(CLO) On August 8, in the Pha Luong village protective forest area, Chieng Son commune, Son La province, more than 60,000 native trees were planted within the framework of the "Contribute leaves to patch forests 2025" campaign.
The activity was attended by a large number of volunteers, local people, rangers from the Forest Protection Department of Region 16 and Xuan Nha Special-Use Forest, officers from the Chieng Son Border Guard Station, representatives of businesses and the Center for People and Nature (PanNature).
The event was held on the occasion of the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples (August 9), to honor the role of local communities in protecting nature, preserving traditional knowledge and preserving cultural identity.
Joining hands to restore forests. Photo: Xuan Nha Special-use Forest Management Board
According to the plan, the campaign will plant native tree species such as Doi, Tram, Cho Chi, Gu Huong, Cinnamon, Chestnut, etc. in the protected forest area. This is part of the “Green Forest” Program with the goal of restoring 500 hectares of natural forest connecting Mai Chau (formerly Hoa Binh province) and Van Ho (Son La province) in the period of 2022 - 2032.
Mr. Truong Van Linh - Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Chien Son commune said that Chien Son is one of the communes with large natural forest areas in the province. However, many natural forest areas here are being degraded, directly affecting water resources, living environment and livelihoods of the people.
Therefore, the campaign "Contribute leaves to patch the forest" not only has environmental significance, but is also a practical action to contribute to protecting the culture as well as the livelihoods associated with the forest of the people.
Planting 60,000 native trees to restore forests in Son La. Photo: Xuan Nha Special-use Forest Management Board
Mr. Nguyen Thanh Cong - Deputy Director of Xuan Nha Special Use Forest Management Board also said that planting 60,000 native trees in the protective forest of Chieng Son commune is the first step in the process of sustainable forest restoration. This area is considered the "green lung" of the Northwest, and is also home to the rare white-cheeked gibbon and many endemic species of animals and plants.