The Vice President of Laos, Mrs Pany Yathortou, waters a newly planted tree while participating in a tree-planting event organised by the Ministry of Public Security on May 30.--Photo Ministry of Public Security

Laos rallies for greener future with nationwide tree-planting drive

In a powerful display of unity and commitment to the environment, state agencies and the private sector across Laos launched a tree-planting campaign this week, reaffirming the nation’s ambitious goal of restoring forest cover to 70 percent.
The movement, rich with symbolism and hope, swept across provinces and communities, turning this year’s National Arbor Day that falls on June 1 into a celebration of sustainability, growth and collective responsibility.
Central and provincial authorities enthusiastically took part in the initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry. Working in close coordination with local departments, schools and communities, the ministry is guiding the nationwide effort to restore natural forests and promote ecological awareness.
This year, the ministry has announced its intention to plant at least 997,000 trees on 1,600 hectares of land, striving to meet the 70-percent target.
A survey conducted in 2019 revealed that forest cover was then 62 percent of total land area. With surveys carried out every five years on average, the 2025 survey is expected to be complete by the end of this year to determine whether forest cover is expanding and is on track to meet the ambitious goal. 
As part of this year’s reforestation drive, large-scale planting events were held in multiple districts across Vientiane, where millions of saplings have already been planted. The campaign will continue throughout the week, with even more trees expected to take root in the capital and beyond.
Across the provinces, communities have taken the lead, embodying a strong communal spirit and shared duty to protect and revitalise forested lands. The campaign coincides with the International Children’s Day, adding a meaningful dimension by involving youth in environmental conservation efforts through school-based educational and planting activities.
Despite these hopeful strides, challenges persist. Encroachment on forest land and the need for more robust and sustainable forest management remain key concerns. In response, the government is reinforcing its commitment through updated policies focused on stricter forest regulation and smarter land use planning.
Among the many participants, the Ministry of Public Security hosted a tree-planting ceremony on May 30 that was joined by the Vice President, Mrs Pany Yathortou, and other senior officials.
The Deputy Minister of Public Security and the Director General of the General Police Department, Major General Khamking Phouylamanivong, emphasised the campaign’s long-term vision of forest preservation and sustainability, in line with the 9th Five-Year Socio-Economic Development Plan.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone echoed this vision in his recent address to new investors from New Forest, a leading global forestry investment firm, at an event hosted by Burapha Agro-Forestry Co Ltd.
He highlighted Laos’s strategic focus on green economic development and the critical role of private investments in agroforestry.
These nationwide efforts are firmly grounded in the National Land Use Master Plan 2030, which charts a path toward sustainable land use and achieving the target of 70 percent forest cover.
As trees take root across the country, so too does a deeper sense of environmental stewardship – uniting  government, communities and international partners in a shared mission for a greener, more sustainable Laos.

By Bounfaeng Phaymanivong
 (Latest Update June 2, 2025)