Individuals or organisations who are found to cause damage to trees will be fined up to VNĐ30 million (US$1,300) from January 15, says a new Government decree.

Trees grow in Hanoi. The new regulation is expected to better protect trees. 

Under Decree No 139/2017/NĐ-CP, the fine will range from VNĐ500,000 to VNĐ1 million for activities such as nailing trees, picking flowers, cutting branches and peeling tree barks.

The same fine will be imposed for building illegal fences around trees along streets, in parks or other public areas; grazing animals and poultry in parks; and hanging lights or advertising boards on trees in public places without permission.

An administrative fine of VNĐ10-15 million will be levied on violations such as dumping household, toxic or construction wastes on the foot of trees, damaging and hindering the development of trees in urban areas and growing banned trees without the permission of authorised agencies.

Those who are caught cutting, removing or burning tree roots or digging the foot of the trees will be fined between VNĐ20-30 million.

Apart from the administrative fine, violators will also be required to recover the damaged trees or remove boards and lights. — VNS