Promoting the multi-use value of forests

BHG - With a large area and rich ecosystem, forests not only play an important role in protecting the ecological environment, mitigating natural disasters, and regulating the climate, but are also a sustainable source of livelihood, contributing to increasing income for people, especially ethnic minorities who depend on forests for their livelihoods.

The province currently has over 571,244 hectares of forestry land, accounting for more than 70% of the province's total natural area. Of which, natural forests account for over 388,309 hectares and planted forests over 81,857 hectares. The forest coverage rate in 2024 will reach 59.3%, among the localities with high forest coverage nationwide. In recent years, the province has issued many resolutions and thematic plans on sustainable forestry development, enhancing the role and position of the forestry sector in socio-economic development.

People of Quang Minh commune (Bac Quang) harvest giang leaves for export.

Currently, the province has nearly 200 wood processing facilities and wood products such as plywood, laminated wood, pellets, sawn timber, peeled wood, wood chips, paper, along with many facilities producing household wooden furniture and processing giang leaves. The processing facilities are mainly concentrated in Bac Quang, Vi Xuyen and Quang Binh districts. Many enterprises have invested in modern, synchronous and large-capacity machinery systems to meet the demand for forestry product exports. In 2024, the value of forestry production (calculated at current prices) will reach over VND 1,666 billion, of which exports will account for VND 474.8 billion, an increase of 4.43% compared to 2023. In the first quarter of 2025, forestry product exports through Thanh Thuy International Border Gate will continue to increase sharply. The main markets include China, Taiwan, India, the US and some European countries. Many households participating in planting large timber forests have earned hundreds of millions of VND each year.

However, compared to the potential, the economic value of forest exploitation is still not commensurate. The promotion of the multi-use value of forests is still limited, and the efficiency of forestry land use is not high. In the face of this reality, the Forestry sector is actively coordinating with localities to promote the effective implementation of the "Project on developing the multi-use value of forest ecosystems to 2030, with a vision to 2050" according to the Prime Minister's Decision. Continue to synchronously implement key forestry programs and projects such as: Sustainable forestry development program; National target program on socio-economic development in ethnic minority and mountainous areas; policy on payment for forest environmental services to create more jobs and increase income for people.

In addition, the province focuses on innovating forest planting and exploitation methods, encouraging the development of large timber forests, improving productivity and quality of planted forests. The granting of sustainable forest certificates is closely linked to production activities, aiming to serve the export of forest products, expand the market and extend the exploitation cycle. Promote the model of combined agriculture and forestry, support people to intercrop short-term crops under the forest canopy during the period when the forest canopy has not closed, and at the same time exploit non-timber forest products and precious medicinal herbs such as Kim Tuyen orchid, That Diep Nhat Chi Hoa, Dang Sam... Develop a plan to develop ecotourism in four special-use forests: Tay Con Linh, Phong Quang, Du Gia and Bat Dai Son.

In particular, the province is proactively approaching the forest carbon credit market, a new but promising field. Through cooperation with international organizations, the province is building capacity, designing projects and preparing the necessary conditions to be ready to participate when the carbon credit market officially operates.

With a comprehensive approach, innovative thinking and synchronous participation of all levels and sectors, the province is gradually turning forests into the foundation for green economic development, circular economy, creating sustainable livelihoods for people.

Article and photos: DISCUSSION

Source: https://baohagiang.vn/kinh-te/202505/phat-huy-gia-tri-da-dung-cua-rung-0c12b02/