The “Green pagoda” program is a community initiative launched by the Agriculture and Environment Magazine. It calls on environmentally conscious individuals and organizations who respect spiritual values to join hands in planting trees within the grounds of pagodas, temples, shrines, and cultural heritage sites across the country. The program aims to promote environmental protection and climate change adaptation, while creating tranquil, green cultural-ecological environments that harmonize nature and Buddhist principles.

The ‘Green pagoda’ program was organized by the Agriculture and Environment Magazine at Linh Son Dai Phuc Pagoda, Van Ninh Commune, Quang Ninh District, Quang Binh Province.

At Linh Son Dai Phuc pagoda, a total of 233 new trees were planted, including 60 sapodilla trees, 60 longan trees, 60 yellow Tabebuia trees, and 53 mango trees. Beyond beautifying the landscape, these species hold deep cultural and spiritual meanings in Buddhism—they symbolize prosperity, peace, and the sacred connection between humans and nature.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Dao Xuan Hung, Editor-in-Chief of the Agriculture and Environment Magazine and Head of the organizing committee of the “Green pagoda” program, affirmed: “Planting trees in the grounds of pagodas is not merely an environmental activity, but an act imbued with profound environmental and spiritual values. Linh Son Dai Phuc pagoda is an ancient temple with a history of over 300 years, deeply rooted in the life of the local community. From a Buddhist perspective, nature is not only a spiritual space but also a repository of national cultural heritage.”

Dr. Dao Xuan Hung, Editor-in-Chief of the Agriculture and Environment Magazine and Head of the organizing committee of the “Green pagoda” program, delivers a speech at the ceremony

Dr. Dao Xuan Hung also emphasized that the “Green pagoda” program is part of a series of initiatives by the Agriculture and Environment Magazine to respond to the Month of Action for the environment and to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Vietnamese Revolutionary Press. The program also contributes meaningfully to realizing the Prime Minister’s initiative to plant one billion trees.

“We hope that each tree planted today will serve as a spiritual seed, a seed of blessing for future generations. Each green pagoda will become a sanctuary of peace—a place where visitors and Buddhists may reconnect with themselves, with nature, and with inner tranquility,” he shared.

enerable Thich Bao Thanh, representing Linh Son Dai Phuc Pagoda, delivers an emotional speech on the significance of tree planting in Buddhist teachings

Notably, Dr. Dao Xuan Hung expressed hope that the program would attract active participation from the broader community, Buddhist followers, businesses, social organizations, and the public at large. He called for nationwide support to spread the “Green pagoda” model—not merely as an environmental action, but as a civilized way of life in harmony with traditional and moral values.

Following his remarks, Venerable Thich Bao Thanh, representing Linh Son Dai Phuc pagoda, delivered an emotional address on the significance of tree planting in Buddhist teachings: “To plant trees is to plant merit for life. Among the ten greatest virtues in human life as taught by the Buddha is the act of tree planting. A single tree offers shade, sweet fruit, life energy, and shelter for countless beings. Buddhism always teaches us to live with compassion and to protect all forms of life. The Buddha once instructed that in the rainy season, one must not trample on plants or small creatures—an expression of deep ecological and humanitarian spirit.”

The Organizing Committee presents symbolic tree gifts to the pagoda and local authorities

He also shared that although the pagoda has a history of more than 300 years, its major construction works have only begun in the past five years. Being chosen as the host site for the “Green pagoda” program is a great honor for the pagoda and its monastic community.

“I am deeply grateful to the Agriculture and Environment Magazine for bringing such a meaningful, practical, and humane program to our temple. The trees planted today will help create a serene, refreshing space, and serve as symbols of virtuous intentions and harmony with nature,” Venerable Thich Bao Thanh expressed.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Luong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Ninh Commune, expresses strong support for the program

He also expressed hope that many pagodas across the country will embrace this model, so that “Green Pagoda” will not remain merely the name of a program, but grow into a widespread community movement for green and sustainable living.
At the end of the ceremony, Mr. Nguyen Huu Luong, Chairman of the People's Committee of Van Ninh commune, expressed his joy and strong support for the initiative: “This program is not only environmentally meaningful but also carries deep cultural and educational value. Planting trees in the grounds of pagodas and heritage sites not only beautifies the landscape but also instills a sense of environmental responsibility in the younger generation.”

Delegates participate in the tree planting activity

He further affirmed that local authorities are committed to supporting and facilitating the expansion of the “Green pagoda” program to more sites within the commune and across Quang Ninh district: “We hope that from the model at Linh Son pagoda today, the movement of tree planting combined with spiritual values will be widely replicated. This is a practical way to help Van Ninh develop not only economically, but also in terms of environmental protection and cultural preservation.”

Following the speeches and the symbolic tree handover from the Organizing Committee to the pagoda and local authorities, delegates, representatives of Linh Son Dai Phuc pagoda, and a large number of local residents and youth union members participated in the tree-planting activities.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from local residents and youth union members

The trees planted today will grow, providing shade and sweet fruit. But more importantly, the spirit of green living, love for nature, and environmental protection has been sown in the hearts of every individual, every Buddhist follower, and local resident. Through its tireless efforts to green pagodas nationwide, the “Green pagoda” program is breathing new life into Vietnam’s spiritual landscape—where Buddhism and environmental responsibility go hand in hand toward a sustainable national future.

Hoang Anh - Ngoc Mai