Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Director of the Centre for Natural Resources and Environment Communication, and Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam, present 1,500 mangrove apple saplings to representatives of the Thai Thuy wetland nature reserve

The ceremony was attended by Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of the French Republic to Vietnam; Nguyen Viet Dung, Director of the centre for Natural Resources and Environment Communication; Dr. Dao Xuan Hung, Editor-in-Chief of Agriculture and Environment Magazine; Mr. Tran Thanh Cao, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Agriculture and Environment Newspaper; Mr. Do Quy Phuong, Deputy Director of Thai Binh’s Department of Agriculture and Environment; Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam; along with representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the provincial government, and a large number of local residents.

Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Director of the Centre for Natural Resources and Environment Communication under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, delivering a speech at the ceremony

In his remarks, Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung emphasized that planting trees is not only a practical action to protect the environment and combat climate change, but also a meaningful activity that fosters a sense of collective responsibility within the community. Under the banner “Airbus in action with the one billion trees campaign”, the program saw the planting of 1,500 mangrove apple (Sonneratia caseolaris) trees across one hectare of the Thai Thuy wetland nature reserve — one of the most ecologically valuable wetlands in northern Vietnam.

Mr. Olivier Brochet, Ambassador of France to Vietnam; Mr. Nguyen Viet Dung, Director of the Centre for Natural Resources and Environment Communication; Dr. Dao Xuan Hung, Editor-in-Chief of Agriculture and Environment Magazine; Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam; and representatives from relevant agencies present symbolic saplings to leaders of Thuy Xuan commune and the Thai Thuy wetland nature reserve management board

French Ambassador Olivier Brochet highlighted the growing urgency of forest conservation and afforestation amid increasing environmental pollution and the escalating impacts of global climate change. He underscored the crucial role of mangrove forests as natural “green walls” that shield coastal areas from storms and rising seas while safeguarding sea dykes, property, and livelihoods. The ambassador also expressed hope that the program would inspire similar initiatives in other localities.

Mr. Do Quy Phương, Deputy Director of the Thai Binh Department of Agriculture and Environment, addressing the ceremony

Representing the local government, Mr. Do Quy Phuong, Deputy Director of Thai Binh’s Department of Agriculture and Environment, noted that since the beginning of 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has partnered with Thai Binh Province and its stakeholders to organize two tree planting drives at the Thai Thuy Wetland Reserve, planting a total of 10,000 trees. He affirmed that this latest event not only builds on earlier successes but also contributes to establishing a coastal protective forest system, improving local livelihoods, preserving ecosystems, and promoting sustainable eco-tourism development.

Ms. Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam, speaking at the event

Speaking on behalf of the business community, Hoang Tri Mai, General Director of Airbus Vietnam, affirmed the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable development and environmental responsibility. “Airbus is honored to contribute to Vietnam’s one billion trees campaign. We especially value the role of the local community, including members of the Thuy Xuan Women’s Union, who have actively participated in planting and tending these forests over the years,” she said.

Delegates taking part in the tree planting program

In practice, green spaces — particularly mangrove forests — not only absorb CO₂ and regulate the climate but also stabilize soil, prevent erosion, and provide vital habitats for a wide range of species, including rare and migratory waterbirds. According to Mr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Chairman of the Thai Binh Provincial People's Committee, while the province is capitalizing on its strengths to develop industry, it remains deeply committed to environmental protection, especially as climate change becomes increasingly complex. Tree planting activities in Thai Binh are always closely aligned with the dual goals of fostering economic development and preserving ecological balance while safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of local communities.

Delegates taking part in the tree planting program

The “Airbus in action with the one billion trees campaign” event in Thai Binh stands as a vivid example of the synergy between government, businesses, and local communities in environmental protection, ecosystem restoration, and climate change adaptation. From these tangible actions, a broader movement of tree planting, forest protection, and environmental stewardship is taking root, contributing to the vision of a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Vietnam for future generations.

PV