Hue is surrounded by trees and will be the ideal living environment for residents and visitors. Photo: Thanh Toan
A forest in the city - why not?
Three years ago, Hue was honored to receive the title "National Green City" voted by the World Nature Reserve Fund. This is the first city in Vietnam honored with receiving this title. Hue pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2020 compared to 2011. The recent series of events called "Green Sunday" is an action to carry out the promise Hue has made.
By keeping the title of a green city, increasing greenery, maintaining the movement to clean up garbage and improving the environment, Hue will be the difference in Vietnam's urban infrastructure. A forest ecosystem in the city is not a bad idea for Hue city.
In the letter that the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Phan Ngoc Tho sent to the people, he said: "Perhaps it may take some time until the province's economy will catch up with that of other provinces and city. However, what we can be proud of are our cultural, historical, human and CLEAN values. Why not?" The statement has expressed the ambition for a green - clean - civilized city of the local government here.
With the scorching sun and high temperature, the "forest in the city" ecosystem will be a special highlight for Hue city
A developed city with high-rise buildings can be a highlight in this era and it is a measure of the civilization and modernity of a locality. However, a clean, green city is something unique, a difference in the development progression.
History may have not chosen Hue as a land to develop in a modern orientation. High-rise and modern houses are not necessarily an encouraging highlight for Hue city.
If Hue chooses to go on a different path and to learn how to adapt to the changing climate, Hue can leave a legacy for the future generations. Green heritage.
The Hue dream of a professor
"Humans are different from other creatures in their ability to dream" - Professor Truong Nguyen Thanh opened the talk in the "Hue-innovation for development” forum by quoting this saying. The professor said that it was because of this ability to dream that has led to the development of the human race.
Professor Truong Nguyen Thanh also recalled his journey to discover Hue a year ago. That journey helped him visualize a dream for Hue.
He dreamt that one day he would have an opportunity to introduce his children to Vietnam's culture. So, which location will be chosen?
"Should I choose Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City or Hue? If I choose Hue, what should I introduce about Hue? I just dreamt that, on arrival in Hue, I would see rows of green trees, safe bike paths for me to ride a bicycle to visit the Ancient Capital; I would walk along the Huong River and see beautiful green trees along the river ... Every morning before going to work, I would jog along Hue streets in the fresh and cool air," Professor Thanh shared.
Where should I go for lunch and dinner? Of course, I should go to restaurants bearing characteristic of Hue, eat Hue dishes, and listen to Hue music. I would be introduced to the culinary culture of the origin of the dishes and listen to the classical music of Hue.
“If I have been working hard for some time, I would like to find a place to relax. Of course, destinations for yoga, meditation ... would be ideal for me to relieve stress "- Professor Truong Nguyen Thanh expressed.
The Huong River heritage is marvelous. The flow of this river is very impressive. It would be wonderful if we can make Huong River not only clean but also safe and for developing tourism.
“After a week of traveling in Hue and the tourists’ health is good with stable heart rate and blood pressure, why wouldn’t they come back? So, you see, my Hue dream is very simple, and I think Hue can do it.” Professor Thanh said.
Hue will be different, especially if it goes in the direction of a green, clean city. And this is not just a dream for Hue people.
Story and photos: Nguyen Dac Thanh