In 2016, Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) recognized eight trees in Khanh Hoa as the heritage ones. This is a proud of Khanh Hoa Province as well as requires the responsibility of Khanh Hoa's people to contribute to preserve and uphold the values of the heritage trees.
In 2016, Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE) recognized eight trees in Khanh Hoa as the heritage ones. This is a proud of Khanh Hoa Province as well as requires the responsibility of Khanh Hoa’s people to contribute to preserve and uphold the values of the heritage trees.
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| Strychnos nux-vomica tree at Am Chua historical and cultural relic site. |
According to engineer Tran Gioi (Khanh Hoa Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment), the heritage trees are the ancient ones which have unique form, large size, cultural, historical and ecological values. Until now, Khanh Hoa has had twelve heritage trees, including four ones recognized in 2014 and eight ones recognized in 2016. They comprise four trees on the Spratly Islands (two calophyllum inophyllum, one barringtonia asiatica, one heliotropium foertherianum, all aged above 30 years), six trees in Dien Khanh District (one dipterocarpus alatus (aged above 300 years), one strychnos nux-vomica (aged 350 years), four pterocarpus macrocarpus (aged around 400 years)), one tree in Van Ninh District (hopea odorata, aged 800 years), and one tree in Nha Trang City (diospyros mun, aged 500 years).
As reported by Phung Quang Chinh, member of VACNE, at present, there are more than 2,200 trees of 45 cities and provinces across the country recognized as heritage trees. A part from the initial target (environmental and biological diversity protection), the recognition of heritage trees have had other important meanings. “The recognition of heritage trees is also the recognition of history and culture of a land. The heritage trees not only have biological and biomass values, provide benefits through exploiting precious natural active ingredients but also help people to promote the cultural values and tourism,” said Chinh.
Nguyen Huu Hung, Deputy Chairman of Dien Khanh District People’s Committee, said that the district has a long-standing culture and history together with many national level historical relics; therefore, this time, it was the locality which had most trees recognized as the heritage trees. In the future, the district will direct and support the affiliated localities to preserve and uphold heritage trees.
According to the specialists of VACNE, Khanh Hoa Province has a variety of heritage trees. Many of endemic trees have been not recognized as heritage ones; therefore, it is important to protect and uphold the values of these endemic trees. Khanh Hoa Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment has been made plans to preserve and uphold the trees.
The fact that heritage trees are designated is the prerequisite for promoting the heritage trees’ value. Tourism is the strength of Khanh Hoa; thence, the province should incorporate heritage trees in the plan of tourism development.
V.L
Translated by H.N
