FSC forests contribute to creating a sustainable economy for people

Multi-value exploitation from forests

After nearly 10 years of implementing the Government's direction to close natural forests, more than 314 thousand hectares of forests in Ha Tinh province are strictly protected by the forestry industry and local governments, increasing the average forest coverage rate. The annual increase in troops reached nearly 53%. Since then, the forestry economy of thousands of households living near forests in Huong Son, Huong Khe, Vu Quang, Ky Anh, and Cam Xuyen districts has wholly focused on planted forests, mainly acacia trees.

To contribute to changing the production and exploitation practices of young acacia people, the Ha Tinh provincial government encourages people to participate in forest development according to European FSC standards. The pioneer in implementing this "revolution" is Tay Kim Forest Certification Cooperative Union, Huong Son district.

In 2017, after completing the organizational structure, Tay Kim Forest Certification Cooperative Union began training hundreds of households in 3 communes Son Kim 1, Son Linh, Son Hong on the importance of forest management. As a result, at the end of 2018, the lush green acacia hills, 70 - 80cm in diameter on the Truong Son range in Son Hong and Son Linh communes, were granted FSC forest certification by the GFA certification organization.

Mr. Vo Van Bien, Director of Tay Kim Forest Certification Cooperative Union, said that after 5 years of implementation, the effectiveness of FSC forests is no longer in dispute. The number of households and size of area registered to participate in sustainable forest development of the Cooperative Union is constantly increasing.

Previously, in 2020, to have funds to expand raw material areas, the Tay Kim Forest Certification Cooperative Union decided to increase the scale to 10 cooperatives and 2 cooperative groups in 11 communes and towns, including Son Kim 2, Son Kim Hong, Quang Diem, Son Truong, Son Giang, Son Lam, Son Tay, Son Kim 1, Son Linh, Son Ham and Tay Son town. At the same time, cooperate with VBE Ha Tinh Factory to supply wood materials for deep processing.

Participate in FSC forest development before the Tay Kim Forest Certification Cooperative Union. Since 2012, Huong Son Forestry and Services Company Limited has registered to protect and develop FSC forests on more than 19,800 hectares of natural forest. By 2014, 100% of the above area was granted FSC certification by GFA Certification GmbH.

Currently, forest development, according to FSC standards, is opening up many potentials for commercializing carbon credits. As for the forest area managed by Huong Son Forestry and Services Company, according to calculations, the estimated annual carbon sequestration and storage reserve is about 150 thousand tons. If sold at the lowest price of US$ 5/ton, forest owners can earn about VND 18 billion. This is a huge resource for re-protecting and developing forests more and more sustainably.

To expand 3,000 - 5,000 hectares each year to receive FSC certification

Mr. Nguyen Kieu Hung, Vice Chairman of Huong Son District People's Committee, said sustainable forest development is significant in the current context. Therefore, the locality is very interested in directing this content. Accordingly, the district has been consolidating the Steering Committee for Sustainable Forest Certification from district to commune levels to operate and guide people in implementation. Also, provincial and district policies should be integrated to provide additional support in linking businesses to purchase FSC forest products for people.

According to Mr. Hung, forest areas granted FSC certification must undergo an international organization's rigorous and independent evaluation process. Caring for and harvesting forest products must ensure the maintenance of biodiversity, clear origins, environmental safety, and the minimization of the exploitation of wood from deforestation. In addition, it helps people connect with sustainable, long-term businesses in consuming products.

A forest being granted FSC certification also means that this area meets strict environmental, social, and economic standards, which will be a necessary premise and condition for selling carbon credits in the future.

Besides, comparing economic and social efficiency, FSC forest wood has a higher price on the market, and many purchasing companies export it to developed countries. It helps maintain soil health, reduces the risk of crop failure, and enhances future production capabilities.

Furthermore, this certificate also requires the protection of local community rights, including land use rights, natural resources, and community participation in the management process, thereby creating a beneficial environment for positive interaction with society in forest protection, forest fire prevention and fighting, and effective forest development.

It must be affirmed that the conversion to planting extensive timber forests is an inevitable trend in implementing the sustainable forestry development strategy. Therefore, to effectively implement the goal of developing extensive timber forests with FSC certification, Ha Tinh province will continue to support organizations and individuals in accessing forestry policies, improve capacity for sustainable forest management and forest certification, Organize production associated with the consumption of wood products according to the value chain of planted forest wood; Encourage people to use original and quality seeds to increase productivity and quality of planted forests; also, strengthen forestry cooperatives towards sustainability; Strive to have about 37 thousand hectares of forests in the province granted FSC certification by 2030.