Intense heat, strong winds, salty sea spray, and limited fresh water make the planting and care of vegetation a task that demands great effort and perseverance. By improving the soil and composting organic fertilizer, officers and soldiers are bringing greenery to the islands.
Senior Lieutenant Colonel Tran Huy Phung, Political Commissar of Truong Sa Island, says: “Some plants require years of care before they can truly thrive. For the soldiers stationed in the Truong Sa archipelago, however, every green sprout serves a greater purpose. Beyond improving the living environment, these plants offer a source of emotional encouragement—alleviating homesickness, deepening their affection for the islands, strengthening their bond with their unit, and fortifying their resolve to carry out the mission of defending the nation’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.”
The islanders cultivate plants, propagate cuttings, and grow new stock, in addition to the saplings brought from the mainland. On Da Tay Island, the care of greenery is the maintenance of vegetable gardens. On Son Ca Island, rows of trees, vegetable patches, and flower beds help soften the harshness of the intense sun and strong winds of the open sea.
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Ngoc Tung, the Political Commissar of Son Ca Island, tells VOV: “Planting and caring for greenery helps improve the environment, creates a living space close to nature, and regulates the climate on the island, but it also helps our officers and soldiers feel a stronger connection to their homeland and the mainland.”
