Quang Ngai launches forest restoration project worth nearly VND 89 bln

The project is planned for implementation in 13 communes, integrating biodiversity conservation, rural infrastructure development, and sustainable livelihood support for residents, linked to forest resource management.

On October 10, Huynh Van Liem, Deputy Director of the Quang Ngai Department of Agriculture and Environment, said the province is negotiating with the German Development Bank (KfW) to sign a separate agreement for the implementation of the project “Protection, Restoration and Sustainable Development of Forests in the Central Highlands - Quang Ngai Province Component.”

The project, funded by a non-refundable official development assistance (ODA) grant from the German government through KfW, has a total estimated budget of VND 88.7 billion in Quang Ngai. Of this, more than VND 72.6 billion will come from the ODA grant, with the provincial government providing the remainder as counterpart funding. Implementation is scheduled for 2027-2032.

The project is expected to be implemented in 13 communes: Sa Thay, Mo Ray, Ro Koi, Ya Ly, Sa Loong, Bo Y, Mang But, Kon Plong, Mang Ri, Dak Sao, Xop, Dak Plo and Dak Pek. Beneficiaries include localities within the project area, three forest management units, Chu Mom Ray National Park, Ngoc Linh Nature Reserve and Thuong Thach Nham Protection Forest Management Board, and 35 communities allocated forests by the State.

The project aims to improve the effectiveness of sustainable forest management, protection, restoration and development; conserve natural resources and biodiversity; protect water resources; and contribute to climate change adaptation. It also seeks to improve the livelihoods of forestry workers and forest-dependent communities through infrastructure support, agroforestry production and livelihood development linked to forest resources.

Under the plan, the project will support three forest management units in developing biodiversity databases, improving forest management plans and strengthening forest protection capacity. In addition, 110 villages will receive support for infrastructure development and agricultural and forestry production, while 35 communities allocated forests will be assisted in forest management, protection and livelihood improvement.

The project comprises four main components focusing on biodiversity conservation and rural infrastructure development in buffer areas; community forest management combined with investment in essential infrastructure; workshops, monitoring and evaluation of implementation results; and project management and implementation consultancy.

Infrastructure investment and production support in buffer areas and villages with community-managed forests are expected to improve local living and production conditions while enabling communities to participate more effectively in forest management and protection. Monitoring and evaluation will be conducted throughout implementation to track progress and results and ensure compliance with environmental and social requirements.

According to Do Tam Hien, Vice Chairman of the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee, the province will work closely with the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, the German Development Bank (KfW) and the Management Board for Forestry Projects in developing, finalizing and implementing the project, ensuring compliance with Vietnamese laws and commitments to the donor.

The Quang Ngai Provincial People's Committee has designated the Department of Agriculture and Environment as the focal agency responsible for coordinating with relevant units to prepare and submit project documents for approval and organize implementation in accordance with the appraised project contents.

$ 1 = VND 26,070 - Source: Vietcombank.

Le Khanh