Home Lifestyle 1,230-Year-Old Tree Designated as National Heritage Tree in Southern Vietnam

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1,230-Year-Old Tree Designated as National Heritage Tree in Southern Vietnam

A thousand-year-old wild almond tree, scientifically known as irvingia malayana, has recently been acknowledged as a national treasure in Vietnam. This magnificent tree, commonly referred to as "kơ nia" in the local language, holds great cultural and historical significance. Its designation as a national heritage tree aims to ensure its preservation and safeguard its future for generations to come.

Administrator

17 December, 2023

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Located in Binh Phuoc Province, Ma Da Forest is home to a 1,230-year-old tree that is one of 162 centuries-old plants recognized as national heritage trees. The People’s Committee of Dong Phu District, in cooperation with the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), Truong Tuoi Group JSC, and other units, recently organized a ceremony to acknowledge this group of 162 national heritage trees in Sub-Zone 379 of Ma Da Forest.

The recognized trees belong to 15 different species, with 117 of them being over 500 years old. In addition, there are 18 trees with an age exceeding 900 years, 7 trees over 1,000 years old, and one tree that is an impressive 1,230 years old.

Nam Ha / Tuoi Tre

The purpose of the ceremony was to highlight the significance of these Vietnamese heritage trees, emphasizing the importance of responsible forest protection and fostering a sense of pride among residents. It also served as an opportunity to honor individuals, organizations, and veterans for their contributions to forest protection.

Dr. Tran Van Mieu, vice-chairman of VACNE, recognized the population of 162 centuries-old trees in Sub-Zone 379 as the largest group of heritage trees in Vietnam after 14 years of deliberation and assessment. This acknowledgement not only enhances their historical and cultural value but also promotes environmental protection and biodiversity preservation, according to Tran Tue Hien, the chairman of the Binh Phuoc administration.

Hien urged provincial departments, agencies, rangers, and residents to collaborate in safeguarding these heritage trees and to raise awareness about the province’s biodiversity for ecotourism development.

As part of the ceremony, Pham Cong Truong, a member of the War Veteran Association in Tan Binh Ward, was awarded a third-class labor medal by Hien on behalf of the state president. This honor recognized Truong’s contributions to forest preservation and charity work. Truong established B58 Services Trading Production JSC with his wife years ago, which has successfully involved war veterans and their families in protecting over 512 hectares of natural reserves in the sub-zone.

The event also included the presentation of certificates to rangers, locals, and officials in Dong Phu District and Tan Hoa Commune, as well as the firm, for their dedication to forest protection.

Nam Ha / Tuoi Tre

Additionally, Pham Huong Son, chairman of Truong Tuoi Group JSC, donated VND2 billion ($82,560) to the province’s study promotion fund and the fund for the poor. He also provided financial support of another VND2 billion to disadvantaged households and veterans in the province, ensuring they can have a warm and joyful 2024 Lunar New Year holiday in February 2024.