Urban development threatens 121 year old tamarind tree in Soc trang

A local resident in Soc Trang, Vietnam, fought to preserve a 121 year old tamarind tree from being destroyed by nearby construction.

The historic tree served as a landmark for the community, where residents used the shade to rest and children played nearby. Local residents like Tran Thi Chau recalled the area as a place where students frequently took photos.

However, as the city expanded, many of the original trees were removed to make way for new buildings and wider roads. Ha Chi Quy, a local man whose home sits near the tree, attempted to stop a family from clearing the land to build a house. Despite his efforts and the support of some neighbors, the construction proceeded. Workers cut the trunk of the tree and poured concrete around its base, severely restricting its growth and health.

The tree currently stands at about 5 to 6 meters tall, with two thirds of its top portion likely dead. Ha Chi Quy remains committed to the tree's memory and hung a sign on it to remind the public of its history dating back to 1905. For his efforts to protect the urban greenery, the Chairman of the Soc Trang People's Committee awarded him a certificate of merit in 2018.