Students at An Phú Secondary School in HCM City’s District 2 plant trees. — Photo courtesy of Gaia Nature Conservation Centre

HCM CITY —  Nature and bio-diversity conservation NGOs Gaia Nature Conservation Centre and Greenviet Biodiversity Conservation Centre on Thursday planted 10 saplings at the An Phú Secondary School in HCM City’s District 2 and organised a contest for the students to learn about the importance of trees.

They plan to plant more trees this month in schools in the city as part of the One Million Trees in Cities programme that seeks to improve the urban eco-system.

Gaia surveyed the soil and trees already grown in the school premises to advise it on what species can be planted. 

The ones chosen, like ta-khian, khaya, copperpod, pink poui, giant crepe-myrtle, and flamboyant, provide shade or look attractive.

At each sapling planting session, students are asked to learn about each species and their value through practical activities like filling in soil and watering.

Afterwards, Gaia instructs the students and teachers on how to take care of the trees for the next two years.

Educational activities including quiz shows and contests are also organised to raise students’ awareness of the value of trees, especially in school campuses.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Trúc, the principal of Dương Văn Thì High School in District 9, said trees are the soul of the school, and planting more would inspire students.

“The trees we grow today provide not only lessons for the present generation but also shade for the future.” — VNS