Innovative approaches key to forest protection in Vietnam

THE HANOI TIMES — Innovative approaches are becoming essential to raise awareness and deepen understanding of the critical link between forests and food security in Vietnam, particularly as the country faces growing climate change impacts and the urgent need to protect the environment. 

Nguyen Song Ha, Assistant Representative, FAO Representation in Vietnam, said at the national event to commemorate International Day of Forests 2025 held at Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF) in Hanoi on March 21.

Held at Vietnam National University of Forestry (VNUF) in Hanoi, the event, themed "Forests and Foods – A Sustainable Future for Forests and Food Security," brought together key stakeholders in forestry and food security from Vietnam and the wider Asia-Pacific region.

The event provided a platform for collaboration among stakeholders in forestry and food security across Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific, promoting dialogue between government, international organizations, academia, and students.

According to Ha, innovative methods are key to sharing best practices in integrating forests into sustainable agrifood systems. He also praised the merger of the agriculture and environment ministries, recognizing the importance of having a single body oversee both sectors.

"The innovative approaches will deepen understanding among students, stakeholders, and the public about the vital role of forests in food production, security, and nutrition," said Ha.

Ha confirmed FAO's support for Vietnam in addressing food security through initiatives like REDD+, which combats climate change by preventing deforestation, promoting conservation, sustainable forest management, and enhancing forest carbon stocks.

Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien, President of VNUF, echoed this sentiment, stating that the event reinforced commitment to forest conservation and sustainable development. "The forests are crucial for livelihoods, environmental protection, and national security, and play a key role in food security by providing food, medicine, spices, and financial resources from forest products and environmental services."

He said that, beyond preserving ecosystems and reducing natural disaster impacts, forests provide valuable resources and reflect indigenous culture and traditions.

"It's necessary to have a well-designed strategy to balance forest conservation with development, advocating for multi-layered, multi-purpose forests and agroforestry. Meanwhile, integrated agroforestry systems could increase agricultural production by 50% and forestry output by 30%," said Dien.

The president stated that VNUF, located on 108 hectares in Hanoi, aims to become a "green educational institution and space" with eco-tourism models to attract students and promote forest protection.

He emphasized the importance of empowering students to actively engage in discussions on sustainable forestry and food systems and called for collective efforts to protect forests, which are essential for food security, livelihoods, and environmental balance.

Echoing Prof. Dien, Nguyen Huu Thien, Deputy Head of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection (DFFP) under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, noted that Vietnam has developed its forests for national recovery and development after the war. As a result, the country now has 14.86 million hectares of forests, increasing coverage from 29% to 42.03% over the past few decades.

The country has conducted many programs to expand forest coverage over the past decades. Of them, Decision 661/QD-TTg by the prime minister in 1998 aims to reforest five million hectares, restore barren lands, protect the environment, and boost the forestry economy.

It supports biodiversity, disaster mitigation, and climate resilience while creating jobs and improving livelihoods, especially those dependent on forests.

Nguyen Huu Thien said Program 661 is integral to Vietnam’s sustainable development, increasing forest coverage and advancing a green economy.

As a result, Vietnam ranks 16th among the world’s most biodiverse countries and has more than 12 million ethnic minorities reliant on forests for their livelihoods. On that account, the country has built the Forestry Development Strategy for 2021-2030 with a vision for 2050 that aims for sustainable forest development, balancing economic growth, environmental protection, and climate resilience.

It prioritizes enhancing forestry value, livelihoods, a circular economy, and global cooperation, driving a green and sustainable future.

Meanwhile, Do Quang Tung, Head of the Management Board for Forestry Projects, under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, said that the world’s happiest countries all have high forest coverage. He said there should be more care for the forestry sector which is indispensable for the economy, environment, and life.

He highly valued the merging of agriculture and environment ministries which will make full use of the two important fields in securing forest protection and food security, saying that the two relevant sectors can complement each other in expanding the forest coverage while working towards the national food security mission.

Forests sustain food security by providing resources, supporting agriculture, and regulating climate. They offer livelihoods and mitigate climate risks, making sustainable management essential for long-term stability. For that reason, Do Quang Tung urged for greater awareness and advocacy on forest protection.

Le Chien who specialized in REDD+ at FAO Vietnam stressed the importance of sustainable forestry in the development of FAO’s “Four Betters framework: Better Production, Better Nutrition, Better Environment, and Better Life.

The principle seeks to transform agrifood systems into more efficient, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable models, aligning with the 2030 Agenda to ensure no one is left behind.

Since 1978, FAO has worked in Vietnam to promote sustainable resource use and enhance livelihoods through sustainable products. He reiterated its core mission to encourage responsible product use by introducing best practices and providing technical support and consultations to help the government shape policies while training individuals and local communities to build sustainable livelihoods.

 Empower future leaders

At the commemoration, attendees who were government officials, representatives from FAO, VNUF leaders, and students engaged in discussions, shared knowledge, and exchanged perspectives on the theme “Forests and Foods.”

The occasion provided a platform for students of VNUF to voice their perspectives, debate key issues related to forests and food, and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable forestry and agrifood systems in Vietnam.

Associate Prof. Le Xuan Phuong, Deputy Head of VNUF’s Department of International Cooperation highlighted the role of education in forming communities that are responsible for protecting forests; VNUF is the leading educational institution in training generations of students who inspire local communities and improving the sense of responsibility in the forestry sector.

In his presentation named “Forests and Food Security – Perspectives from VNUF”, Phuong reaffirmed the role of forests and addressed challenges caused by food security which include an increasing number of natural disasters namely storms, droughts, and forest fires; declining forest resources and land; and growing demand for food from rising population.

VNUF has conducted a number of scientific researches significant to the forestry sector, including the software for early automatic detection of forest fires from ground monitoring stations, building a database on DNA for wood identification, and emissions trading schemes.

Importantly, VNUF over the past six decades has trained more than 54,000 bachelors and engineers and over 6,300 masters.

To pursue the mission as the leading educational institution in the forestry sector, VNUF will boost science, technology, and digital transformation in forestry while promoting awareness for forest protection, Phuong emphasized.

In response to International Day of Forests 2025, VNUF students engaged in presentations and debates called “Forests and Foods: Shaping a Sustainable Future” and “Pathways to Sustainable Integration of Forests and Food Security in Vietnam”, expressing their perspectives, insights, and innovative ideas, and debate key issues on “Forests and Foods”. This section provides a platform for student voices and innovative ideas.

To contribute to Vietnam’s food security strategies and climate targets set for 2050, Prof. Pham Van Dien, President of VNUF reiterated the university’s long-term important mission: “Forests are crucial for food security and sustainable development. We are committed to training forestry professionals to maximize their role in food production and disaster resilience.”