The 300-year-old mango tree in Vinh Trach Dong commune of Bac Lieu city, the Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu, was listed as a heritage tree in 2015 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – More than 2,600 trees of over 100fauna species in 52 province and cities have been recognised as heritage treesof Vietnam since the title recognition was initiated in 2010.
Notably, many groups with big numbers of treeswere honoured in 2015 and 2016 such as the groups of “po mu” (Fokienia) treesin Tay Giang district of Quang Nam province, Shan tuyet tea trees in Suoi Giangcommune of Yen Bai province, and “nghien” (Burretiodendron hsienmu) trees inthe Xuan Son National Park of Phu Tho province.
Dr Tran Van Mieu from the Vietnam Associationfor Conservation of Nature and Environment, which is in charge of the treerecognition, said the activity aims at both conserving biodiversity andhighlighting historical milestones linked with the trees.
The recognition of heritage trees helps raisepublic awareness of rare plant genetic resources and environmental protection,honours humanitarian values and pays tribute to ancestors who protected thetrees, he noted.
He said the recognition and conservation are aneffective communication method, adding that ceremonies marking the recognitionwere held by the localities where the trees grow and in combination with localfestivals, attracting large numbers of participants.
Most of local administrations have been wellaware of their responsibility, which can be seen through the establishment ofboards for heritage tree and biodiversity protection. The engagement of personswith good prestige in the work has also encouraged local people’s involvementin environmental protection.
To win the heritage tree title, a tree must beat least 200 years old in the case of wild trees, and at least 100 years forthose planted. Moreover, the trees should be connected with the historical andcultural characteristics of the area where they grow.
Those which do not meet the criteria but havespecial value to science, history or culture can also earn recognition.-VNA
VNA
