Minister of Agriculture and Environment Dr Linkham Douangsavanh gives a press conference ahead of National Arbour Day.

Agriculture ministry sets 50,000-hectare tree planting target for 2026

The government has set an ambitious target for trees to be planted on 50,000 hectares throughout this year, to restore the country’s depleted forests.
On National Arbour Day on June 1, it is envisaged that some 4.5 million seedlings and saplings will be planted on about 7,300 hectares of land.
Speaking in the run up to National Arbour Day, the Minister of Agriculture and Environment, Dr Linkham Douangsavanh, said the government is intensifying nationwide reforestation and forest restoration efforts to reinforce environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Observed every year on June 1 — coinciding with International Children’s Day — National Arbour Day aims to raise environmental awareness among young people and the broader public, while promoting long-term forest management.

To support the goal for trees to be planted on 50,000 hectares of land this year, authorities plan to amass 121,000 kilogrammes of seeds and produce more than 25 million saplings for distribution across provinces and districts.
Forests are central to Laos’ successful development and play a critical role in protecting watersheds, preserving biodiversity, reducing soil degradation, and mitigating the impacts of climate change, Dr Linkham said.
“Forests are the nation’s green gold,” he quoted President Kaysone Phomvihane as saying, reaffirming the government’s commitment to sustainable forest conservation.
The campaign comes amid growing concerns over deforestation, forest fires, illegal land encroachment, and unsustainable land use. Authorities acknowledge that forest degradation continues to pose significant environmental and development challenges despite decades of forest protection policies.
To address these pressures, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is strengthening cooperation with local administrations and communities through land-use management, forest protection agreements, and livelihood development programmes aimed at reducing dependence on forest clearing.
In Vientiane, the ministry and local forestry authorities will jointly organise a major tree-planting event covering around 50 hectares. More than 80,000 native and commercial saplings, including teak, rosewood, dipterocarp, and acacia, are expected to be planted out.
The government is also expanding public participation through environmental awareness campaigns and community activities.
A flagship event titled “Run for Our Forests and Clean Air” will take place from May 29 to June 1, marking the 46th National Arbour  Day, the 53rd World Environment Day, and the 27th National Environment Day.
The campaign is intended not only to increase forest cover but also to encourage long-term public engagement in environmental protection and sustainable natural resource management.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment has called on all citizens, companies, schools, and public institutions to actively participate in tree planting throughout the rainy season in available spaces such as public land, schools, office compounds, roadsides, farms, and household gardens.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update May 26, 2026)