Con Dao receives recognition for 24 additional heritage trees

According to Nguyen Khac Pho, General Director of the Con Dao National Park Management Board, the 24 newly recognized heritage trees include various species located in different areas under the park's management. They include a tropical almond tree on Hon Bay Canh, a tropical almond tree at Ong Dung Beach, and a Hopea odorata tree at Bai Dai, all of which have received official recognition as Vietnam Heritage Trees.

The addition of the aforementioned trees brings Con Dao's total number of heritage trees to 103. At present, all of these trees are well protected and exhibit strong growth. They serve as both historical symbols of the revolutionary island and popular attractions for visitors.

Among the heritage trees on Con Dao, the tropical almond tree boasts the most significant population, with 45 trees in total. Tropical almond trees are widely planted across Con Dao, and the local streets are lined with ancient tropical almond trees. The majority of these trees are over 150 years old, dating back to when the French colonists began constructing the prison in 1862. Other heritage tree species on the island include bishopwood, Lumnitzera littorea, wild gold apple, velvetleaf soldierbush, giant crepe myrtle, longan, conacaste, rain tree, and Peltophorum dasyrhachis.

Over the last few years, Con Dao District, Con Dao National Park, and local tourism companies have developed a "Heritage Tree Journey" tour, which allows visitors to experience the beauty of the island's forests. The tour also helps raise community awareness and promote joint efforts to protect nature and the environment.