Colombia to gift native trees for Hanoi's greenery
Hanoi's parks could soon feature exotic Colombian tree species as the South American nation offers to share its rich biodiversity to help green Vietnam's capital.
THE HANOI TIMES — Colombia has offered to provide native tree species to improve Hanoi's urban green spaces, marking a new step in environmental cooperation between the two nations.
Colombian Ambassador Camila Maria Polo Flórez highlighted the proposal during a meeting with Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh today [April 8]. She expressed Colombia's willingness to share its rich biodiversity by providing native trees for Hanoi's parks as a symbol of the growing friendship.
She also highlighted Colombia's expertise in sustainable urban landscaping, citing her country's recent environmental laws and initiatives, as well as its regional cooperation with Jamaica and Panama to promote shared green growth strategies. This is in line with Hanoi's goal to become a modern, environmentally friendly city by 2045.
Hanoi People's Committee Chairman Tran Sy Thanh met with Colombian Ambassador Camila Maria Polo Flórez on April 8. Photo: Viet Anh/The Hanoi Times
Chairman Tran Sy Thanh welcomed the proposal, noting Hanoi’s urgent need to address pollution, traffic congestion, and green space development. He shared plans to expand public transport, relocate factories from the city center, and restore urban rivers.
Cultural ties were another focus, with both sides recalling the success of the "Colombia Weaves Peace" event in Hanoi in 2023. Ambassador Flórez praised Hanoi's social policies, from free healthcare for children and the elderly to educational support for underprivileged students, while offering Colombia's experience in river rehabilitation and green space design.
The two sides concluded the meeting with commitments to deepen cooperation in urban planning, cultural exchanges, and concrete environmental projects. Future exchanges of delegations and expertise are expected to advance the sustainable development goals of both nations.
Hanoi's advocacy for greenery through a series of programs, with the latest one being the "Bright - Green - Clean - Beautiful". The campaign promotes sustainability and environmental care, engaging residents and businesses in tree planting, waste management, and pollution reduction.
