Decision No. 524/QD-TTg Approving the Scheme "Planting One Billion Trees for the Period 2021-2025"

 

Pursuant to …;

Approving the Project "Planting One Billion Trees for the Period 2021-2025"

PRIME MINISTER

On the basis of Law on Government Organization dated June 19, 2015; Law Amending and Supplementing Certain Provisions of the Law on Government Organization and the Law on Local Administration dated November 22, 2019;

On the basis of The Forest Law on November 15, 2017;

On the basis of Law on Environmental Protection dated June 23, 2014;

Pursuant to Resolution No. Resolution No. 24-NQ/TW of June 3, 2013 of the 7th Plenum of the 11th Central Committee on proactively responding to climate change, strengthening natural resource management, and environmental protection;

Decree No. Decree No. 64/2010/NĐ-CP of June 11, 2010 of the Government on urban green tree management;

Pursuant to Resolution No. Decision No. 178/NQ-CP of December 12, 2020 of the Government on the regular meeting of the Government in November 2020;

PURSUANT TO THE PROPOSAL OF THE MINISTER OF AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT.

DECISION:

Article 1. Approving the Project "Planting One Billion Trees for the Period 2021-2025" (hereinafter referred to as the Project), with the main contents as follows:

I. GUIDING PRINCIPLES

1. Enhancing awareness and responsibility of all levels of party committees, administrative authorities, community residents, and people regarding forest development and planting green trees; improving the quality and value of forest ecosystems, fully utilizing the role of forests and green trees in economic and social development, environmental protection, landscape preservation, and mitigating negative impacts of climate change.

2. Developing green trees requires the participation of the entire political system, agencies, organizations, households, and individuals. Promoting the tradition of tree planting initiated by President Ho Chi Minh, making tree planting activities truly become practical and effective competitive movements at all levels, sectors, and residential areas with active participation from all citizens, avoiding ostentatious and formalistic practices; this is a concrete action to learn and follow President Ho Chi Minh's thoughts, morality, and style.

3. Strengthening socialization, attracting all resources from various economic sectors, and integrating programs for socio-economic development to plant one billion trees. In addition to concentrated forest planting, it is necessary to increase the proportion of scattered green tree planting in rural areas, urban zones, transportation routes, urban infrastructure projects, educational facilities, healthcare facilities, cultural facilities, factories, industrial parks, export processing zones, high-tech parks, cultural and historical sites... ensuring the ratio of green trees according to National Technical Regulations.

4. Tree planting must be accompanied by care, protection, management, and supervision to ensure that planted trees and forests grow and develop well.

II. OBJECTIVES

By the end of 2025, the country will successfully plant one billion green trees, including 690 million scattered trees in urban and rural areas, and 310 million concentrated trees in protective forests, special-use forests, and newly planted production forests, contributing to environmental protection, improved landscapes, climate change response, socio-economic development, improved quality of life for the people, and sustainable national development.

III. TASKS

Successfully planting one billion green trees suitable for ecological conditions, planning, and existing land funds of each locality, including:

1. Scattered Green Tree Planting (urban and rural areas)

a) Quantity: 690 million trees, averaging 138 million trees/year.

b) Requirements for tree species

Select tree species suitable for purposes, landscapes, and ecological conditions, agricultural practices of each locality and specific regions; prioritize native trees, hardwood trees, multi-purpose trees, those with high environmental protection values, high protective functions, rare and precious trees, and those reflecting local cultural characteristics.

c) Planting Locations

- In urban areas: planting on sidewalks, streets, parks, flower gardens, squares; within the premises of government offices, schools, hospitals, factories, enterprises, industrial parks, export processing zones, religious structures, private gardens, and other public facilities.

- In rural areas: planting on household gardens, road verges, riverbanks, canal banks, field boundaries, terraces, farmland, within the premises of government offices, schools, hospitals, factories, enterprises, industrial parks, export processing zones, religious structures, and other public facilities; combining protective measures within agricultural cultivation areas and small scattered lands; areas with high landslide risks, degraded lands, desertification, mining waste sites, and unused lands.

2. Concentrated Green Tree Planting in Forests

a) Quantity: 180,000 hectares of concentrated forest planting, equivalent to approximately 310 million trees (averaging 36,000 hectares of forest planting/year, equivalent to 62 million trees/year), including:

- Protective and Special-Use Forest Planting: 30,000 hectares, equivalent to 70 million trees (averaging 6,000 hectares/year, equivalent to 14 million trees/year).

- New Production Forest Planting: 150,000 hectares, equivalent to 240 million trees (averaging 30,000 hectares/year, equivalent to 48 million trees/year).

b) Requirements for tree species

- For Special-Use Forests: planting native tree species naturally distributed in the ecosystem of such special-use forests.

- For Protective Forests: planting tree species with deep root systems, prioritizing native species that can thrive under harsh conditions and have good resistance capabilities.

- For Production Forests: planting high-yield and high-quality tree species, encouraging the use of tissue culture and cutting propagation methods, and combining fast-growing small timber trees with long-term large timber trees.

c) Planting Locations

- Land for Protective Forests: land planned for protective forest development, particularly prioritizing upstream protective forests and coastal protective forests.

- Land for Special-Use Forests: land without forests and not meeting criteria for forest classification in ecological recovery zones and service/administrative zones of special-use forests such as national parks, nature reserves, species and habitat conservation areas, and scenic protection areas.

- Land for Production Forests: land planned for new production forest planting.

3. Implementation Plan

a) In 2021, plant approximately 182 million trees, including: 120 million scattered trees, a 1.5-fold increase compared to 2020.

b) From 2022 to 2025, plant an average of 204.5 million trees/year, including 142.5 million scattered trees, a 1.8-fold increase compared to 2020.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Construction, the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, provincial and municipal People's Committees directly under the central government, and relevant agencies to develop detailed five-year and annual plans.

IV. SOLUTIONS

1. Mechanism and Policy

a) The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development shall study and develop criteria for green tree area in the National Criteria for New Rural Communes for the period 2021-2025.

b) The Ministry of Construction shall review and evaluate the implementation of Decree No. 64/2010/NĐ-CP dated June 11, 2010 of the Government on urban green tree management; complete policies for managing and developing urban green trees, ensuring space and land area for public green tree development according to national standards and current regulations.

c) The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall review and improve mechanisms and policies on land in a direction that encourages and supports land for green tree development.

2. Review land for planting trees and forests

a) Localities shall organize reviews to determine land for protective forest planting, special-use forest planting, new production forest planting, and scattered green tree planting (urban and rural areas); develop annual and five-year (2021-2025) plans for forest planting and scattered green tree planting.

b) Organize land allocation and forest allocation, ensuring that land areas for forest planting and scattered tree planting have specific and clear managers:

For urban green trees: manage according to the provisions of the law on urban green tree management.

For trees planted on land areas of organizations and households: organizations and households shall be responsible for management.

For trees planted on public land areas and public works (roads, ditches, irrigation channels...): local authorities shall consider and organize the allocation to organizations, households, individuals, associations, and mass organizations for planting, caring for, and protecting scattered trees in accordance with current laws and actual conditions.

3. Regarding seedlings

Localities shall proactively prepare sufficient quantities of high-quality seedlings of species and planting standards that meet technical standards and specific technical guidelines based on annual planting plans and actual local conditions.

Urban planting species shall be implemented according to the current provisions of the law on urban green tree management, national standards and norms; concentrated forest planting and scattered rural planting species shall follow the guidance of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development.

4. Regarding technology and application of science and technology

a) For green trees for concentrated forest planting

- Protective forest planting:

For upstream protective forests, border protective forests, community water source protective forests: plant forests in places where there is no natural regeneration capability; plant mixed native species and multi-purpose species, non-timber forest products.

For windbreak, sand control, wave control, and coastal reclamation protective forests: establish forest belts suitable for local natural conditions; plant forests using deep-rooted species that firmly anchor soil, prioritizing native species that grow well under harsh conditions and have good resistance; supplement planting in areas that do not yet meet forest criteria.

- Special-use forest planting:

Apply measures combining natural regeneration with supplementary planting and enriching forests, planting native species on areas without forests and not meeting forest criteria in ecological recovery zones and administrative service zones of special-use forests.

- Production forest planting:

Develop concentrated forest planting areas, apply modern biotechnology and intensive forest cultivation techniques to increase forest plantation productivity and provide raw materials for wood processing industries. Encourage the use of native species; plant mixed species forests, combining fast-growing small timber trees and long-term large timber trees in suitable locations.

b) For scattered green tree planting

- Urban areas: organize planting and care according to urban green tree planting procedures and apply intensive cultivation techniques to ensure high survival rates, good growth and early effectiveness, and aesthetic appearance. Implement design and planting of green trees according to National Standard TCVN 9257:2012.

- Rural areas: select planting species suitable for local conditions and farming practices; organize planting and care of forests and green trees according to specific technical standards and guidelines for each species.

c) Research and apply advanced technologies in scattered green tree planting, care, and relocation; ensure safe and effective planting, care, protection, and development of green trees; apply information technology in building databases on concentrated and scattered green tree planting, care, and development.

5. Mobilizing resources

Strengthen mobilization of all social resources, diversify funding sources for planting and protecting green trees, including:

- Strengthen mobilization of socialized capital, legitimate contributions from enterprises, and fundraising from organizations, households, and individuals participating in forest planting and green tree planting through sponsorship projects or initiatives to establish green tree planting funds by localities, enterprises, associations, economic groups, etc., to purchase materials and seedlings to support scattered tree planting campaigns and projects.

- Call for sponsors and international cooperation, effectively implement ODA projects investing in protective forest conservation and green tree planting.

- Combine implementing integrated programs and projects funded by the state budget according to the law, such as: the Sustainable Forestry Development Program for the period 2021-2025; national target programs; infrastructure development programs and projects, industrial zone construction projects, office construction projects, road traffic projects with tree planting components implemented by ministries, localities; other socio-economic development programs,...

- Mobilize labor resources and voluntary participation of organizations, mass organizations, households, individuals, and communities in planting, caring for, and protecting green trees.

6. Propaganda, education, and capacity enhancement

- Regularly organize propaganda through mass media about the role and benefits of forests and green trees in environmental protection, climate change response, and provision of economic and social value.

- Continue to effectively implement the "Spring Tree Planting Festival" movement in memory of President Ho Chi Minh, increasing annual scattered tree planting targets by 1.5 to 2 times compared to the average during the 2016-2020 period.

- Disseminate legal education to enhance awareness and responsibility at all levels, sectors, forest owners, and the entire society regarding the protection and development of forests, and planting green trees.

- Continue to develop promotional materials, training sessions, and technical guidance for planting protective forests and green trees that meet practical requirements.

- Launch competitive movements to call for and mobilize the whole population to participate in planting trees and forests, creating a continuous and effective movement throughout society. Make tree planting a competitive movement at all levels, sectors, and among all citizens.

V. SOURCES OF FUNDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROJECT

The sources of funds for implementing the Project include state budget (for investment and regular expenses); financial support, aid, and other legitimate sources of funding from organizations, households, individuals, communities both domestically and internationally as stipulated by law. Among which:

1. For state budget capital invested in planting protective forests, special-purpose forests, urban public green trees serving community benefits, supporting new plantation of production forests, scattered forestry plantations; propaganda, inspection, supervision of the implementation of the Project... shall be managed and implemented in accordance with the State Budget Law, Investment Law, and related laws.

2. For non-state budget capital: shall be implemented according to the provisions of law for each source of capital.

VI. IMPLEMENTATION

To take the lead and coordinate with the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries and sectors to urge, inspect, supervise, and resolve issues arising during the implementation of this Decree.

- As the permanent agency of the Project, it shall take the lead in coordinating with ministries, sectors, and localities to effectively implement this Project.

- Organize and maintain the effective implementation of the annual "Spring Tree Planting Movement in Memory of President Ho Chi Minh."

- Direct and guide localities to plant concentrated green trees in protective and special-purpose forests, new production forests, and scattered trees in rural areas.

- Develop and organize the implementation of the National One Billion Trees Support Project.

- Study and build criteria for planting green trees in the National Criteria for New Rural Areas.

- Inspect, supervise, urge the implementation of the Project; organize mid-term and final reviews; consolidate plans and results of implementation, report to the Prime Minister.

2. Ministry of Construction

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and localities to implement this Project.

- Take the lead in directing, guiding, inspecting, and supervising localities in managing and developing urban green trees in accordance with Decree No. 64/2010/ND-CP dated June 11, 2010, of the Government on Urban Green Tree Management.

- Review, inspect, and evaluate the current status of urban green tree management, industrial zones; clearly define goals to be achieved, plans for planting urban green trees, and industrial zones in the future towards increasing the area of green trees per capita in urban areas.

- Direct and guide localities and units in urban green tree management work; review construction planning, ensuring space and land area for public green tree development according to national standards and current regulations.

- Review relevant legal documents, standards, and economic and technical norms related to planting, caring for, and developing urban green trees; develop policies for urban green tree development to ensure the planting ratio according to the National Technical Standards on Planning.

- Research and build guidelines and plans for developing urban green trees consistent with the national urban development strategy, ensuring safety for people's lives and contributing to reducing environmental pollution.

- Build and organize the monitoring and supervision of national urban green trees.

- Organize inspections, evaluations, and data compilation on urban green tree management and development according to the Project, send to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for consolidation and reporting to the Prime Minister.

Directing and guiding functional agencies to coordinate with the Environmental Crime Prevention Police Force

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and localities to implement this Project.

- Lead, direct, and guide localities to review land use planning and plans suitable for forest development and green tree planting, especially in areas affected by climate change to determine priority planting areas; allocate stable and long-term land funds for green tree development, ensuring public green tree land area standards as prescribed.

4. Ministry of Transport

- Coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and localities to implement this Project.

- Direct and guide localities and related units to implement road development projects linked with planting and developing green trees; ensure that the road system outside urban areas is planted with green trees where conditions permit, creating scenic beauty and shade according to current standards, norms, and regulations, and ensuring traffic safety.

5. Other relevant ministries and sectors: coordinate with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and localities to implement the Project according to their functions, tasks, and authorities.

6. People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities

- Organize reviews of land use planning and plans, determine land funds for protective forest planting, new production forest planting; land planned for urban green tree planting, land for scattered green tree planting in rural areas, etc., as the basis for building and implementing specific annual and five-year (2021-2025) forest planting programs, plans, and projects.

- Allocate local budgets according to budget classification, integrate from programs and projects, and call for organizations, businesses, and legitimate funding sources to participate and contribute to planting and caring for green trees for the community.

- Proactively prepare sufficient high-quality seedlings with appropriate species and planting standards according to specific technical guidelines and approved plans and projects.

- Develop and implement programs and plans for green tree development in the locality. Organize and maintain the "Spring Tree Planting" and annual mass tree planting movements; launch competitions, assign planting targets and plans to localities, agencies, units, and residential areas. Create conditions for agencies, organizations, mass organizations, schools, armed forces, and all social strata to actively participate in tree planting and forest planting.

- Organize inspections, direct, supervise, assign responsibilities to localities, organizations, and associations during the process of planting, caring for, protecting, and managing forests and green trees.

- Annually organize evaluations, draw lessons, promptly address difficulties and obstacles, commend and reward organizations and individuals who perform well, widely promote exemplary cases; strictly handle acts of damaging forests and green trees; compile and report to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development for consolidation.

7. Mobilize the participation of organizations and associations.

Request the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front and its member organizations to actively participate in implementing the Project with the principle that planting trees, forests, caring for, and protecting green trees are the responsibility and duty of all organizations, individuals, and households to contribute to economic and social development, environmental protection, and sustainable national development.

8. Media agencies should strengthen the dissemination and propaganda through mass media on the role and function of forests and green trees in environmental protection, climate change response, provision of economic and social value; the viewpoints, objectives, and tasks of this Project. Identify and promote advanced models and good deeds in tree planting and forestation movements to encourage and expand them.

Article 2. This Decision takes effect from the date of issuance.

Article 3. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, ministers of other ministries, heads of ministerial-level agencies, heads of government agencies, Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-administered cities are responsible for enforcing this Decision./.

 

 

ANNEX

OVERALL IMPLEMENTATION PLAN FOR THE PROJECT "PLANTING ONE BILLION TREES PERIOD 2021-2025"
(Attached to Decision No. 524/QĐ-TTg dated April 1, 2021 of the Prime Minister)