A population of 725 perennial fokienia trees in Tay Giang district in the central province of Quang Nam were recognised as heritage trees of Viet Nam on July 19 by the Viet Nam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE).
Two ficus superba miq. trees in Arang village of Axan commune also received the title.
The recognition will help protect the rare and valuable trees sustainably.
Currently, some 2,000 perennial fokienia trees are growing along the border district of Tay Giang. A forest protection force was established in the locality as part of efforts to preserve the trees.
In 2011, VACNE launched a programme to conserve Viet Nam’s heritage trees, aiming to select and honour the country’s heritage trees and preserve their gene sources while raising public awareness of protecting the environment.
It also contributes to promoting the diversification and abundance of Viet Nam’s flora and developing scientific research in the field.
To be eligible for the honour, wild trees must be at least 200 years old, and planted trees must be at least 100 years old. Moreover, the trees should be connected with the historical and cultural characteristics of the area where they grow.
Those that do not meet the aforementioned criteria but have special values in science, history or culture will also be recognised.
There are currently around 970 recognised heritage trees across the country.