President Thongloun Sisoulith and his spouse, Naly Sisoulith, plant a tree at the National University of Laos.  --Photo Lao News Agency

Lao leaders lead nationwide push to expand forest cover, advance net-zero goals

President Thongloun Sisoulith and Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone have taken the lead in nationwide tree-planting activities, reinforcing Laos’ commitment to expanding forest cover to 70 percent by 2035, and pursuing the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
The participation of the country’s top leaders in National Arbour Day events underscores the government’s determination to restore forest resources and accelerate progress towards national climate and environmental targets.
President Thongloun, who is also Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party Central Committee, joined senior Party and state leaders at a tree-planting event organised by the National University of Laos on June 1 to mark the university’s 30th anniversary, the 101st International Children’s Day, and the 46th National Arbour Day.

Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone joins senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to plant trees at ChaoAnouvong Park.

PM Sonexay took part in tree-planting activities at Chao Anouvong Park and the That Luang Marsh Special Economic Zone, joining government officials, local authorities and community members in promoting environmental conservation.
The leaders’ participation reflects a renewed national push to increase Laos’ forest cover to 70 percent by 2035, a key target that will contribute significantly to the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase carbon absorption by 60 percent by 2030, while supporting its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
The large-scale tree-planting campaign aligned with the government’s broader strategy to foster green growth, strengthen climate resilience, protect biodiversity, and ensure sustainable socio-economic development.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, at least 4.5 million seedlings were planted across the country on the National Arbour Day alone.
The Ministry, in collaboration with local authorities nationwide, organised tree-planting activities to coincide with National Arbour Day and International Children’s Day on June 1 and National Environment Day on June 5, transforming the annual observance into a nationwide movement for environmental stewardship.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts to restore degraded forest areas, increase green coverage, and strengthen resilience against climate and environmental challenges.
The Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, noted that National Arbour Day, observed annually on June 1 since 1980, serves as an important platform for raising public awareness, particularly among children and young people, about the critical role forests play in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, regulating the climate and supporting sustainable economic development.
Throughout this year, authorities aim to cultivate 25 million seedlings and plant trees across 50,000 hectares nationwide.
Dr Linkham said this is not just about planting trees, but is intended to foster a culture of environmental responsibility and encourage public participation in protecting and managing forest resources.
Through collective efforts involving government agencies, local communities, the private sector and development partners, Laos is seeking to create a greener, healthier and more sustainable future while contributing to global efforts to address climate change.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 2, 2026)