Con Co Island’s centuries-old trees granted heritage status

The People’s Committee of Con Co Island District, Quang Tri, on April 18 held a ceremony to announce the official decision and receive the Certificate recognizing 17 trees as Vietnam Heritage Trees.

The event was attended by Nguyen Long Hai, Alternate Member of Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Quang Tri Provincial Party Committee, and Hoang Nam, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee, along with representatives from relevant departments and professional organizations.During the ceremony, 17 ancient trees on the island were officially recognized as Vietnam Heritage Trees, representing a major milestone in the district’s continued commitment to preserving its distinctive biodiversity and endemic ecosystems. Each of these trees, aged over 100 years, stands as a living testament to the island’s rich natural and historical legacy.

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Long Hai, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam, and representatives of the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment presented the Certificate of Vietnam Heritage Tree to leaders of Con Co island district. Photo: Tran Tuyen.

Based on a field survey conducted in August 2024 by the district authorities in collaboration with the Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE), 17 trees were identified as meeting the full set of criteria for heritage recognition, including biological, ecological, cultural, and historical significance. The designated trees comprise 5 Lian liep dong, 4 Barringtonia asiatica (box fruit), 3 Terminalia catappa (tropical almond), 3 Heliotropium foertherianum (tree heliotrope), and 2 Calophyllum inophyllum (Alexandrian laurel).VACNE on September 17, 2024 issued Document No. 303/HMTg, certifying the recognition of these 17 trees as Vietnam Heritage Trees.

Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee Nguyen Long Hai listens to a briefing about the almond tree recognized as a heritage tree. Photo: Tran Tuyen.

This recognition not only highlights the biological and ecological importance of Con Co Island’s ancient trees but also serves as a powerful symbol of the island’s enduring natural vitality and resilience. Each tree stands as a living archive of the island’s native flora, enriching its unique ecological character.Furthermore, this recognition provides a strong foundation for the district to advance its efforts in nature conservation, eco-tourism development, and environmental education. These heritage trees are poised to become emblematic landmarks in Con Co’s green tourism landscape, while also positioning the island as an integral part of Vietnam’s nationwide heritage tree conservation network.

Tran Tuyen - Tung Lam