Individuals or organisations who are found to cause damage to trees are being fined up to 30 million VND (1,300 US$) from 15 January, says a new Government decree.

Trees grow in Ha Noi. The new regulation is expected to better protect trees. —VNA/VNS Photo

Under Decree No 139/2017/ND-CP, the fine ranges from 500,000 VND to 1 million VND for activities such as nailing trees, picking flowers, cutting branches and peeling tree barks.

The same fine is imposed for building illegal fences around trees along streets, in parks or other public areas; grazing animals and poultry in parks; and hanging lights or advertising boards on trees in public places without permission.

An administrative fine of 10-15 million VND is levied on violations such as dumping household, toxic or construction wastes on the foot of trees, damaging and hindering the development of trees in urban areas and growing banned trees without the permission of authorised agencies.

Those who are caught cutting, removing or burning tree roots or digging the foot of the trees are fined between 20 - 30 million VND.

Apart from the administrative fine, violators are also be required to recover the damaged trees or remove boards and lights.

(Source: VNS)