Cairang
There are four seasons of the year, four times to pick up trash, our village is also relatively large, the village covers an area of more than 550,000 acres, (each time) picking up 13 to 15 days, the way up is also far.
[Explanation] Suonan Mudanba, a member of the voluntary environmental protection team, said that due to the large area of the village, Wanma Tashi and him drove out their own farm vehicles and pickup trucks to transport garbage. At first, when the garbage was the most, they could pull 20 to 30 per day. His pickup truck has already been scrapped.
[Concurrent] Suonan Mudanba, a member of the voluntary environmental protection team of Gangcha Gongma Village, Yikewulan Township
In 2008, we started picking up garbage, but we didn't have a car. In 2009, I bought a pickup truck and drove it until 2015 and 2016 (around). Now that pickup truck is out of service and has been scrapped.
【Explanation】During the period of intensive garbage picking up, the four people's three meals a day are almost always buns and water. Rizeng Cairang said that although they drank mineral water, watching their hometown gradually regained its original appearance, they seemed to have drunk sweet wine.
[Concurrent period] Member of the voluntary environmental protection team of Gangcha Gongma Village, Yikewulan Township, Renzeng Cairang
(Previously) we had to pull one or two hundred tons (garbage) a year. Now we don't have two or three cars (garbage) a year. There is less garbage, and we are very comfortable.
[Explanation] Wanma Tashi said that they also carry out environmental protection propaganda while picking up rubbish. What is gratifying is that through their continuous efforts, many herders realize the importance of protecting the environment and rarely throw out rubbish. He believes that everyone has the responsibility and obligation to guard the green waters and mountains, and as herdsmen, they are more obligated to protect the grasslands and protect their homes.
[Concurrent] Wanma Tashi, Captain of the Voluntary Environmental Protection Team of Gangcha Gongma Village, Yikewulan Township
This pasture must be protected. After the garbage is cleaned up, the pasture will be clean and comfortable everywhere. This (environmental protection team) has to stick to it for a lifetime.
Reporter Liu Yi reports from Qinghai Haibei
Editor in charge: [Li Yuxin]