'Green' dialogue for sustainable forest development

Upon the invitation of Minister Nam Sung-hyun of the Korea Forest Service (KFS), MARD representatives visited Korea. The purpose of the visit was to engage in direct discussions regarding the potential enhancement of bilateral cooperation in the forestry sector.

Korea boasts 6.3 million hectares of forest, covering 64% of its land, providing public welfare valued at 221 quadrillion Won (approximately 195 billion USD), which accounts for about 11.7% of the GDP. Consequently, forestry policies and laws are paramount in Korea, generating employment, improving livelihoods, and fostering a connection between people and nature.

To gain a deeper understanding of Vietnam's forest research and management system, the MARD delegation visited the Korean Center for Remote Sensing, Research, and Data Processing and the National Institute of Forest Science.

Reflecting on 2023, Minister Le Minh Hoan remarked, "Last year marked an outstanding collaborative relationship between the two countries in the field of forestry. In June, KFS Minister Nam Sung-hyun visited Vietnam to participate in afforestation efforts. The MARD and KFS signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen cooperation in forestry. Both sides have identified and agreed upon several priority goals through this memorandum."

The Korean Government has been actively supporting Vietnam's forestry industry through various technical cooperation projects, thereby bringing tangible benefits to the people and communities in Vietnam.

In particular, Vietnam and Korea have actively and effectively implemented cooperative activities within the ASEAN+3 cooperation framework and the Asian Forest Cooperation Organization (AFoCO). Korea supports Vietnam in the areas of forest restoration and development, as well as combating land degradation through technical assistance projects. Additionally, there is ongoing support for training and coaching Vietnamese forestry experts and staff.

Through the KFS, the Korean Government is sponsoring the "Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management of Mangrove Forests in the Red river Delta" project in Nam Dinh and Ninh Binh provinces.

This significant project has a total investment of nearly 4.4 million USD, with Korea providing approximately 3.8 million USD in non-refundable aid capital, and the remaining amount being contributed by Vietnam as counterpart capital. The joint efforts in this venture underscore the shared commitment of both governments, reflecting Korea's social responsibility amid the increasingly complex challenges posed by global climate change.

Vietnam, boasting over 14.7 million hectares of forests covering more than 42% of its land, plays a pivotal role in sustainable development and environmental security. In response, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development is actively pursuing restructuring the forestry industry, aiming to establish a multi-use forestry sector. The focus lies on enhancing productivity, output, and the value of planted forests, particularly emphasizing the cultivation of wood forests to elevate the welfare value for the local population. Additionally, this initiative aims to conserve biodiversity and fulfill international commitments related to forest preservation.

Minister Le Minh Hoan highlighted Korea's valuable experience and technological prowess in forest conservation and development. In light of this, the head of Vietnam's agricultural sector requested support from Korea in developing multi-use forests. The goal is to build sustainable forest livelihoods intertwined with indigenous landscapes and tourism, specifically emphasizing the Northern mountainous areas and Central Highlands. This collaborative effort aims to enhance the socio-economic well-being of these regions while ensuring responsible and sustainable forest management practices.

"This necessitates that managers, businesses, and communities build a high capacity for developing multi-use forests. In my view, we should initiate this process with community models and enhance people's understanding," emphasized Mr. Hoan.

Concerning the integration of technology in forestry, Minister Hoan expressed his hope for Korea to share its expertise in constructing digital land-use maps, particularly to support the development of medicinal plants beneath the forest canopy.

Minister Nam Sung-hyun welcomed Vietnam's initiative: "In addition to digital maps, we will collaborate with Vietnam to establish and operate high-tech nurseries for forest trees, medicinal plants, and rare plants, adhering to Korean standards. I am confident that the Memorandum of Understanding between our Ministries on forestry cooperation will yield numerous practical outcomes."

In discussions about the development of the forest carbon credit market, both Ministers concurred that this initiative would serve as a foundation for policy transformation. Korea pledged its support to enhance Vietnam's capacity to promote the growth of the forest carbon market, ultimately augmenting income for the people and forest owners in Vietnam. Specific programs, such as piloting mangrove carbon credits and initiatives for planting and restoring mangroves, will be delineated within the Memorandum of Understanding on forestry cooperation between the two Ministries.

This collaborative effort aims not only to strengthen environmental sustainability but also to bolster economic opportunities and community well-being in Vietnam's forested regions.