Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen recently signed and issued Plan No. 383/KH-UBND on December 26, 2024, regarding the organization of the "Eternal Gratitude to Uncle Ho Tree Planting Festival" for the 2025 Lunar New Year in Hanoi.

The plan aims to contribute to the development of Hanoi as a "Cultural, Civilized, Modern" capital, in line with the goals outlined in the Hanoi Capital Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050. This initiative marks a new era for the nation, reflecting Vietnam's resurgence and growth.

Under the plan, the city will continue the implementation of the "Planting One Billion Trees for the Period 2021-2025" project approved by the Prime Minister, as well as the city's plan for tree planting and afforestation during the same period across districts and towns.

The plan seeks to restore the greenery damaged by Typhoon No. 3 (Yagi). The initiative promotes widespread engagement by calling on all party members, officials, organizations, associations, and the public to fulfill President Ho Chi Minh's teaching: "Spring is the time for tree planting, making the country ever greener." Through these efforts, a vibrant and exciting atmosphere is created citywide during the early days of the Lunar New Year of the Snake 2025, laying the foundation for Hanoi's development in the new year and the period from 2026 to 2031.

The plan aims to plant more than 700,000 new trees across the city in 2025, with the initial Spring campaign striving to plant between 120,000 and 150,000 trees. 

Accordingly, district and town people's committees, along with relevant agencies and organizations, will simultaneously launch the Spring Tree Planting Festival from February 3 to February 12, 2025 (the 6th to the 15th of the Lunar New Year). In areas hosting annual Spring festivals, the tree planting initiative will be integrated into these events. Depending on local conditions, the campaign may extend through the entire first lunar month.

The "Eternal Gratitude to Uncle Ho Tree Planting Festival" will be held at various locations, including historical and cultural sites, new urban areas, public buildings, schools, hospitals, parks, along transport corridors, newly constructed roads, and other suitable sites. 

Tree species will be selected based on local climate and soil conditions, prioritizing tested varieties, multi-purpose trees, large timber species, ornamental plants, shade trees, and rare and valuable types. High-quality saplings, free from pests and deformities, will be prepared to meet urban greening standards. After planting, responsibility for the care and maintenance of the trees will be assigned to specific units, organizations, or individuals to ensure proper growth and protection.

The municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development is tasked with overseeing, monitoring, and guiding district-level people's committees in formulating local plans. The department will coordinate with these committees and other municipal units to implement the plan in accordance with directives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the city government. 

The department will also recommend reliable suppliers for seedlings and technical materials, as well as provide guidance on planting and maintenance to ensure quality and effectiveness. Comprehensive measures will be implemented to manage, protect, and prevent forest fires, especially during dry and hot seasons.

Additionally, the Hanoi Forest Protection and Special-Use Management Board will identify areas of forest land suitable for afforestation and develop plans for new forest plantations.

The city mandates that district-level people's committees, relevant sectors, and organizations combine the tree planting festival with environmental cleanup and tree care activities at public spaces, roadways, and residential areas. These activities must be meaningful, effective, and free from extravagance or superficiality. 

Efforts will also be made to restore urban greenery and trees damaged by storms and to plant trees along newly constructed roads, vacant plots, and unused spaces.

The campaign "Eternal Gratitude to Uncle Ho Tree Planting Festival" for the Lunar New Year of the Snake 2025 contributes to building a green, clean, and beautiful Hanoi—cultural, civilized, and modern. 

The campaign highlights the ecological and humanistic value of tree planting and afforestation as a driver for socio-economic development. Through the Spring tree planting movement, officials, party members, and the public will deepen their understanding of the festival's significance while raising awareness about the responsibilities of governments, communities, and individuals in forest development and urban greening. 

The initiative underscores the importance of trees for socio-economic growth, environmental preservation, and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change. It also aligns with efforts to reduce CO2 and greenhouse gas emissions, advancing the goal of achieving net zero emissions.