Preserving the "green lungs" in sacred spaces.

Amidst the sacred space of the Hung Temple National Special Historical Site, the lush green forests are not only a beautiful landscape but also the "lungs" that regulate the ecosystem and preserve the cultural and spiritual values ​​of the nation. Behind this enduring greenness lies the tireless efforts of the forest rangers, relevant units, and the community in managing and protecting the forests, aiming for sustainable forest development.

Planting trees contributes to improving the ecological landscape and preserving the "green lungs" of the Hung Temple National Special Historical Site.

The forest at Hung Temple is not just a resource.

On the sacred Nghia Linh peak, the Hung Kings' shrine is shaded by ancient trees, and the hillsides remain lush green year-round, creating a majestic and solemn landscape that contributes to the special appeal of Hung Temple to millions of tourists every year.

Currently, the Hung Temple National Forest covers a total area of ​​over 500 hectares, of which the Management Board of the Historical Site directly manages over 260 hectares, with more than 32 hectares under strict protection. The forest ecosystem here is very diverse and rich with many rare plant species: agarwood, cypress, red sandalwood, honey rosewood, flowering teak, brown chò, and sandalwood... Along with many ancient trees hundreds of years old such as cycads, banyan, and brown chò, they remain steadfast over time, becoming vivid witnesses of history. Not only the plants, but the animal life in the forest is also rich with many species of high ecological and conservation value. The entire ecosystem plays an important role in maintaining ecological balance, regulating the climate, and creating a clean environment for the Historical Site.

According to Comrade Dao Duy Tung, Head of the Forest Management and Development Department of the Hung Temple National Special Historical Relic Site: "The forest at Hung Temple is not only a natural resource but also a constituent element of the relic's value. Therefore, forest protection is always identified as a central and continuous task, closely linked to the preservation and promotion of the nation's cultural and religious values."

To protect the "green lungs" of the area, the Historical Site Management Board and related units have implemented many comprehensive measures. From regular patrols and inspections to monitoring and urging households contracted to protect the forest to fulfill their commitments, all aim to detect and prevent potential damage to forest resources early. Especially during periods such as the dry season, prolonged heatwaves, or the annual Hung Kings Commemoration Day - Hung Temple Festival, forest protection is even more strictly enforced. The Forest Management and Development Department is stationed 24/7 at protection checkpoints, fire watchtowers, and high-risk fire areas such as Nghia Linh Mountain, Van Mountain, Trok Mountain, Hinh Nhan Hill, Sim Hill, and the pine forest area. In addition, close and effective coordination is maintained between the Historical Site Management Board and the Provincial Police, the Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Forestry and Forest Protection Sub-Department, military units, local authorities, and the people.

A notable aspect of preserving the "green lungs" of the forest is the work of raising public awareness. Through activities to disseminate laws and encourage people to participate in forest protection, the sense of responsibility of the community has been increasingly enhanced. Many households contracted to protect the forest have become an "extension" of the forest rangers.

Ms. Vuong Thi Mai Phuong, a tourist from Tuyen Quang, shared: “Every time I come to Hung Temple, I clearly feel the fresh air and the scenery is very green and clean. This makes the trip more meaningful, allowing me to both respectfully pay tribute to my ancestors and immerse myself in nature.”

The lush green forests at the historical site.

Towards sustainable forest management

Beyond mere protection, forest management at Hung Temple is gradually shifting towards sustainability. In 2026, the historical site will implement a Sustainable Forest Management Plan for the period 2026-2030, aiming to conserve and promote the comprehensive value of the forest ecosystem associated with the site. This plan clearly identifies forests as not only having economic value but also being a particularly important ecosystem, preserving rare genetic resources and biodiversity. Therefore, forest protection is not only of local significance but also contributes to fulfilling national and international commitments on nature conservation.

One of the current key tasks is improving forest quality. Therefore, the historical site has adopted silvicultural solutions such as enclosing and nurturing natural regeneration, supplementary reforestation, forest enrichment planting, and the rehabilitation of degraded forests. The forest area has not only been maintained but also gradually improved in both quantity and quality. At the beginning of 2026, the Hung Temple National Special Historical Site in Phu Tho province launched the "Tree Planting Festival in Eternal Gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh" in the Spring of the Year of the Horse. Provincial leaders, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, and various departments and agencies planted over 1,000 trees of various species including Săng nhung, Vàng anh, Ban, Kim giao, Muồng hoàng yến, Chò chỉ, etc., in the festival landscape area.

In addition, maintaining and operating the fire prevention and fighting system effectively is also emphasized. Structures such as Tho Quang Dam, Mai An Tiem Lake, and Mau Lake are regularly inspected to ensure a sufficient water supply for firefighting. Equipment is supplemented and repaired promptly, ready to respond when situations arise. Forest fire risk forecasting and warning are also strengthened. Information from central and local meteorological and hydrological agencies is continuously updated, helping functional forces proactively develop appropriate response plans.

Particularly during the festival season, when the number of tourists increases significantly, daily patrols and inspections are conducted in key areas. Fire prevention, firefighting, and rescue plans are developed and regularly rehearsed with the participation of multiple forces. Furthermore, patrol routes are regularly cleared, and undergrowth and flammable materials are collected and disposed of to minimize the risk of fire. These are practical measures that contribute to improving the effectiveness of forest fire prevention and control.

The development and implementation of the 2026 Sustainable Forest Management Plan is not only an urgent immediate requirement but also has long-term significance, contributing to increasing forest cover, improving the landscape, protecting the ecological environment, and preserving the sacred space of Hung Temple. More importantly, this plan concretizes the Party and State's policy of green and sustainable development, linking environmental protection with cultural heritage preservation. This also serves as a foundation for the Hung Temple National Special Historical Relic Site to continue to develop its value and become a unique and sustainable cultural and ecological destination in the future.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, the forests of the Ancestral Land silently cast their shade, preserving the peace and sacredness of the Hung Temple complex. This is not only a product of nature, but also the culmination of responsibility, dedication, and community spirit. Preserving the forests today means preserving our roots, preserving the "green lungs" for generations to come.

Hoang Huong

Source: https://baophutho.vn/giu-la-phoi-xanh-trong-khong-gian-linh-thieng-252382.htm