Six more century-old trees in the northern port city of Hai Phong and the central province of Thanh Hoa have been recognised as heritage trees by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), lifting the total number of heritage trees nationwide to 3,526. 

With the recognition of six more century-old trees, the total number of heritage trees nationwide has reached 3,526

The trees included a 900-year-old Gao (cotton) tree in Cam Thuy district  of Thanh Hoa; and two old banian trees and three longan trees in Kien Thuy district, Hai Phong city. 

In 2011, the VACNE launched a programme to conserve Vietnam’s Heritage Trees, aiming to select and honour the country’s heritage trees in a bid to conserve their gene sources, while raising public awareness of environmental protection.

It also contributes to promoting the diversification and abundance of Vietnam’s flora as well as developing scientific research in the field. 

To win the honour, the trees must be at least 200 years old in the case of wild trees, and at least 100 years for those planted. Moreover, the trees should be connected with historical and cultural characteristics of the area where they grow. 

Those which do not meet the criteria, yet have special values to science, history or culture, will also earn the recognition.-VNA