This afforestation activity aims to contribute to mitigating flood damage, improving forest ecological functions in protecting water resources, purifying the air, mitigating climate change, and creating safe and healthy homes for rare wildlife.
The trees have been planted by campers from Ho Chi Minh City, together with sponsors, Gaia staff, Bach Ma National Park staff and local people.
Bach Ma National Park (Photo: thanhtravietnam.vn)
More than 2 months after launching, the Bach Ma afforestation project named “Contribute a tree to create forest” launched by Gaia Nature Conservation, has received strong support from more than 140 individuals and businesses. Those are communal efforts to help the Central region mitigate the consequences of floods and storms in a sustainable way in the long run. The project was launched during the time when the Central provinces were suffering from repeated storms and floods. Due to the steep terrain and severe impact on forest cover, the Central provinces are more susceptible to landslides. Therefore, the afforestation to protect the Central from floods and storms becomes more urgent.
The approximately 4,000 trees were planted in a total area of around 6 hectares of watershed forest in 3 different areas of Bach Ma National Park. These selected plantation areas are mostly shrubs and bare land and need to be transformed into dense forest. This forest plantation project not only contributes to the plantation fund, but also sends a message to the virtual forest on Gaia’s website. Therefore, the project raises awareness of the community and fosters their love for the forest.
"According to the Vietnam Forestry Agency, the forest covers approximately 42% of the total area of the country. This is a pretty good number. However, quality of the forest is pretty low. Improving forest quality and forest coverage require the participation and cooperation of many agencies, units and individuals. Gaia welcomes and highly appreciates the businesses and individuals who may be interested in the upcoming activities with Gaia in general and Bach Ma National Park in particular,” said Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Founder and Executive Director of Gaia Nature Conservation, with more than 20 years of experience in nature conservation and environmental education.
The forest has received widespread support from more than 141 individuals, businesses and organisations, including KAIROS Co working, DCI, Amber, and Quan Am Monastery.
The forest will be monitored and cared for within four years to ensure stable growth. Gaia cooperates with Bach Ma National Park to conduct research and monitoring activities. Annual reports will also be created. The community will be updated annually about the forest such as the survival rate of trees, the height of trees, the state of forest development, tree monitoring photos, the current status of species and plants in the forest, etc.
In the future, Gaia will continue to promote the program entitled "Contributing a tree to create forest” in particular, especially in Ben En National Park, Xuan Lien Nature Reserve, Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve, and Mui Ca Mau National Park. Gaia calls for the continuous support of businesses, individuals in order to create a "greener Vietnam"./.