HÀ NỘI — In a strategic move to address the escalating crisis of air quality in Vietnam’s urban centers, the Forestry and Forest Protection Department (FFPD) has launched a comprehensive initiative to integrate specialized “pollution-filtering” greenery into the landscape of major cities. As part of a national directive for the 2026–30 period, the department is spearheading a research-led program to identify and propagate urban tree species specifically chosen for their ability to absorb exhaust emissions and mitigate fine particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10).
The initiative, directed by deputy department head Phạm Hồng Lượng, seeks to move beyond traditional urban greening by focusing on the functional role of plants in air purification. By quantifying the environmental benefits of specific flora, the FFPD aims to design public spaces and parks that act as natural filters for urban smog. This mandate follows the successful conclusion of the national “Planting one billion trees” project (2021–25), using its data as a foundation for a more targeted, scientific approach to urban forestry.
A central component of the 2027–30 phase involves academic and technical collaboration with research institutes and universities. Experts will be tasked with assessing the capacity of urban green systems to regulate microclimates and capture atmospheric pollutants. These findings will be translated into technical guidelines for local construction departments and urban planners, ensuring that future green development is backed by hard data on air quality improvement.
Beyond the introduction of new vegetation, the FFPD’s strategy addresses the often-overlooked sources of pollution generated by forestry activities themselves. The plan implements stringent controls on biomass and vegetation burning, which have historically contributed to regional air quality degradation. Authorities are shifting away from traditional slash-and-burn practices, instead prioritizing mechanized clearing, composting, and biomass recovery.
For instances where burning is unavoidable—such as controlled forest management—the department is establishing strict legal protocols, timing, and conditions to minimize atmospheric impact. To enforce these standards, the FFPD is digitizing its oversight. By integrating artificial intelligence, remote sensing technology, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the department aims to create a real-time monitoring network capable of detecting illegal burning points and forest fires with unprecedented accuracy.
This technological backbone will be developed in coordination with the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and the National Remote Sensing Department. Data regarding fire hotspots will be synthesized into a shared database of air-pollution sources, enabling authorities to issue proactive warnings and coordinate rapid-response efforts, particularly during peak dry-season periods.
The initiative mandates a rigorous reporting schedule, with the FFPD required to compile annual summaries for the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment. These reports will quantify the volume of dust and emissions captured or prevented, allowing for an interim review in 2027 and a final assessment of the program’s efficacy by the end of 2030.
By combining the natural carbon-sequestering and filtering power of native and adapted tree species with modern, high-tech surveillance, the government hopes to create a more resilient urban environment. The move represents a significant shift in national policy: treating urban forests not merely as aesthetic enhancements, but as essential infrastructure in the fight against air pollution.
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