Hanoi (VNA) – The “Rung xanh len” (Let the Forests Grow Green) programme on May 17 brought together a large number of residents, forest rangers, and local authorities from the northwestern mountainous province of Son La.
Along with businesses and volunteers, participants planted 6,000 native trees in Na Bai village of Van Ho commune.
The activity was intended to help restore many hectares of natural forest in Son La, and convey the message that local communities are at the heart of forest and biodiversity preservation for a sustainable future.
Renewed hope for northwestern region’s green lungs
Nearly 200 people joined together to plant 6,000 native trees, contributing to the restoration of 10 hectares of natural forest in Na Bai.
Speaking to reporters, Trinh Le Nguyen, Executive Director of the Vietnamese not-for-profit organisation People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature), said the programme was launched in 2022 with the goal of restoring 500 hectares of natural forest linking Mai Chau and Van Ho over a ten-year period, from 2022 to 2032. It is regarded as a long-term undertaking requiring the sustained commitment of local communities, authorities, social organisations and businesses.
In response to the 2026 International Day for Biological Diversity, themed “Local Action for Global Impact”, the programme once again underscored the importance of collective efforts in restoring natural ecosystems.
The initiative is particularly meaningful because, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, concrete actions taken by local communities can generate positive impact on a global scale, helping to advance biodiversity conservation goals. It also serves as a call to adopt a “whole-of-society” approach to the 23 targets of the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework under the Convention on Biological Diversity.
When locals protect forests, small actions create great value
Na Bai is home to 178 households with around 800 residents, most of whom are Muong ethnic people, alongside Thai, Dao and Kinh communities. For local residents, the forest is not merely the green covering of the mountains; it is also a source of water, a means of livelihood and a natural shield protecting the village from natural disasters and climate change.
Mui Van Duc, head of the village, said that losing the forest would mean losing their source of life. Thus, Na Bai residents have jointly established community regulations. These clearly stipulate that cattle and buffalo must not graze in reforestation areas, young trees must not be cut down, and anyone violating the rules will be reminded and dealt with in accordance with community regulations.
As a result, the trees have thrived while locals have also become more conscious of environmental protection, he noted.
In addition, at the weekend, villagers regularly work together to clear weeds, care for newly planted trees and patrol community-grown forest areas.
“Planting trees is not something we do for ourselves alone, but for our children and grandchildren. Now that we see the hills turning green again, summers are no longer as unbearably hot as before, and the stream water is clearer. Everyone in the village is delighted,” said Bui Van Chan, a 63-year-old resident of Na Bai.
Giap Van Khanh, Director of the Van Ho general services centre, said the locality regards forest planting and protection as an important task in preserving the ecological environment, mitigating natural disasters and improving the quality of life for people living in mountainous areas.
The representative from the Van Ho authorities also noted that in recent years, many previously barren areas of land have been restored with forest coverage. This has not only improved the landscape but also helped retain water, reduce landslides and create conditions for sustainable livelihoods for mountain communities.
In response to this year's International Day for Biological Diversity, the story of Van Ho also sends a clear message: protecting nature must begin with local communities. When people join hands to safeguard forests, water sources and ecosystems, a green, clean and sustainable future will gradually be nurtured for generations to come./.
