Stepping onto the islands of the Truong Sa archipelago today, alongside characteristic tree species such as the Barringtonia and Terminalia catappa, we easily spot rows of lush green coconut trees reaching high amidst the ocean sun and wind.
Besides providing shade and improving the living environment, the coconut trees here are also a vivid symbol of the connection between the mainland and the islands, bringing the spirit of the homeland to this remote and windswept place.
Among the tree species contributing to the greening of Truong Sa, Tam Quan coconuts – a famous variety from Hoai Nhon (formerly Binh Dinh province, now Gia Lai province) – have become a familiar sight on the island. These coconut trees were transported from the mainland to the island as part of the Navy's "Greening Truong Sa" program.
Cultivating lush coconut groves in the middle of the ocean has been a challenging journey. From tiny seedlings, the soldiers and civilians on the island have carefully collected every drop of fresh water and every bag of fertile soil sent from the mainland, patiently tending to them through many seasons of drought and storms.
On the barren coral sand and in the harsh climate, the coconut trees still take root and grow vigorously, just like the unwavering will of the soldiers in Truong Sa.
On Da Tay A Island, the lush green Tam Quan coconut trees are growing, contributing to the island's verdant landscape. Meanwhile, on Song Tu Tay Island, naval soldiers not only protect national sovereignty but also become dedicated "gardeners."
They shielded the trees from strong winds and conserved every drop of water used for daily life to irrigate them. As a result, many coconut trees have bloomed and borne fruit, providing a valuable source of fresh water and shade amidst the vast sea and sky.
Lieutenant Nguyen Quang Hieu (stationed on Song Tu Tay Island) shared that caring for the coconut trees is not only a duty but also a way to preserve the affection of the people on the mainland for the officers and soldiers on the remote island. Each healthy coconut tree is a testament to the strong bond between the home front and the front lines.
Notably, among those who are tirelessly tending to the greenery on the island are many soldiers from Gia Lai province. For them, the coconut trees from their homeland, present on the island, not only help alleviate homesickness but also provide motivation to fulfill their duty of protecting the sacred sovereignty of the nation's maritime territory.
Deeply moved by the sight of the coconut trees from her hometown thriving on the island, Dr. Nguyen Thi To Tran, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Gia Lai province, said that each healthy coconut tree growing in the middle of the ocean is a testament to the strong vitality and solidarity of the people of the whole country towards Truong Sa.
Dr. Tran hopes that in the future, more trees from Gia Lai and other localities will be sent to the island, contributing to making Truong Sa greener and more beautiful.
According to statistics, from 2014 to the present, Gia Lai province has provided more than 35,000 coconut saplings to islands in the Truong Sa archipelago; the Provincial Military Command alone has donated approximately 3,000 trees.
In 2026, the province plans to provide an additional 8,000 coconut seedlings to support the "Greening Truong Sa" program. The selected coconut variety is mainly Tam Quan coconut, known for its good adaptability, drought tolerance, and salt tolerance.
During his recent visit to the military and civilians on the islands, Vice Chairman of the Gia Lai Provincial People's Committee Lam Hai Giang expressed his emotion at the lush green coconut groves, meticulously cared for by the officers, soldiers, and people on the islands.
The Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee stated that each coconut tree growing here not only contributes to improving the living environment but also symbolizes the close bond between the mainland and the islands, between the home front and those who are guarding the sacred sovereignty of the Fatherland day and night.
The "Greening Truong Sa" movement not only aims to improve the landscape and enhance the quality of life for soldiers and civilians on the islands, but also contributes to fostering resilience, solidarity, and love for the sea and islands in each officer and soldier.
The lush green coconut trees today are a vivid testament to the vibrant life of Truong Sa, and to the belief and aspiration to build the island district into an increasingly strong, peaceful, and prosperous place.
Amidst the vast expanse of water, the coconut trees of Gia Lai continue to reach high, basking in the sun and wind. They not only embody the green of life but also carry the soul of the homeland, serving as "green landmarks" connecting the motherland with the sacred islands of the nation.
Source: https://baogialai.com.vn/dua-gia-lai-vuon-minh-giua-truong-sa-post588654.html
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