Quang Ngai joins EU-backed forestry support project

The EU-supported forestry project will be implemented in Quang Ngai over 5 years, focusing on forest management and restoration, enhancing carbon stocks, and developing sustainable livelihoods.

Under Decision No. 3882/QD-BNNMT issued by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, Quang Ngai Province is one of five localities participating in the European Union - Viet Nam Forestry Support Programme (EVFSP). The project is funded by non-reimbursable official development assistance (ODA) from the European Union (EU) through the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and will be implemented from 2026 to 2030.

In Quang Ngai, participating organizations include the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment, the Tu Mo Rong Protection Forest Management Board, and Kon Ray Forestry One Member Limited Liability Company.

The project aims to strengthen climate change mitigation and adaptation capacities through forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable forest management. It also seeks to promote environmentally friendly forest-based value chains, creating additional livelihood opportunities for forest owners and communities living near forests.

Planned activities will focus on assessing forest conditions, carbon stocks, and forest governance, as well as reviewing and developing sustainable forest management plans that incorporate climate change adaptation. The development of non-timber forest products, medicinal plants grown under forest canopies, and ecotourism will also be promoted to maximize the multiple benefits of forest ecosystems.

In addition, the project seeks to restore and improve forest quality, conserve biodiversity, and enhance carbon sequestration. Partnership models involving forest owners, households, and local communities will be studied and implemented to link forest protection with local livelihoods.

Another key component involves improving forest patrol and protection activities through community participation and the application of digital tools and new technologies. These efforts are expected to help curb illegal logging, forest encroachment, and unlawful use of forest land.

In addition to Quang Ngai, the project will be implemented at the central level in Ha Noi and in the provinces of Dien Bien, Son La, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak, with total funding exceeding EUR 20.25 million, equivalent to approximately VND 596.1 billion. Of this amount, EUR 20 million comes from non-reimbursable EU ODA, while the Vietnamese Government's counterpart contribution will be provided in cash and in kind.

Participation in the project will enable forestry organizations in Quang Ngai to access forest management approaches that integrate climate change adaptation, forest carbon restoration, and the development of forest product value chains. This is expected to strengthen forest protection efforts while enhancing the value of forest resources and improving community livelihoods.

Le Phi