Nguyen Dinh Trong in the Ru Linh forest in Quang Tri
Nguyen Dinh Trong, 70, has dedicated more than four decades to safeguarding the Ru Linh forest in Vinh Linh District, Quang Tri. The forest is a habitat for 73 bird species, 12 mammal species, and numerous valuable timber trees.
Trong considers the forest his second home and is deeply committed to its protection.
"Forest protection is dangerous work. Many nature lovers appreciate me, but illegal loggers and poachers see me as an obstacle. I've been ambushed, had my motorbike thrown down a ravine, and even had my house and crops vandalised. Once, I was severely beaten while trying to prevent a group from cutting down trees," Trong recounted.
Despite the hardships and meagre salary, his love for the forest has kept him going for decades. He defends every tree and protects wildlife from destruction.
"It breaks my heart to see trees cut down. I'm willing to shed blood to keep Ru Linh green for future generations," Trong shared.
Although he is now retired, Trong regularly patrols the forest, assisting scientists and students in studying its ecosystem. Notably, he played a key role in helping botanists discover a new plant species in Ru Linh.
Recently, Trong was surprised to learn that researchers from the Institute of Life Sciences, the Central Vietnam Institute for Scientific Research, and Kagoshima University Museum (Japan) had named the new plant species after him.
"I was astonished, but I feel thrilled and proud to be honoured this way," Trong said.
The newly discovered plant is named Lasianthus trongii in recognition of "the forest guardian" Nguyen Dinh Trong.
According to Dr Le Tuan Anh from the Central Vietnam Institute for Scientific Research, the newly discovered plant belongs to the Lasianthus genus and was found in the forests of Quang Tri and Quang Binh provinces, with Ru Linh being the first site where specimens were collected. The species has been named Lasianthus trongii in recognition of "the forest guardian" Nguyen Dinh Trong.
"Trong is not a forest ranger, yet he has protected Ru Linh for 45 years. Naming this plant after him is a way to acknowledge his remarkable contribution," Dr Le Tuan Anh emphasised.
Botanists describe Lasianthus trongii as a shrub ranging from 1 to 3 metres in height. The species is currently rare, prompting scientists to propose listing it as endangered.
Thai Van Thanh, Chairman of the Vinh Linh District People's Committee, stated that Ru Linh is the only remaining primaeval forest in Quang Tri. Covering an area of 101 hectares, it has now been designated as a protected forest with stricter management measures in place.
"The local authorities also hope that Ru Linh will become an attractive eco-tourism destination, drawing visitors to its untouched natural beauty," Thanh said.