Cam Lo · Quảng Trị, Việt Nam
Where restoration begins with quality. Central Vietnam's leading source of high-quality native tree seedlings — purpose-built for coastal forest restoration, upland ecosystem recovery, and sustainable timber plantations.
Our Story
Cam Lo Nursery in Quảng Trị Province began as a small, traditional operation — one of four local nurseries originally partnered with the BMU-IKI funded Coastal Forest Restoration project when it launched in 2018.
Early field results revealed a critical gap: while business-as-usual nurseries could meet quantity targets, survival on the harsh, nutrient-poor coastal sand dunes remained low. Seedlings appeared healthy at dispatch but suffered from weak root systems caused by bottom-closed polybags, poor hardening and uncertified seed sources — problems that only became visible after storms, droughts and the demanding dry season took their toll.
In 2020, UNIQUE identified Thai Thi Bang Nursery as the most committed and adaptable partner and entered into an exclusive cooperation. Together, with funding support from the IKI, we undertook a comprehensive upgrade — redesigning the facility according to international best practices and adapting it to local conditions.
The transformation touched every aspect of the operation: elevated production tables with modern air-pruning containers replaced traditional polybags, eliminating root spiraling and promoting dense, downward-oriented tap roots. Our R&D efforts continuously finetune custom substrate formulations using local organic materials for improved water retention and nutrient balance. A full net house with automated shading, zone-specific irrigation and a filtered water system now provides precisely controlled growing conditions.
The result: more efficient production cycles, the highest-quality native seedlings available in Vietnam, easier and safer transport, and substantially higher field survival — even on very challenging sites.
Today, Cam Lo operates under an exclusive arrangement with UNIQUE Vietnam. We do not own the nursery — instead we work in close partnership with its owner and team, combining international standards with deep local knowledge.
Reusable tubes eliminate root spiraling, producing dense, field-ready root architecture.
Zone-specific watering with 10,000 L filtered storage ensures optimal moisture control.
Automated net-house system enables species-specific hardening and UV-exposure management.
Standardized SOPs from seed collection through dispatch, with batch-level traceability.
Genetics & Traceability
Quality seedlings start with quality seeds. In 2025, our team mapped 141 candidate mother trees across 12 native species in five communes — using GIS-based workflows, field phenology data and weighted multi-criteria assessment to identify the best seed sources.
Candidate trees are evaluated against six criteria: tree size and form, seed rarity, disturbance level, road accessibility, vitality, and flowering/fruiting status. Special attention is given to endangered species — including Sindora tonkinensis (IUCN Data Deficient) and Lithocarpus concentricus (Critically Endangered, possibly extinct).
Selected trees undergo formal certification through Vietnam's national cultivar certification process. Certified mother trees are recognized as protected national genetic sources — establishing traceable, legally documented seed origins accessible to all seedling producers in Vietnam.
Applications
Beyond our own restoration projects, Cam Lo seedlings are already used by national parks, state forest companies and private restoration initiatives across Central Vietnam.
Restoring degraded dune and sandy coastal ecosystems with site-adapted native species — stabilizing shorelines, protecting communities, and rebuilding biodiversity in Vietnam's most vulnerable landscapes.
Clients includeBMU-IKI funded CFR project · TreesForAll · PrimaKlima
Supplying diverse native species for the recovery of degraded natural forests in mountainous areas — supporting watershed protection, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience.
Clients includeNational parks · Nature reserves · Protection Forest Management Boards
High-quality native seedlings for long-rotation timber production — helping forest owners transition from monoculture Acacia / Eucalyptus to diversified, higher-value species with strong root architecture.
Clients includeState Forest Companies · Private forest investors
Native Species Portfolio
Cam Lo currently produces 20+ native species adapted to Central Vietnam's coastal and upland conditions. The portfolio expands selectively as seed supply, provenance documentation and production protocols are validated.
Band A Melaleuca cajuputi
Band A Carallia brachiata
Band B Syzygium chanlos
Band B Casearia grewiaefolia
Band B Lithocarpus concentricus
IUCN: Critically Endangered (possibly extinct)
Band C Castanopsis chinensis
Band B Camellia sasanqua
Band C Garcinia schefferi
Sindora tonkinensis
IUCN Data Deficient / Vietnam Red List
Band C Litsea glutinosa
Rapanea linearis
Band A Pterocarpus macrocarpus
Band A Chukrasia tabularis
Homalium ceylanicum
Dalbergia tonkinensis
Band A Dalbergia cochinchinensis
Band A/B Michelia tonkinensis
Band A Erythrophleum fordii
Vietnam Red List
Pricing reflects species production complexity: Band A (lower-cost, faster production), Band B (mid-cost), and Band C (higher-cost, rarer or more complex species). Exact pricing is confirmed upon order based on species, volume and delivery requirements.
The Economics
The relevant metric is not seedling price — it's the cost per surviving, well-established tree, once replanting and multi-year maintenance are accounted for.
Our analysis shows that high-quality seedlings reduce total stand-establishment cost by approximately 12% per hectare compared to low-priced alternatives — primarily by avoiding costly replanting campaigns and a full additional year of maintenance.
Services
From premium seedlings to nursery-development advisory — we support the full chain.
High-quality, traceable native seedlings produced with air-pruning containers, species-specific substrates and strict grading protocols. Each batch comes with provenance documentation and quality certificates.
From planting-day coaching to early aftercare guidance — we help ensure nursery quality translates into field survival. Includes site preparation advice, handling protocols and post-planting monitoring.
Advisory services for organizations building or upgrading their own native-species nurseries — from site assessment and layout design to SOP development and staff training.
Practical training programs covering the full nursery-to-field chain: seed sourcing, propagation, quality control, transport logistics, planting technique and early aftercare.
Contact / Inquiry
Whether you need seedlings for a restoration project, want to discuss a multi-year framework agreement, or are interested in our nursery advisory services — we'd like to hear from you.
Native species typically require 8–12 months of nursery production. Early engagement ensures we can match species, volumes and delivery to your planting window.
Inquire about seedlings →Cam Lo, Quảng Trị, Việt Nam
UNIQUE Vietnam Co., Ltd.
An exclusive cooperation between Cam Lo Nursery and UNIQUE Vietnam Co., Ltd. · Supported by Germany's International Climate Initiative (IKI).