VietNamNet Bridge –HCM City plans to grow one million trees this year, at a cost of more than VND45.5 billion (over $2 million), according to a newly-approved plan.

Under this plan, the city will strive to raise the percentage of tree cover to 39.8 percent by the year’s end and 40.01 percent in 2015.

In particular, the city will expand the areas of forest, trees, flower gardens, parks and grass cover; restore its ecosystems and biodiversity, and protect and develop the Can Gio Biosphere Reserve to contribute to reducing environmental pollution.

According to the HCM City People's Committee, last year the city planted nearly 1.6 million trees (56 percent more than the set target), equivalent to more than 554 hectares of trees, at a cost of nearly VND58 billion ($2.5 million).

In a plan to protect and develop forests in the 2013-2015 period, the city will develop an additional 250 hectares of parks and greenery area in the urban districts.

The city has recently issued a list of 28 plant species prohibited from being planted on the street because they have poisonous seeds, easily broken branches or many thorns. Sandbox trees, for instance, have poisonous latex and seeds, and tropical almond trees can be easily infected with worms.

The banned trees include sandbox, tropical almond, rubber, coconut, Manila tamarind, strangler fig and fishtail palms.

Le Ha