EUR 20 million for sustainable future of Viet Nam's forests

Running until 2030, the project will support climate-resilient forest value chains, ensuring equitable and inclusive participation in Northwest and Central Highland.

On August 7, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the European Union (EU), and the Federal Republic of Germany officially launched the Forest Support Programme of Viet Nam.

Co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), the project will contribute to green, sustainable, and climate-resilient growth while conserving biodiversity.

Speaking at the project launch conference, Mr. Tran Quang Bao, VNFOREST Director General, emphasized: “The Forest Support Programme of Viet Nam reflects our shared commitment to protecting and sustainably managing Viet Nam's natural forests through an inclusive and comprehensive approach.”

By strengthening natural forest restoration and promoting sustainable, climate-resilient forest management alongside sustainable livelihood development, the project will contribute to achieving the objectives of Viet Nam's forestry sector. We highly value the long-standing and effective partnership with the European Union and the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany in advancing sustainable forestry development in Viet Nam.

Mr. Michael Lehmann, Deputy Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Viet Nam, stated: “Building on the strong cooperation between Germany and Viet Nam over the years, the project will promote climate-resilient sustainable forest management by piloting innovative solutions, applying digital technologies, and strengthening capacities to foster green growth while reducing vulnerability to climate change.”

According to Ms. Kristina Buende, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Viet Nam: "Through the Team Europe approach, bringing together the European Union and its Member States, we are committed to supporting Viet Nam in its efforts to conserve and restore forests - for people, for nature, and for a resilient, low-carbon future."

With EUR 20 million in funding from the European Union, the "European Union Support to the Forestry Sector of Viet Nam" project will be implemented alongside the "Conservation, Sustainable Financing and Development of Complex Ecosystems in Viet Nam's Special-Use and Protection Forests" (MEPA) project, which is co-financed by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany through EUR 7.5 million in Official Development Assistance (ODA) and has been under implementation since the beginning of 2026.

Viet Nam's forests play a vital role in addressing climate change, protecting water resources and soils, and supporting the livelihoods of 25 million people who depend on forests. In addition, forests serve as an important natural carbon sink.

Kieu Chi