Tree-planting event highlights private sector role in Laos’ sustainable future

A tree-planting initiative led by a prominent Lao businessman, Mr Daovone Phachanthavong, has reinforced the growing role of the private sector in supporting the government’s efforts to expand forest cover, combat climate change, and promote green growth and sustainable development.
To mark the 46th National Arbour Day and the 101st International Children’s Day on June 1, Vice President of the Lao National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LNCCI), Mr Daovone, together with his family, organised a tree-planting event at his 21-hectare farm in Sangthong district, Vientiane. During the event, participants planted 300 yang trees (Dipterocarpus), bringing the total number of trees planted on the farm over the years to thousands.
The annual activity at the farm, now held for the eighth consecutive year, demonstrates how businesses and individuals can contribute meaningfully to national environmental priorities while helping create a greener future for the next generation.
The initiative comes as Laos intensifies efforts to increase forest cover to 70 percent by 2035, boost carbon absorption, and achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

Mr Daovone Phachanthavong addresses the tree planting event.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, at least 4.5 million seedlings have been planted nationwide on National Arbour Day alone this year as part of a broader campaign to restore forests, strengthen climate resilience, conserve biodiversity, and support sustainable socio-economic development.
Speaking at the event, Mr Daovone expressed appreciation to all organisations and individuals who have supported the tree-planting programme over the years.
“This collective effort is not merely about planting trees, but about creating green spaces, protecting the environment, and preserving nature for future generations,” he said.
Since launching the initiative in 2018, Mr Daovone and his family have transformed the farm into a thriving green space. In addition to the 800 yang trees now planted, the farm is home to 4,000 rubber trees, 1,500 padauks, 300 durians, 120 coconut trees, along with bamboo, fruit trees and other native species.
The long-running environmental initiative has received support from Sacombank Lao since 2018, with the bank contributing a total of 180 million kip over nine years.

The tree-planting event attracted representatives from the business community, media organisations and development partners, including Sacombank Lao, Lao Brewery Company, the Lao Journalists’ Association, Toyo Industry Lao Factory Sole Company Limited and the Vientiane Chamber of Commerce.
Addressing participants, President of the Lao Journalists’ Association Mr Savankhone Razmountry highlighted the importance of strengthening public awareness of environmental protection and forest conservation, particularly among young people.
The significance of the event was further underscored by its coincidence with International Children’s Day, providing an opportunity to instil environmental responsibility among children and youth from an early age.
National Arbour Day has long served as an important platform for educating younger generations about the vital role forests play in maintaining ecological balance, conserving biodiversity, regulating the climate and supporting sustainable economic development.
By engaging children and young people in tree-planting activities, organisers hope to nurture a culture of environmental stewardship that will endure for generations.
Mr Savankhone also emphasised the critical role of the media in promoting green growth and sustainable development by raising awareness of environmental issues and encouraging broader public participation.
To support these efforts, the Lao Journalists’ Association, in collaboration with CARE International in Laos, brought together media representatives and social media influencers who have received training on environmental reporting under the European Union-funded “Green Action through Media, Mass Organisation and Civil Society in Laos” (GAMCIL) project.
Through news coverage and digital storytelling, organisers hope to inspire more communities, businesses and individuals to join national efforts to protect the environment and preserve natural resources.
As Laos works towards its ambitious forest cover and climate targets, initiatives such as Mr Daovone’s demonstrate how private-sector leadership can complement government action, helping build a greener, healthier and more sustainable future for the country while contributing to global efforts to address climate change.
Guests attending the event included representatives from Sacombank Lao, Chairman of the Board of Lao Brewery Company Mr Kissana Vongsay, President of Toyo Industry Lao Factory Sole Company Limited Dr Langkone Xaingavong, Executive Committee Member of LNCCI and Vice President of the Vientiane Chamber of Commerce Mr Kamla Phathavong.

By Advertorial Desk
 (Latest Update June 3, 2026)