The event, co-organised by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) and Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations, aims to review the five-year implementation of the Vietnam Heritage Trees dialogue.

Since the schemes inception in March 2010, the VACNE has received thousands of documents for the approval and recognition of Vietnam Heritage Trees. The event has spread widely and become a mass movement with an enthusiastic response from the community, stimulating the fine tradition of Vietnamese people in planting trees and protecting forest land, as well as practically contributing to biodiversity conservation.

Vietnam Heritage Trees present in most localities across the country, from the nation’s northern frontier Ha Giang province, the highest peak Fansipan, to the southernmost Con Dao, from the Central Highlands to the Spratly Archipelago. Many of which are rare and endemic plants with extremely high ages such as two thousands-year-old vatica trees at Thien Co Temple in Phu Tho’s Viet Tri city and the ‘Do quyen canh tho’ (Rhododendron basilicum) near the peak of the 3,143m Fansipan Mountain at Hoang Lien National Park – the only endemic plant which exists in Vietnam.

The conference identified a number of key issues to improve conservation efficiency of the heritage trees, focusing on bettering collaboration between the community with local authorities, relevant associations and individuals and enhancing communication on heritage trees to raise awareness on environmental protection towards a green economy.

On the occasion, the organising board awarded Certificates of Merit for collectives and individuals with outstanding achievements in heritage tree conservation work. Winners of a writing contest regarding Vietnam Heritage Trees were also announced at the event.

The same day, the VACNE also granted certificates recognising nine trees at Phan Van Toan’s garden in Gia Cam ward, Phu Tho’s Viet Tri city as Vietnam Heritage Trees.