Soldiers grow short-cycle green vegetables on islands in the Trường Sa Special Zone, Khánh Hòa Province. VNA/VNS Photo

KHÁNH HOÀ — In recent years, with the attention and support of the Party, the State, and people at home and abroad, the Trường Sa Special Zone of Khánh Hòa Province has received comprehensive investment in infrastructure, with particular emphasis placed on developing its greenery system.

Driven by the dedication of officers and soldiers, and supported by the collective efforts of the entire nation, the “Greening Trường Sa” programme has been carried out with determination and resolve. As a result, Trường Sa has taken on a renewed appearance. It not only stands resilient against harsh weather conditions but also radiates the vitality of true “parks at sea”.

On Sơn Ca Island in the Trường Sa Special Zone, three years into the implementation of the programme, trees now line every pathway. In the military’s production gardens, vegetables grow lush and healthy, meeting the island’s on-site food needs. Sơn Ca is becoming greener with each passing day, enhancing the landscape and environment and creating favourable conditions for personnel to remain focused on their duties.

Officers and soldiers nurture native plant species on the Trường Sa Islands. VNA/VNS Photo

Lieutenant Colonel Nguyễn Quang Phú, who is stationed on Sơn Ca Island, said that the unit has proactively propagated and grafted tree varieties suited to Trường Sa’s intense sun and strong winds. These saplings are then transferred to open areas for planting, where they are now growing well.

As part of the “Greening Trường Sa” programme, the Naval Region 4 Command received more than 340,000 trees in 2025, sponsored by various units, localities, and businesses. Of this total, over 200,000 trees have been planted across the islands, making a significant contribution to expanding green coverage in Trường Sa.

At the same time, the mobilisation of supplies, fertilisers, and nutrient-rich soil has been carried out in a coordinated manner. Many islands have proactively established nurseries to develop on-site seedling sources, gradually improving survival rates while reducing both transport costs and the volume of materials shipped from the mainland.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Đào Hồng Thắng, Deputy Director of Logistics and Engineering of Naval Region 4, affirmed that alongside the task of combat readiness training, building a green, clean, and beautiful landscape in Trường Sa is also a key mission. Despite early challenges caused by shortages of soil and freshwater, strong direction from the High Command has ensured that greenery now thrives on many islands in line with overall planning, effectively making use of local resources.

Cultivating greenery in Trường Sa. VNA/VNS Photo

The journey to green Trường Sa continues with decisive action and broad social consensus. From self-sufficient nurseries established on the islands to vessels transporting soil and seedlings from the mainland, every effort contributes to adding a deeper “green hue” to the Trường Sa Special Zone.

A greener Trường Sa does more than soften the harshness of nature. It instils strength and confidence in every officer, soldier, and resident, reinforcing their commitment to the seas and their determination to safeguard the territorial integrity of the Fatherland.

Colonel Nguyễn Vĩnh Nam, Deputy Commander of Naval Region 4, emphasised that to further advance the greening of Trường Sa, units across the Region must strengthen communication efforts and actively mobilise nationwide support. This includes calling for broader social participation, particularly in providing essential materials for planting and care such as arable soil, fertiliser, and technical supplies.

At the same time, units are required to proactively plan for the reception, transport, handling, and planting of trees. The objective is to build a Trường Sa Special Zone that is increasingly green, clean, and sustainable, meeting the long-term demands of safeguarding national sovereignty over the seas and islands.

The Deputy Commander also instructed Party committees and commanders at all levels, especially Brigade 146 and island-based units in Trường Sa, to strictly adhere to the views and policies of the Standing Committee of the Navy Party Committee and the Naval Region 4 Party Committee regarding the “Greening Trường Sa” mission. This task must be incorporated into monthly, quarterly, and annual resolutions and work plans, with regular reviews conducted to promptly commend outstanding collectives and individuals and to replicate effective models across the region. — VNS