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| Representatives of Gaia with the teachers and students of Linh Trung High School (Photo: Gaia) |
According to Gaia, after two years of care and supervision, the acceptance results in July 2024 showed that the survival rate of the total number of trees planted was up to 83.1%, many trees were over 6m tall, providing shade, creating landscapes, cleaning the air and contributing to creating an inspiring learning environment for students. Many flowering tree varieties such as lagerstroemia, celosia and pink trumpet have bloomed for the first season after one year of planting. Many trees have become habitats for animals such as birds and squirrels,
With the highest population density in the country (4,292 people/km2) and high levels of air pollution, Ho Chi Minh City people are facing many respiratory health problems, especially children and the elderly.
By 2024, the green tree ratio in Ho Chi Minh City is 0.55m²/person, 21 - 27 times lower than the criteria of a special urban area that requires a green tree ratio of 12 - 15m²/person.
“We often prioritize choosing large tree varieties such as Khaya senegalensis, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Peltophorum pterocarpum with strong roots, creating shade, flowers for landscaping but the flowers and fruits are not poisonous, nor are they edible, and the branches are high so that students cannot climb them,” said Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Founder & Director of Gaia Nature Conservation Center.
“The trees are usually 3-4m high so that they can firmly grasp the roots and continue to grow, but can also quickly form a canopy and bloom without students having to wait too long. Tree planting techniques such as density, hole size, fertilizer, and support trees are all strictly implemented. Within two years after planting, we coordinate with the school to organize care activities, monitor and make periodic reports every six months. After two years, we will hand over the trees to the school for continued care and management. If the school needs any technical support, Gaia will always be ready to help,” she said.
During the 2022 – 2024 period, students have accompanied Gaia staff to experience tree care and monitoring activities. In addition, students love and actively take care of their school trees. Typically, teachers and students of Phuoc Long High School in Thu Duc city have also proactively installed tree nameplates with QR information so that students of all courses can find out more information.
“The school tree program organized by Gaia has helped the learning and playing space of the students become greener and more relaxing. In particular, every season of royal poinciana, trumpet flower, and Bauhinia variegata. The school yard becomes much more poetic,” said Ms. Mai Tuyet Van - Representative of Phuoc Long High School.
In the coming time, Gaia will continue to plant trees in schools in HCMC and plant upstream forests in Ta Kou Nature Reserve, Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, and Phong Dien Nature Reserve. Gaia hopes for the cooperation and contribution of all individuals, units and businesses to contribute to the forest./.