Vietnam Association for Conservation of Nature and Environment (VACNE)accredited a group of nine century-old Cho Chi trees in northern HaGiang province, as Vietnamese heritage tree.

The copse hasstump diameters ranging from 1 – 2 meters and an average height of 40metres. The biggest tree is estimated to be aged 500 – 600 years.

The national recognition plays a vital role in better protecting thepriceless plants as well as the rich ecosystem of the local poormountainous Phu Nam commune in Bac Me District.

Cho Chi(scientific name: Parashorea chinensis), a species of large tree whichcan reach up to 80 meters, is found in northern Vietnam and in southernChina. Threatened by overexploitation for its good wood, the species hasbeen named in the Vietnam’s red book.

In 2011, the VACNElaunched a programme to conserve Vietnam Heritage Trees, aiming toselect and honour the country’s heritage trees in a bid to conservetheir gene sources, while raising public awareness of protecting theenvironment.

It alsocontributes to promoting the diversification and abundance of Vietnam’sflora as well as developing scientific research in the field.

To win the honour, the trees must be at least 200 years old in thecase of wild trees, and at least 100 years for those planted. Moreover,the trees should be connected with the historical and culturalcharacteristics of the area where they grow.

Those which do not meet the aforesaid criteria yet have specialvalues in science, history or culture, will also earn recognition.

The number of recognised Heritage Trees is currently around 700.-VNA