At the Mường Nhé Nature Reserve, management has taken a proactive leap by testing the nursery of over 2,000 seedlings including native species like Giổi găng, Chò chỉ, Vàng tâm, and various medicinal plants. By focusing on these indigenous varieties, the unit is not just planting trees but actively conserving biodiversity and protecting local gene pools.

Đào Công Tiến, Vice Director of the reserve, emphasizes that while this is a trial phase, the source of every seed is scrutinized for quality and adaptability to ensure that these trees don’t just survive, but thrive in their native soil.

Beyond the nature reserves, commercial entities are also scaling up their operations. The Central Forestry Seedling Joint Stock Company (Điện Biên Branch) has prepared approximately 53,000 seedlings, ranging from Thông mã vĩ and Giổi xanh to the multi-purpose macadamia and the iconic Ban flower. To meet national standards, the company ensures that every seedling entering the market has a transparent origin and meets strict technical specifications regarding height, root diameter, and growth vigor. This localized production strategy is a win-win, as it significantly slashes transportation costs while guaranteeing that the plants are already acclimated to the specific ecological conditions of the Northwest.

The 2026 forestry plan for Điện Biên is anything but modest. The province aims to plant 200 hectares of concentrated forest, maintain 848 hectares of existing growth, and promote natural regeneration across more than 6,400 hectares. The ultimate prize is a provincial forest coverage rate of 46%. To achieve this, the total demand for forestry seedlings is projected to reach 610,000 units, including 10,000 grafted macadamia trees for multi-purpose forestry development. Currently, six specialized units and enterprises across the province are managing this massive inventory, overseen closely by the Provincial Forest Protection Department.

“We have proactively advised the Department of Agriculture and Environment to strictly manage forestry seed quality across the province. Our specialists are constantly on the ground, supporting businesses in following technical protocols and national standards to ensure that every tree planted has the best possible start,” said Hà Lương Hồng, Director of the provincial Forest Protection Division.

This synchronized effort between government regulators, businesses, and local residents is creating a solid foundation for the year ahead. By prioritizing quality over mere quantity, Điện Biên is not just meeting its 2026 targets but is also securing the environmental and economic livelihoods of its mountain communities for decades to come.