The Vietnam Coconut Association wants the People Committee of HCM City to plant coconut palms along new streets and river banks to better cope with storms.
Coconut palms the new green for HCM City's streets
It says the coconut has longevity and will grow in almost all soil conditions, and will not fall easily during rainstorms. Moreover, the roots can help reduce flooding in small areas and its palms will reduce the noise pollution in the city.
HCM City has more than 500km of canal-side roads. If a coconut palm is planted every five metres, the city will have 100,000 more trees. The association said the trees do not require extensive care, which would save the city money. They would also generate palm leaves and coconuts, which could be collected by traditional villages that specialised in making brooms, baskets or souvenirs for tourists.
"Not only do coconut trees create beautiful landscapes, they are also a feature of the southern region," said Nguyen Thi Kim Thanh, the association's president.
Vice chairman of HCM City People's Committee Nguyen Huu Tin asked the local Department of Transport to work with the HCMC Green Park Company and scientists to look at feasibility of the plan.