On December 5, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment hosted a conference in Da Nang City to review the implementation of the “One Billion Trees” project for the 2021–2025 period.

The initiative was launched by a decision (No. 524/QD-TTg) issued by the Prime Minister on April 1, 2021. Immediately after, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (now the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) issued a deployment plan and guided provinces to review and identify land for planting protection forests, special-use forests, new production forests, urban green areas, and scattered rural greenery.

Throughout the country, provinces, ministries, and agencies introduced creative, locally adapted approaches to the initiative. Political-social organizations, businesses, international groups, NGOs, and individuals also joined enthusiastically, contributing to both planting and protecting green spaces.

1.44 billion trees planted nationwide

Thanks to these joint efforts, Vietnam planted nearly 1.44 billion trees within five years - exceeding the original goal by 43.9%. This includes 573.9 million scattered trees and 865.2 million trees planted in concentrated forest areas.

In addition to native species and rare trees planted in special-use forests, many localities prioritized long-lived hardwoods and fruit-bearing trees for protection forests to prevent desertification, conserve water, protect soil, and preserve the ecological balance. Trees were also planted in urban areas such as sidewalks, parks, flower gardens, and public squares.

According to reports from various ministries and local governments, the total funding for the 2021–2025 period was 15,291 billion VND (approximately USD 625 million). This includes:

USD 130 million from the state budget
USD 14.4 million in ODA (Official Development Assistance)
USD 194.9 million from other sources
USD 287.7 million mobilized from socialized (private and community) contributions - accounting for 45.9% of the total

A tradition turned national movement

At the conference, Trieu Van Luc, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, emphasized that tree-planting has become a cultural tradition of the Vietnamese people.

This tradition has helped maintain the country’s forest coverage at a stable 42%. Luc noted the growing importance of the forestry sector in Vietnam’s socio-economic development and environmental protection - especially as climate change, natural disasters, and extreme weather events become more frequent and severe.

To build on this success, Luc called on individuals and organizations nationwide to continue planting trees, growing forests, and protecting greenery.

He also emphasized the importance of planting large-timber and high-value native trees to increase the economic value of planted forests, enhance carbon absorption, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Tam An