VietNamNet Bridge – The Vietnam Association for Preservation of Nature and Environment has recognized the Gua tree of nearly 160 years old in Can Tho city, as the heritage tree of Vietnam.

This is the first ancient tree of Can Tho as well as of the Mekong Delta that is recognized as the heritage tree of Vietnam. The tree covers 2,700sq.m.

Mr. Lam Minh Triet, Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Association for Preservation of Nature and Environment, said the association has recognized nearly 500 trees as Vietnam heritage trees.

In the near future, the Mekong Delta will have a more than 700 year old dau tree and a more than 600 year old tamarind tree in Nhon Khanh Hamlet, Nhon Nghia commune, Tri Ton district of An Giang province to be recognized as Vietnam heritage trees.

The Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment launched a scheme to conserve Vietnam’s heritage trees in 2011.

To be recognized as the heritage tree, the tree must be between 200 to 300 years old in term of wild tree or over 100 year old in case the tree is intentionally grown. Moreover, the tree must go with specific historical and cultural characteristics of the localities.

After receiving the proposals from the localities, the Board of Heritage Trees will assign its experts to measure biological parameters of the trees to identify their age. Once they are recognized as heritage trees, the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment will partly cover costs and provide technologies of ancient tree care as in special tree maintenance.

Son Tung