Forests and sustainable economic development

This is the theme of this year's International Day for Forests (March 21), highlighting the essential role of forests in promoting growth, maintaining and regulating water resources, protecting soil, supporting agricultural production, and building climate-resilient economies.

At the 2026 International Day for Forests commemoration ceremony, organized by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ) in Ninh Binh on March 18th, the Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, Tran Quang Bao, stated that in Vietnam, forests have always held a special position in the country's development process. Forests are not only an ecosystem, but also an economic driving force, a cultural foundation, a climate shield, and a source of happiness, health, and livelihood for people.

Over the years, Vietnam has been recognized as one of the leading countries in Asia in forest restoration and sustainable forest management. Forest cover has remained stable at over 42%, making a significant contribution to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and socio-economic development.

Notably, the wood processing and forestry industry has become one of Vietnam's key export sectors. By 2025, forestry product exports are expected to reach over US$18.3 billion, with a trade surplus of over US$15 billion, accounting for over 75% of the country's total trade surplus.

According to Mr. Tran Quang Bao, in the context of the world facing many challenges related to the environment, climate change, and resource depletion, the role of forests is becoming increasingly urgent. Sustainable forestry economic development is not only an internal requirement of Vietnam but also reflects Vietnam's responsibility and commitment to working with the international community to achieve sustainable development goals.

In the coming period, the forestry sector will focus on several major directions, including: sustainable forest management, protection, and development; development of forest product value chains; expansion of forest ecosystem services; promotion of forest carbon markets; and strengthening scientific and technological research, innovation, and digital transformation. In particular, local communities will continue to be placed at the center of forest management and development.

According to Decision No. 816/QD-BNN-KL dated March 20, 2024, of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, which announced the national forest status in 2023, the forest area (including forest areas not meeting the criteria for calculating forest cover) reached 14,860,309 hectares, of which natural forests accounted for 10,129,751 hectares; and planted forests for 4,730,557 hectares. The forest area meeting the criteria for calculating forest cover reached 13,927,122 hectares; of which, natural forests accounted for 10,129,751 hectares, and planted forests for 3,797,371 hectares. The national forest cover rate reached 42.02%.

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/rung-va-phat-trien-kinh-te-ben-vung.html