Activities for nature
Established in 2016, the Gaia Nature Conservation Center is widely known for its reforestation programs and nature experiences. Aiming to connect with and encourage the participation of many people, businesses, schools, and especially young people, Gaia regularly organizes reforestation and protection activities in various forest areas: Cuc Phuong, Ben En, Xuan Lien, Phong Dien, Bach Ma, Dong Nai, Ta Kou, Can Gio, and Ca Mau .
Recently, Gaia organized a tree-planting event in Ma Da Forest, part of the Dong Nai Cultural and Natural Reserve, attracting over 100 participants. After approximately two hours of travel from the city center, the volunteer group arrived at Ma Da Forest, ready to plant 450 saplings of eight valuable native species: Lagerstroemia indica, Dalbergia tonkinensis, Pterocarpus indicus, Dipterocarpus macrocarpus, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, Dalbergia tonkinensis, Dalbergia cochinchinensis, and Dalbergia cochinchinensis. Everyone attentively watched the instructors' actions: how to soften the soil, how to plant the saplings straight, and how to fill the soil securely.
Armed with hoes and a few saplings, the volunteers divided into groups and went to the small holes already dug to plant the trees. In just about two hours, 450 saplings had been planted firmly. At this point, the volunteers carefully numbered, noted, and measured the height of each tree. Everyone was happy to contribute to the overall vitality of the forest. Participating with Gaia in the reforestation trip in Dong Nai, Miss World Vietnam 2023 First Runner-up Dao Hien shared: “For the first time, I personally planted a Dalbergia tonkinensis tree – a rare species. Through this program, I realized that reforestation is not just about planting trees, but about giving nature a chance to revive.”
With the goal of spreading a love for nature and providing valuable knowledge, Gaia's trips also include "forest bathing" activities. Here, volunteers venture deep into the forest, immersing themselves in the forest environment and learning about the characteristics and functions of various plant and animal species. Besides learning about the symbiotic relationships between species, this is also an opportunity for participants to admire unique forest creatures. Along the way, many are delighted to sample a slice of ginger, or to see large hornbills and shy pheasants after the rain.
All for the sake of greenery
Gaia's story doesn't end with greening the land or unique "forest bathing" sessions; it's a step-by-step journey of sustained reforestation. Each forest is continuously cared for and monitored for 2-6 years to achieve a survival rate of 75%-86%. In addition, depending on the area, the care activities vary, including tilling the soil, fertilizing, trimming vines, creating firebreaks, and treating pests and diseases.
With strong support and interest from the community, the Gaia Nature Conservation Center has planted more than 1,188,466 trees, greening an area of over 513.26 hectares in 10 watershed protection forests across Vietnam.
Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Director of the Gaia Nature Conservation Center, shared: “Throughout my more than 27 years working in conservation, the forest is not just my workplace, but also a place where I learn to live – to live more slowly, more quietly, and more profoundly. Every tree, every stream, every bird's call in the early morning is a 'teacher' reminding me of the connection, gratitude, and responsibility of humans towards nature. Therefore, my dream and Gaia's dream is not only to replant lost forests, but also to rekindle emotions and connect with the love of nature in everyone's hearts.”
Besides young people, Gaia's program also involves many families, children, and even older adults. Therefore, this is not just a simple environmental activity, but also a special opportunity for generations within families to bond. When children plant a seedling in the ground with their own hands, and see their parents carefully tending to it, a beautiful memory of nature is formed.
Sharing her thoughts on this, Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen said: “When adults set an example and directly experience nature with children, the message about love for the forest and responsibility towards the environment becomes more vivid and easier to spread than ever before. The image of a three-generation family planting trees together makes me believe that the future of the forest and our future are being sown by the loving hands of today.”
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/gop-mot-cay-la-gop-rung-post816857.html
