Effectiveness of coastal forest protection and development projects

(Chinhphu.vn) - With more than VND 2,600 billion in investment and the results achieved by projects in the 2021-2025 period, it is considered an important step forward in protecting and developing coastal forests - an area that plays a key role in responding to climate change and promoting green growth in Vietnam.

Mr. Trieu Van Luc, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, spoke at the Conference - Photo: VGP/Do Huong

Today (December 8), the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MARD) held a conference to review 5 years of implementing the "Project to protect and develop coastal forests to respond to climate change and promote green growth in the 2021-2030 period". The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said that in the 2021-2025 period, localities have achieved many outstanding results in managing, restoring and developing coastal forests.

According to the Ministry, the country has protected 281,000 hectares of coastal forests, reaching 102% of the plan. Forest development continues to record positive changes with 6,442 hectares of newly planted forests; 5,185 hectares of additional planting, restoration and enrichment; 7,900 hectares of protected and promoted regeneration. In addition, 329 million scattered trees have been planted in coastal areas, contributing to improving ecology and limiting erosion.

Along with afforestation, many localities have also implemented coastal protection projects and promoted green livelihood models such as intercropping agricultural crops, beekeeping for honey, and sustainable aquaculture. Through the "Project to Enhance Climate Change Resilience for Coastal Communities in Vietnam", 46 green livelihood models have been established in many provinces, helping to increase income and improve living conditions of people.

In the 2021-2025 period, coastal provinces have implemented 147 forest protection and development projects with a total investment of more than VND 2,631 billion. This is considered an important resource to help strengthen the mangrove ecosystem - a natural shield against climate change.

At the conference, Mr. Phan Minh Chi, Deputy Director of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ca Mau , emphasized that Ca Mau has the largest area of ​​mangrove forests in the country. According to him, mangrove forests are an ecological defense line that helps limit coastal erosion, respond to rising sea levels, and are also the main source of livelihood for people through the shrimp-forest ecological model. "People who protect the forest also maintain a source of income for their own families," Mr. Chi affirmed.

Representatives of the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Ninh Binh proposed to continue to strengthen the dissemination of forestry laws, monitor the planning of mangrove forests in a scientific manner, and prevent deforestation for aquaculture or misuse.

Assessing the results of the 5-year implementation of the Project, Mr. Thibault Ledecq, Director of Conservation WWF - Vietnam, acknowledged that Vietnam has planted, restored and enriched more than 11,600 hectares of coastal forests, reaching 58% of the plan for the 2021-2025 period. He said that this success comes from the close coordination between the Government, localities, social organizations, research institutes, businesses and communities in 21 coastal provinces. In the context of increasing floods and saltwater intrusion, mangrove forests play the role of a "natural shield" to help reduce wave energy, protect infrastructure and stabilize livelihoods for millions of people. WWF is committed to continuing to accompany Vietnam in restoring forest ecosystems and developing forest carbon markets in the 2025-2030 period.

Concluding the conference, Mr. Trieu Van Luc, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, requested coastal provinces to focus on implementing a number of key tasks. First of all, localities need to fully comply with the Forestry Law and related policies, and promptly report any problems in the implementation process so that the Ministry can coordinate in handling them or submit them to the Prime Minister for matters beyond their authority.

At the same time, the provinces must seriously implement the National Forestry Planning for the 2021-2030 period, review and arrange suitable land funds for coastal forest development, and prioritize protective forest planting areas. The forest development plan for the 2026-2030 period needs to be reviewed and sent to the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in the first quarter of 2026.

During the project implementation, the locality needs to carefully survey the site conditions, select suitable tree species, and apply silvicultural techniques to increase the survival rate of the forest and improve investment efficiency. Inspection, supervision, and application of information technology in forest management must be focused on to promptly handle problems, ensure project progress and planning targets.

In addition, it is necessary to replicate models of forest protection and development associated with combined agricultural, forestry and fishery livelihoods; strictly manage the conversion of coastal forest use purposes; and strictly handle violations. Propaganda and mobilization work to encourage people to comply with forestry laws, sign commitments to protect forests, as well as allocate and contract forests for protection to communities must continue to be promoted, in order to strengthen sustainable forest management in localities.

Do Huong

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/hieu-qua-tu-cac-du-an-bao-ve-va-phat-trien-rung-ven-bien-102251208154642115.htm