A population of 725 perennial fokienia trees in Tay Giang district inthe central province of Quang Nam were recognised as heritage trees ofVietnam on July 19 by the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Natureand 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 theborder district of Tay Giang. A forest protection force was establishedin the locality as part of efforts to preserve the trees.

In2011, VACNE launched a programme to conserve Vietnam’s heritage trees,aiming to select and honour the country’s heritage trees and preservetheir gene sources while raising public awareness of protecting theenvironment.

It also contributes to promoting the diversification and abundance ofVietnam’s flora and developing scientific research in the field.

To be eligible for the honour, wild trees must be at least 200 yearsold, and planted trees must be at least 100 years old. Moreover, thetrees should be connected with the historical and culturalcharacteristics of the area where they grow.

Thosethat do not meet the aforementioned criteria but have special values inscience, history or culture will also be recognised.

There are currently around 970 recognised heritage trees across the country.-VNA