Call to action can protect Vietnam’s natural forests

The German Embassy in Vietnam last week hosted a panel discussion on “boosting the power of forests”, aiming to underline the critical role forests play in combating climate change, preserving biodiversity, and contributing to sustainable development.

Each year, Vietnam aims to plant more forests for production and to restore natural areas, photo Le Toan

With three-quarters of Vietnam’s land covered by mountains and hills, forest cover currently stands at 42.02 per cent, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). However, more than two-thirds of the country’s natural forests are classified as degraded.

At the event, experts cited a World Bank Group report that describes two-thirds of Vietnam’s natural forests as being in poor condition or regenerating, with only 5 per cent remaining as rich, closed-canopy forests.

Currently, Vietnam has approximately 14.8 million hectares of forests, of which 11.7 million ha are natural forests and 4.7 million ha are planted forests. However, only 10 per cent of these planted forests are large-scale wood plantations, with most plantations from the past 15 years dedicated to the low-value woodchip industry.

Vietnamese forests currently absorb 70 million tonnes of CO2 per year, helping to reduce carbon emissions by around 40 million tonnes annually. They also store an estimated 662 million tonnes of CO2, making them essential in addressing climate change and supporting sustainable development.

Nevertheless, deforestation driven by resource extraction and agriculture has exacerbated the instability of water sources, increased the frequency of natural disasters, and led to significant soil erosion. A representative from a German consultancy firm at the discussion stressed that these impacts are far-reaching, affecting the economy, the environment, and society. “The Vietnamese government must find ways to curb deforestation and simultaneously develop more forests for sustainable development,” they said.

According to MARD data, between 2012 and 2022, nearly 290,000ha of natural forests were lost in Vietnam.

The German Development Agency (GIZ) highlighted that forests are key to Vietnam’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, as they function as natural carbon sinks. However, the quality of these forests remains poor, and species diversity is limited. Forests also face substantial climate risks, such as damage from increasingly severe storms.

“Although political will exists, the shift towards sustainable, climate-friendly forest management has not yet fully materialised,” GIZ said. “Forest owners have little experience with large-scale timber cultivation and lack access to the financing needed for a smooth transition. Additionally, the regulatory framework needs stronger incentives to support this shift.”

Restoring ecosystems

During the panel, a call to action was made for governments, businesses, and individuals to work collaboratively towards a sustainable future. Nguyen Quang Tan, country coordinator for the International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry, emphasised that Vietnam’s forests are critical to the nation’s climate goals.

“Healthy forests are key to mitigating climate change. Agroforestry, which involves integrating trees into agricultural landscapes, can restore ecosystems while also boosting local livelihoods,” said Tan.

Pham Hong Luong, deputy director of the MARD’s Department of Forestry, emphasised that Vietnam’s forests support biodiversity and provide essential ecosystem services, benefiting both local and global communities. He highlighted the significant role that forests play in sustaining livelihoods and ensuring economic stability through sustainable management practices.

“Urbanisation is increasing rapidly, with forests being felled down, while public awareness on forest plantation and protection remains limited, though forests have been providing livelihoods for millions of households,” Luong said.

Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thu Ha, director of the Forestry Research and Development Institute under Thai Nguyen University, discussed the growing importance of urban forests, which have been shown to reduce carbon emissions, manage stormwater, and improve air quality.

“In cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang, expanding urban forests could mitigate the effects of climate change while also enhancing the quality of life for residents,” Ha said.

Anja Barth, chief technical advisor at GIZ, underlined the importance of the German-Vietnamese partnership in sustainable forest management. “Germany has long been committed to supporting Vietnam’s forest conservation efforts. Our development cooperation focuses on preserving forests, enhancing their role in climate protection, and improving local livelihoods,” Barth said.

Recovering from setbacks

German Ambassador to Vietnam Helga Margarete Barth reaffirmed Germany’s dedication to Vietnam’s efforts to protect its forests. “Germany is committed to supporting Vietnam’s green transition, and we are implementing forest projects across the country with a total portfolio of €75 million ($83.95 million). We look forward to continuing our collaboration in Vietnam,” she said.

The event heard that many hectares of forests in Hanoi were seriously damaged by September’s Typhoon Yagi. The capital city and surrounding areas are home to over 27,000ha of forestry.

“Typhoon Yagi has devastated communities and ecosystems. We deeply sympathise with the families of the victims. The loss of thousands of trees in Hanoi alone is a major setback for the environment,” said Ambassador Barth. “It’s clear that we cannot combat global warming without the assistance of trees and forests. Sustainable forest management is one of the most cost-effective and impactful climate solutions.”

Under the draft National Forestry Planning for the 2021-2030 period, with a vision toward 2050, Vietnam plans to plant 238,000ha of forest annually to fight climate change, aiming to maintain national forest coverage at 42 to 43 per cent.

According to the draft, the total forest and forestry land area will be 15.85 million hectares, divided into special-use forests (15.5 per cent), protection forests (33 per cent), and production forests (51.5 per cent).

The plan underscores improving forest quality, especially natural forests. The forestry sector aims for an average annual growth rate of 5 to 5.5 per cent in added value from forestry production. Each year, the government plans to plant 238,000ha of production and protection forests and restore 22,500ha of natural forests. By 2030, the area of forest with sustainable management certification is expected to exceed one million hectares.

Vietnam also aims to increase the export value of wood and forest products to $20 billion by 2025 and $25 billion by 2030. Domestic consumption is projected to reach $5 billion by 2025 and $6 billion by 2030. Revenue from forest environmental services is expected to grow 5 per cent annually, hitting $145.8 million per year in 2021-2025 and $166.7 million in 2026-2030.

Mangroves, covering less than 1 per cent of the Earth’s surface, play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems and global climate regulation. These ecosystems, often referred to as “blue carbon,” have a remarkable ability to sequester carbon, storing up to four times more carbon than tropical forests.

In addition to their carbon storage capacity, mangroves are biodiversity hotspots. They serve as essential breeding grounds for fish and other marine life, while also offering habitats for various wildlife species. The economic value of mangroves is significant, generating between $40-50 billion annually from fishing, forestry, and recreation. Mangrove forests also act as natural barriers, protecting coastal communities from rising sea levels, storm surges, and extreme weather events.

Globally, more than 80 countries, including Vietnam, have included mangrove conservation in their Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement. At COP27, blue carbon emerged as a key focus, with commitments to safeguard 15 million ha of mangroves worldwide by 2030, supported by a $4 billion investment.

Despite these efforts, over one-third of the world’s original mangrove cover has been lost due to factors such as aquaculture, timber extraction, and climate change.

Vietnam exemplifies successful collaboration in mangrove conservation. Between 2008 and 2018, the United Nations Development Programme worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to plant and rehabilitate over 4,000ha of mangroves. A new project funded by Canada is expected to generate and protect an additional 600ha of mangrove forest in the coming years.Source: United Nations Development Programme in Vietnam