Joining hands to plant forests for a greener Vietnam

More than 120 delegates from 40 enterprises operating in various sectors participated in the event, along with representatives from the Vietnam Academy of Forest Sciences, national parks and nature reserves, and media agencies.

The event went beyond planting trees, aiming to connect resources from businesses and the community to invest in nature effectively and sustainably.

At the event, delegates learned about the process of sustainable forest planting and the role of forests in responding to climate change. They also discussed practical topics such as the carbon market and nature-based investment models, shared initiatives, and forged cooperation for green development.

It was an opportunity for stakeholders to come together and identify solutions to promote investment in forest planting, not only as an environmental responsibility but also as part of a long-term business strategy.

According to Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Gaia Nature Conservation Center, each forest is not only the green color of nature but also the foundation of human life and the sustainable future of the country. “When businesses invest in nature, it is not just a responsibility but also a long-term vision. By restoring forests, businesses are contributing to protecting themselves and the community,” Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen said.

The “Joining Hands to Plant Forests” campaign, launched by Gaia, offers a concrete and long-term solution. Trees are planted in areas at risk of landslides, lacking canopy cover, or playing a critical role in watershed protection. From now until the end of 2025, trees will be planted in at least seven locations nationwide, including Cuc Phuong National Park (Ninh Binh), Xuan Lien National Park (Thanh Hoa), Phong Dien Nature Reserve (Hue), Ta Kou Nature Reserve (Lam Dong), U Minh Ha National Park, the coastal protective forest of the West Sea Dyke (Ca Mau), and Mua Xuan Farm (Can Tho).

Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen stated that the “Greener Vietnam” program is an initiative implemented by Gaia to create a connection between businesses, communities, and nature.

"This is the seventh year the program has been held, with its scale and influence continuing to expand. The event in Ta Kou this time marks the start of a series of activities to plant dozens of hectares of new forest, with the goal of promoting a green lifestyle and raising awareness about nature conservation among tens of thousands of people nationwide," the Gaia Director said, adding that since 2022, Gaia has partnered with nearly 200 businesses and thousands of individuals to plant more than 1.2 million trees, greening 541.8 hectares across 10 special-use and upstream forests throughout Vietnam.

"When resources are mobilized in the right way, environmental action can truly create positive and lasting change," Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen said, adding that in the coming time Gaia will continue to expand forest planting and habitat restoration activities in critical areas across the country.

"We hope to continue receiving the companionship of businesses, individuals, and organizations, thereby driving systemic change for a future that is harmonious, sustainable, and full of vitality for both people and the Earth. Practical contributions such as forest planting and ecosystem conservation will increasingly become an indispensable part of a company’s sustainable development strategy and brand value. This journey is not just about planting trees, but also about sowing seeds of trust, connection, and responsibility for a greener Vietnam," said the Gaia Director.

Mr. Ha Van Tuan, Director of the Ta Kou Nature Reserve, shared that many trees planted by Gaia here have, after just two years, taken root and thrived, bringing a hopeful green to once barren, desert-like hillsides.

If they continue to be cared for and restored correctly, this area could fully develop into a true forest according to scientific criteria. Once formed, the forest will bring immense benefits. Specifically, it will serve as a sand shield, preventing sand from the sea from blowing deep inland - a phenomenon that has caused many negative impacts on local soil and livelihoods. The forest will also create its own microclimate, helping regulate temperature, retain moisture, and improve living conditions for the native ecosystem. “When this area becomes a forest, it will create an attractive ecological landscape with great potential for developing ecotourism and nature-based experiences. In other words, a forest here will not only deliver environmental benefits but also open up opportunities for sustainable economic development for the entire region,” said Mr. Ha Van Tuan.

According to Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Gaia Nature Conservation Center, anyone can plant a tree and help restore at least five upstream special-use forests across Vietnam with just 50,000 VND. Each tree you plant is a seed, a solid foundation that builds a protective shield to reduce natural disaster damage and adds to Vietnam’s vibrant green tapestry of life.

“When you contribute a tree to the ‘Joining Hands to Plant Forests’ campaign with Gaia, your tree will have an even greater impact as it will be combined with contributions from the entire community. In particular, this collective approach ensures that seedlings are allocated appropriately, avoiding concentration in just a few areas and ensuring all priority forests are restored,” emphasized Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Gaia Nature Conservation Center.

According to Dr. Vu Tan Phuong, Director of the Office for Sustainable Forest Management Certification, through Gaia, the forestry sector has received support and cooperation from many organizations and businesses in joining hands to protect forests and the environment.

Through activities such as tree planting, each individual and business becomes aware of and takes action to reduce emissions. These efforts will resonate and make an important contribution to the national goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. And this can only be achieved if all of us work together and take action starting today.