Vietnam speeds up completion of forest plantation code system

Experts say that building and operating this system helps control the origin of wood, improve quality and meet regulations from international markets.

From international management and funding agencies to local practices, delegates at the workshop “Forest plantation codes associated with sustainable forest management and forest certification” on the morning of November 6 all agreed that Vietnam needs to quickly complete the forest code system to control legal timber origins and adapt to new standards such as the EUDR of the European Union.

Deputy Director Nguyen Van Dien delivered the opening speech at the workshop. Photo: Bao Thang.

Transparency in forest management

Mr. Nguyen Van Dien, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, emphasized that the forest plantation code is an important step in the process of modernizing the forestry sector. “The code not only helps to identify each forest specifically, but also connects data between forest owners, management agencies and processing and exporting enterprises,” he said.

This system helps manage forests transparently, facilitates forest certification and meets the requirements of legal timber traceability in demanding markets. When the EUDR (EU Deforestation Regulation) comes into effect, Vietnamese wood exporting enterprises are required to prove that their raw materials are not related to deforestation, land degradation or violations of conservation regulations.

“We are facing pressure to change. But if we are proactive, Vietnam can completely turn compliance requirements into competitive advantages,” Mr. Dien added, adding that the Department has coordinated with the Forestry Science Institute to pilot the issuance of planting area codes in five northern mountainous provinces.

Initial results show that this model helps to better control the origin of raw materials, creating favorable conditions for businesses to apply for forest certification according to international standards.

The Forestry Economics Center (Vietnam Forestry Science Institute) presents a summary report after the pilot issuance of forest plantation codes. Photo: Bao Thang.

However, implementation is still facing difficulties due to the lack of synchronous database between localities, limited technical resources, and especially the lack of awareness among some small businesses about the importance of growing area codes for export.

"The Department will continue to guide and perfect technical processes, and advise the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment to issue specific regulations to unify the mechanism for managing forest plantation codes nationwide," he said.

International cooperation - a lever for sustainable forest management

Ms. Le Thu Huong, representative of the French Development Agency (AFD), said that the establishment of Vietnam's forest plantation code is part of the global trend of responsible natural resource management. She cited the example of the "Promoting Commitment to Biodiversity" (BIODEV2030) initiative funded by AFD, which is being implemented in 16 countries to integrate biodiversity into economic development decision-making.

“BIODEV2030 is not just a project, but a new approach for countries to develop their economies without sacrificing the environment,” said Ms. Huong. In Vietnam, the program has supported dialogue between government agencies, businesses and civil society organizations, thereby identifying economic sectors with a large impact on forests, including agriculture, infrastructure and the wood processing industry.

According to her, BIODEV2030 will focus on promoting voluntary commitments among stakeholders, while providing technical support to the forestry sector in building and operating a unified forest coding system. “AFD looks forward to long-term cooperation with Vietnam so that these efforts do not stop at regulations, but become practical tools for green development,” she said.

Sharing the same view, Ms. Nguyen Bich Hang, representative of WWF Vietnam, said that the forest plantation code not only helps Vietnam proactively respond to EUDR, but is also the foundation to affirm its position as a country supplying legal timber in the global market.

Delegates discussed many topics related to forest plantation codes. Photo: Bao Thang.

WWF Vietnam representative also emphasized the role of BIODEV2030 in supporting the Forestry Department and Forest Protection Department in data standardization, technical guidance and communication to businesses, helping to improve the capacity of localities participating in forest plantation code issuance. When the system is put into synchronous operation, Vietnam will easily demonstrate the legality of wood sources, thereby expanding access to high-end markets.

“The connection between forest plantation codes, forest certification and legal traceability will create a consistent management axis, from planting, harvesting to processing and exporting. This is the foundation for Vietnam to move towards a green and responsible forestry industry,” Ms. Hang affirmed.

From forest management to national branding for legal timber

At the workshop, delegates focused on discussing 4 groups of contents: Assessing the current status of implementing forest plantation codes and technical and legal difficulties. Identifying the link between forest plantation codes, sustainable forest management, forest certification and traceability of legal timber origin.

At the same time, propose a coordination mechanism between state agencies, enterprises and forest certification organizations. Promote the application of digital technology in traceability, connecting planting area data with the national forest monitoring and management system.

This unifies the view that each forest area being coded means that production data is digitized, verifiable and shared among parties - something that developed markets consider a mandatory standard.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dien said that the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is considering adding forest codes to the national monitoring system, integrating them with the forest certification and wood traceability program. “The goal is to make the entire value chain transparent, from forest planting to processing and export,” he emphasized.

Vietnam's forestry export value in 2024 is about 17.3 billion USD, of which the direct labor force in the industry is more than 500,000 people. The plantation code is expected to further develop the forestry industry, especially traceability and chain development.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/viet-nam-tang-toc-hoan-thien-he-thong-ma-so-rung-trong-d782645.html