The working session was organized at the proposal of the Paris Region International Cooperation Support Agency in Vietnam (PRX-Vietnam), within the framework of the cooperative relationship between the People's Committee of Hanoi and the Île-de-France Region. The delegation included five experts in the field of urban greenery, notably Mr. Nicolas Cornet – Ecologist (Paris Regional Planning Institute), Mr. Thomas Francoual – Technical Director of the Green Space Management Agency of the Île-de-France Region (IDFN), and Ms. Valentine Arreguy – research specialist.

At the working session, experts listened to and exchanged in-depth about the Vietnam Heritage Tree Conservation Program initiated by VACNE since 2010. To date, the program has recognized more than 8,000 ancient trees nationwide as Vietnam Heritage Trees – a number reflecting persistent efforts in nature conservation linked with cultural values.

In particular, your side expressed interest and highly appreciated the model of mobilizing the participation of the local community in caring for and monitoring the “health” of Heritage Trees. This is considered a distinctive point and a valuable experience in the conservation of ancient trees that the French side wishes to explore further.

A representative of IDFN stated that this agency was established in 1976 and manages green spaces covering an area of approximately 15,000 km². Every year, IDFN organizes the “Tree of the Year” voting, contributing to raising community awareness about the value of trees.

In the near future, PRX-Vietnam plans to organize a “Cultural Season” in Hanoi, where it expresses the desire to connect with and introduce Vietnam's Heritage Trees that have been recognized by VACNE as a distinctive cultural and ecological highlight.