Building a National Botanical Garden to expand Vietnam’s genetic conservation system

Vietnam preserves over 32,000 plant genetic resources

After nearly a decade of operation, Vietnam’s plant genetic resources conservation system is shifting from a phase of “collecting and storing” to one of “preserving for use.”

According to a report by the Plant Resources Center under the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences, presented at the workshop “Assessment and Conservation of Genetic Resources 2016–2025, with Orientation for 2026–2030” held on October 23, the National Genebank currently holds more than 32,000 plant genetic accessions representing over 200 crop species. These are conserved through three methods: seed banks, field collections, and in-vitro preservation, where vegetatively propagated plants are maintained in sterile artificial environments, keeping samples alive without outdoor cultivation.

Vu Linh Chi, a representative from the Plant Resources Center, noted that this achievement is the result of decades of collecting, evaluating, and rejuvenating genetic materials despite limited resources. Many indigenous varieties, such as Nep Ban Luoc sticky rice (Ha Giang), Khau Muong Lo rice (Lai Chau), and Te Do Ha Nhi rice (Dien Bien), have been successfully developed into commercial products, showing that genetic conservation is not only about storage but also directly contributes to agricultural economic growth.

However, Chi acknowledged ongoing challenges, including deteriorating storage infrastructure, insufficient annual funding for long-term preservation, and fragmented evaluation and digitisation of data. To address these, the Center recommended that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment continue investing in upgrading the National Genebank and adopt automation and artificial intelligence (AI) for genetic data collection, evaluation, and documentation. Chi emphasised that such investment is not merely for long-term storage but also to lay the foundation for future national-scale conservation institutions.

Associate Professor Dr. Bui The Doi, Vice Rector of the Vietnam National University of Forestry, proposed advancing conservation efforts by establishing a National Botanical Garden—not merely as an additional green space, but as a crucial expansion of the existing system, bridging cryogenic genebanks with living conservation spaces for research, education, and biodiversity promotion.

Under the national standard TCVN 13530:2022, a National Botanical Garden must be affiliated with an educational and scientific research institution, cover at least 50 hectares, and maintain a collection of at least 700 plant species, including 500 tree species. The proposed site is the Nui Luot Experimental Forest in Xuan Mai (Hanoi) and Luong Son (Hoa Binh), an area restored from barren hills into a multi-layered ecosystem hosting more than 520 vascular plant species, including 52 rare ones.

According to Dr. Doi, the National Botanical Garden will function as a multidisciplinary scientific institution, integrating conservation and research with education, ecotourism, and biodiversity outreach. During 2026–2030, the university aims to complete key components such as greenhouse facilities, genetic laboratories, an operations centre, and experimental education zones, alongside building a digital database connected to the Botanical Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) Asian network.

Experts remarked that if the National Genebank serves as the nation’s “genetic memory,” then the National Botanical Garden will be its “biological face”—a living showcase where resources are preserved, displayed, and shared.

Linking science and industry to commercialize climate-resilient plant varieties

In parallel with strengthening conservation infrastructure, research institutes in crop and forestry breeding are now focusing on climate adaptation.

Dr. Nguyen Duc Kien, Director of the Institute of Forest Tree Breeding and Biotechnology under the Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences, explained that climate change is increasing pest outbreaks, droughts, and salinity intrusion across forest plantations, making it vital to breed trees for “resistance and adaptability.” The institute has developed and recognised several high-yielding hybrid acacia and eucalyptus varieties that thrive under harsh climatic conditions. Technological advances such as gene transfer, clonal propagation, tissue culture, and marker-assisted selection have shortened breeding cycles while enhancing tree tolerance to heat, drought, and pests.

Kien proposed launching a national breeding program for climate-resilient forest species, built on collaboration among research institutes, enterprises, and forest growers to commercialise drought- and salinity-tolerant genetic materials. He also suggested investing in advanced clonal propagation centres to reduce production costs and improve access for upland farmers, those most affected by extreme weather.

In the agricultural crop sector, representatives from the Institute of Agricultural Genetics (VAAS) also emphasised the need to develop a national genetic and molecular marker database to support AI-based predictions of crop adaptability under future climate scenarios. They proposed integrating policies for developing drought- and salinity-tolerant varieties into national food security and climate adaptation programs, recognising them as key pillars of sustainable agricultural transformation.

Currently, the Institute is mastering advanced technologies such as gene editing and targeted mutation breeding to develop crop varieties resilient to drought, salinity, and heat. In-vitro (sterile artificial) and bioreactor (industrial-scale) propagation techniques are also being applied to rapidly multiply and preserve genetic materials for future breeding and conservation.