Since the proclamation of the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations has promoted accessible green space as a necessity for healthy and sustainable cities. While many countries aim for around 10m2 of greenspace per inhabitant, Vietnam’s cities fall short, with Hanoi having only 2-3m2 per person according to the Ministry of Construction.

Rapid urbanization has contributed to increasing demand for concrete in the form of housing, office and retail space, and led to a decrease in green space. Unfortunately, over time urban citizens have become more disconnected from nature due to modern lifestyle, and they find canopy trees a burden to maintain.

In fact, greenery is vital for urban citizens’ health and wellness. When the temperature rises, there’s nothing better than having shelter under a shady tree. Trees shield us from the sun thanks to the water vapor they emit, thereby refreshing the environment.

Expanding green spaces is a sustainable, nature-based solution. In the long run, this solution helps reduce the ‘urban heat island’ effect by reducing temperatures in urban areas and increasing the resilience of large cities to climate change.

Realizing the urgent need to create new green spaces, KVC is launching the initiative ‘Greenspace for all‘ to tackle the issues above by increasing community green cover and educating the community about the importance of green space.

The first project of the initiative will be implemented at Phuc Tien primary school, newly built in 2023 with a total area of 19,326.05 m2 in Phu Xuyen rural district of Hanoi province.

The school does not have the financial resources to plant trees to create shade for teachers and students in the school. The goal of the project at Phuc Tien school is to increase the tree coverage on the school campus from 0 to 6,023m2 by planting 68 native trees from 3 to 5 years old with a height of about 4.5m, and the fundraising goal is 227,120,000 VND.

KVC invites you to contribute to helping us create a green Phuc Tien school and contribute to helping the school’s 869 students and 49 teachers – who are in need of green space to improve their mental health, relieve stress, and cool school spaces as well.

For detailed information on the project proposal, please refer to this link.