(VOVWORLD) - Truong Sa district, now Truong Sa Special Zone of Khanh Hoa province, is under harsh weather all year round, yet its residents have worked hard to create a fresh and peaceful living space by planting more trees across the islands. In recent years, the authorities and residents of the Truong Sa Special Zone have actively participated in the “Greening Truong Sa” program.
 Sinh Ton island appears with greenery scenes, a lighthouse, and a wind power system. (photo: Minh Lan/VOV) |
Across islands of the Truong Sa archipelago are nurseries and vegetable gardens. In Truong Sa town, there are more than 2,000 saplings. Local people have carefully taken care of them from ensuring the size of the seedlings, wind shields, humidity and fertilizer to ensure the tree growth. The local authorities have encouraged officers and soldiers to bring with them seeds of flowers and ornamental plants from the mainland to grow on the islands.
Political Commissar, Major Nguyen Van Nam and the soldiers on An Bang island regularly make soil to grow typical trees of Truong Sa. Nam said the soil here contains a high amount of sand and coral rock, which makes it difficult to retain water. On days with strong waves and winds, seawater intrudes onto the island, further challenging plant growth.
“We select vegetable varieties suitable for the local soil. We need to work very hard to take care of the trees and vegetable and increase productivity. We can now supply sufficient vegetables for our daily meals,” said Nam.
Soldier Nguyen Huu Nam carefully tends many types of vegetable, sponge gourd, and squash. On stormy days when sea water splashes onto the island, Nam and his comrades rush to cover the crops and shower the vegetables.
He said: “In the afternoon, I prepare the soil and water the plants. Mustard greens are suitable with organic fertilizer mixed evenly into the soil. Malabar spinach is watered with rice rinsing water. We harvest about 17kg each month. With good care, we harvest enough vegetables for our daily meals. Planting trees makes the island greener and fresher.”
 A naval officer welcomes guests on Sinh Ton island. (photo: Minh Lan) |
Soldier Nguyen Van Thuan is in charge of the nursery on Sinh Ton Dong Island. He said: "For seedlings, we select mature seeds, dry them, and plant them on well-prepared soil. The nursery is covered with netting to protect against sea wind.”
Political Commissar of Sinh Ton Dong Island, Lieutenant Colonel Le Doan Hop, said since 2022, hundreds of trees from branches and seeds have been grown on the island. From the Sinh Ton Dong nursery, young plants are supplied to other islands, including Nui Le A, Da Lon, Thuyen Chai and Tien Lu.
Hop said: "We encourage young officers and soldiers on the island to the tree growing drive. They are tasked to take care of trees, gather tree branches, collect seedlings, and use fresh water efficiently to irrigate plants. Each person grows 2 to 3 trees per month. Last year, we grown nearly 1,000 trees.”
On Song Tu Tay island, officers, soldiers, and islanders are assigned to grow a certain number of trees. On a weekly and monthly basis, they crosscheck their performance. Each officer and soldier, before returning to the mainland after duty, gives 1 or 2 trees to the incoming soldiers to continue caring for the trees.
 Vegetable gardens are the pride of the soldiers on Len Dao island. (photo: Minh Lan) |
Lieutenant Trinh Duy Quyen is station on Song Tu Tay island. He said: “The lush landscape of Song Tử Tây has been attributed to those who came before us and took care of the nurseries. Now it’s my turn to carry on the work and later will pass on my experience to the next generation.”
Lieutenant Colonel Vu Van Minh, who was stationed in Truong Sa in his early twenties, is amazed at how green the island has become.
“I first came here in 1996, when the trees had just small branches. Now they’ve grown significantly. These trees can live for about 35 to 40 years. Even the black-trunk heliotropes grow well. Tall trees provide shade and help retain fresh water in the soil. When we’re tired, the greenery refreshes us and helps us relax,” Minh said.
At Truong Sa Special Zone, many trees are 30 to 40 years old, with some even centuries old being recognized as heritage trees. They represent the enduring resilience of the people living by the sea.