Students of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, VNU-HCM and their Green Journey in Dong Nai Province

On May 17, 2024, a team from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH), VNU-HCM, collaborated to plant over 1,000 trees, covering 2 hectares in Nhon Trach District, Dong Nai Province. This initiative was part of the launch ceremony for the 2024 “Eternal Tree Planting Festival in Gratitude to Uncle Ho” and in response to the Prime Minister’s “For a Green Vietnam” program, which aims to plant one billion trees in Dong Nai Province.

The event was attended by Mr. Vo Van Phi, Vice Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial People's Committee; Mr. Nguyen Van Tuyen, Deputy Commander of the Nhon Trach District Military Command; and Mr. Pham Hong Luong, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Forestry Department. Representing USSH, VNU-HCM, were Dr. Pham Thi Bich Ngoc, a member of the VNU100 program managing board; Mr. Tran Nam, Head of Student Affairs; along with over 600 students, staff, and employees.

The Southern region has experienced unprecedented prolonged heat waves in the past two months. Numerous forest fires have erupted sporadically across the country. Additionally, severe drought and water shortages have been widespread, impacting production and the ecological environment. These manifestations and consequences of climate change are no longer debatable but necessitate timely human actions to mitigate the situation.

To help address these challenges, USSH mobilized nearly 50 student volunteers to participate in the tree-planting activity at Nhon Trach District, following an invitation from the Dong Nai Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. Alongside local authorities and various departments, the team planted over 1,000 trees, actively contributing to the government’s goal of planting one billion trees.

This activity is part of the VNU100 initiative of VNU-HCM, specifically the service-learning component for 2024, which focuses on tree planting and climate change communication. Following the tree-planting event on May 17, 2024, the program will continue to support local efforts in raising awareness about forest protection and biodiversity conservation to mitigate climate change.

Report and photos: Bich Ngoc - Thu Ngan