The Vietnamese government has approved the National Forestry Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a long-term vision extending to 2050. This strategic initiative, formalized under Prime Ministerial Decision No. 895/QD-TTg and signed on August 24 by then Deputy Prime Minister Tran Luu Quang, is designed to sustainably manage and develop the nation’s forest resources. The plan aims to enhance the environmental, social, and economic values of forests while aligning with global sustainability goals and climate change mitigation efforts.
Objectives:
- Sustainable Forest Management:
- Achieve a national forest coverage rate of 42% by 2030.
- Protect and restore natural forests to improve biodiversity and ecosystem services.
- Promote the sustainable use of forest resources for economic development, poverty reduction, and job creation, particularly in rural and mountainous areas.
- Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation:
- Increase the role of forests in carbon sequestration and climate resilience.
- Expand forest areas designated for carbon offset projects and participation in international carbon markets.
- Enhance forest fire prevention and disaster management strategies to cope with climate-related risks.
- Biodiversity Conservation:
- Strengthen the conservation and restoration of rare and endangered species and ecosystems.
- Establish and maintain a network of protected areas, national parks, and nature reserves.
- Integrate community-based forest management approaches to involve local communities in conservation efforts.
- Economic Development:
- Boost the forestry sector’s contribution to the national economy, aiming for growth in forest product exports, ecotourism, and non-timber forest products.
- Encourage private sector participation and investment in sustainable forestry, including timber certification and responsible supply chains.
- Develop forest infrastructure and improve the efficiency of forest product processing industries.
Key Strategies:
- Afforestation and Reforestation: Implement large-scale tree planting initiatives, particularly in degraded areas, to increase forest cover and enhance ecosystem services.
- Forest Land Allocation and Management: Refine forest land use plans, allocate land for forestry purposes, and strengthen the legal framework for forest land management.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Promote community forestry programs and enhance the role of local people and organizations in forest protection and development.
- Science and Technology Integration: Utilize advanced technologies in forest monitoring, management, and conservation, including remote sensing, GIS, and data analytics.
Vision to 2050:
By 2050, Vietnam aims to have a resilient and sustainable forest ecosystem that contributes significantly to national development goals, environmental protection, and climate change adaptation and mitigation. The vision includes achieving a forest coverage rate of 45%, enhancing the forestry sector’s economic value, and positioning Vietnam as a leader in sustainable forest management in the region.
