Laos to Plant 10 Million Trees in 2026 Forest Recovery

Laos is gearing up to plant nearly 10 million trees this year in a massive push to restore forests that have been disappearing for decades.

Provinces across the Southeast Asian nation are preparing millions of seedlings ahead of National Arbor Day on June 1 and World Environment Day on June 5. The campaign targets both planting new forests and bringing life back to degraded land that's been damaged by logging, agriculture, and development.

Vientiane Capital is leading with 3 million seedlings ready to go, planning to restore 405 hectares across schools, temples, parks, and roadsides. Attapeu province is going even bigger with 4.23 million seedlings prepared for the region's largest restoration effort this year.

In Attapeu, officials plan to plant 630 hectares of new forest and rehabilitate more than 8,200 hectares of damaged land. Activities will include major tree planting along the Xe Khong River, cleanup campaigns, and educational programs teaching students and communities about climate impacts like droughts and flooding.

Other provinces are joining the movement too. Luang Prabang has prepared 1 million seedlings, while Champasak aims to plant 1.5 million trees. In Salavan province, Ta Oi district alone will plant over 218,000 trees across 306 hectares using ten different species.

The Ripple Effect

This campaign represents more than just planting trees. It's Laos responding to a stark reality: the country has lost 58 percent of its intact forest landscapes over the past 20 years.

That loss has put pressure on ecosystems, threatened biodiversity, and left communities more vulnerable to climate extremes. Forests regulate water cycles, prevent soil erosion, store carbon, and provide livelihoods for rural families who depend on forest resources.

The reforestation drive supports Laos' ambitious national goal of reaching 70 percent forest coverage by 2035. Authorities are focusing on more than just getting trees in the ground this time. They're emphasizing survival rates and long-term care, encouraging communities to nurture planted seedlings through the rainy season to ensure they actually thrive.

By bringing back forests, Laos is rebuilding the ecological balance that protects against environmental risks while creating healthier landscapes for future generations.

The country's commitment to restore nearly 10 million trees shows that even nations facing serious forest loss can turn things around with focused action and community participation.