City to have 1.3 million more trees

Vientiane could have more than 1.3 million new trees this year as the capital carries out a plan to establish itself as a green city by extending tree cover at numerous sites.
Director of the Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department, Dr Lasay Nouanthasing, said last week that based on information collected from various parties at least 1.3 million saplings would be planted this year as part of efforts to create a greener environment for the city’s residents.
Several government agencies and district authorities have begun planting trees in the run up to National Arbor Day on June 1, he said, adding that an official ceremony will be held on the day. 

Vientiane covers a total area of 329,000 hectares of which green sites currently cover 57.77 percent. Authorities plan to increase the extent of green sites to as much as 70 percent by next year.
To achieve this target, the authorities are urging public and government bodies to ensure that at least two trees per person are planted, up from 1.8 per person last year.
The trees are to be planted at private houses, gardens, and around offices as well as in public parks and along roadsides.
According to the Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department, trees will be planted on 300 hectares across Vientiane this year.
The sites include 120 hectares in Sangthong district, 100 hectares in Xaythany district, 40 hectares in Pakngum district, 25 hectares in Naxaithong district, and five hectares each in Hadxaifong, Sikhottabong, and Xaysettha districts.
Mahogany, ironwood, bougainvillea and frangipani trees will be planted along the city’s roads.
Events to mark National Arbor Day on June 1will include the planting of 5,000 saplings at the Phou Khao Khouay National Biodiversity Conservation site and another 9,033 saplings along roadsides in Xaythany, Xaysettha, and Hadxaifong districts.
The tree planting drive supports the country’s ambition to replace trees lost to indiscriminate felling and to create more green spaces in the capital.
On the same day, each district in Vientiane will plant some trees to mark the occasion.
The Vientiane Agriculture and Forestry Department is also encouraging the planting of rubber and other commercial species on at least 300 hectares each year, with these species currently growing on about 19,000 hectares.

By Souksamai Boulom
(Latest Update May 13, 2019)