Vietnam steps up forest protection in the face of climate threats

The International Day of Forests, celebrated every March 21, this year focuses on the theme of forests and food, celebrating the crucial role of forests in food security and human well-being.

The message of this edition calls on the international community to fully recognize the potential of forests - the pillars of global food security and nutrition, and a vital source of energy - and the urgency of preserving them for future generations.

For Vietnam, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change, this appeal is particularly urgent. Frequent natural disasters, such as floods and landslides, make forest protection not only an environmental duty, but also a necessity for survival.

The Director of the Forestry and Forest Protection Administration (VNFOREST), Trân Quang Bao, declared that Vietnam had made significant progress in the area of forest protection.alized progress, with forest cover rising from just 27% in the 1990s to around 42% today.

Key initiatives, including Directive No. 18 on the closure of natural forests, have helped curb deforestation. The forestry sector also contributes almost a billion dollars to exports, representing around 80% of Vietnam's agricultural trade surplus and almost 60% of its overall trade surplus.

Yet serious challenges remain. The sector faces underfunding for forest protection, reforestation and research. The long forest production cycle discourages private investment, while a shortage of qualified personnel and poor working conditions for forest rangers weaken conservation efforts.

Fragmentation of forest ownership further hampers coordination.

Accelerating socio-economic development has exacerbated deforestation, as forest land is cleared for infrastructure, industry and tourism. Climate change has exacerbated natural disasters, damaging vast areas of forest and threatening forest production.

Director of the Reconciliation of People and Nature (PanNature), Trinh Lê Nguyên, warned that these pressures are creating a vicious circle. "In remote areas, many people are still unaware of the long-term value of forests," he observed, adding that short-term gains from logging and land conversion often take precedence over sustainability.

Weak forest management and poor inter-institutional coordination increase the pressure on already fragile ecosystems, while forest rangers continue to benefit from limited support and difficult conditions.

Trinh Lê Nguyên declared that forest protection and ecological restoration must now become national priorities. He called for stronger partnerships with the private sector to secure long-term investment in reforestation and conservation projects.

He explained that ecological restoration goes beyond simply planting trees: It involves rebuilding entire ecosystems to reduce disaster risk, improve agricultural productivity, protect biodiversity and support ecotourism.

To mobilize private investment, Vietnam should put in place clear mechanisms, such as carbon credit markets, green finance, corporate social responsibility initiatives and tax incentives.

"When companies see the long-term benefits, they will be more willing to invest, not only out of social responsibility, but also for their own sustainable development," he explained.

The PanNature director also stressed the crucial role of local communities, directly affected by environmental degradation. Empowering them in forest management and reconciling their economic needs with conservation objectives will guarantee more sustainable results.

"When populations participate in the decision-making process, they assume greater responsibility for protecting forest resources", he noted.

At a working session with VNFOREST on March 6, the Minister of Agriculture and the Environment, Dô Duc Duy, reaffirmed that forestry was one of the most important sectors of the country's economy. that forestry was one of the three pillars of Vietnam's agriculture and rural development sector, alongside livestock and aquaculture.

He declared that forests fulfil functions far beyond timber production. They play a crucial role in protecting the environment, maintaining ecological balance and mitigating climate change.

He called for multi-purpose forestry development, promoting both economic growth and environmental sustainability for future generations.

Source: lecourrier.vn/