Public-private partnership to help people understand multifunctional value of forest

The program aims to develop forest plantations with a focus on water conservation, carbon absorption, and livelihood improvement. In the three provinces where it is implemented, the program has achieved promising results in its first year.

Mr. Pham Hong Luong, Deputy Director of the Forestry Department under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), shared that the collaboration between the two parties has delivered encouraging outcomes in leveraging the multifunctional value of forests. The models have helped local people understand the significance and role of forests, not only in protecting water resources but also in providing livelihoods for local communities.

"Today's closing ceremony not only acknowledges the positive results of the initial phase but also underscores the importance of public-private cooperation in promoting and realizing the goals of sustainable forestry development," said Mr. Luong.

In July 2024, MARD and Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam signed a public-private partnership agreement. Shortly thereafter, the program “Water Conservation - For a Green Vietnam” was launched across upstream forest areas heavily impacted by climate change, including Bac Kan, Nghe An, and Ca Mau.

Designed systematically, the program conducted surveys and baseline assessments of water and carbon data, selected and cultivated native tree species, and implemented new planting and enrichment of 35 hectares of forest in 2024. This brings the total forest area planted by Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam since 2021 to nearly 200 hectares nationwide.

In addition to its positive environmental impact, the forest planting model has helped over 100 participating households achieve stable incomes while also transforming their perception of the value of forests. This shift in mindset has led to better care, protection, and collective efforts to ensure the sustainability of the program.

Over six months, hundreds of residents and forest owners were trained in forest management and care techniques. They also participated in workshops to raise awareness about the role of forests in climate change adaptation, sustainable development, and natural resource management.

Additionally, numerous 20-year forest protection commitments have been signed between forest owners and local authorities, ensuring sustainable management and long-term conservation.

"The achievements of this model not only mark a significant beginning but also lay the groundwork for future expansion, bringing lasting positive value to the environment and creating meaningful impacts for communities and society," shared Ms. Ngo Nu Huyen Trang, External Relations Director of Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam.

According to Ms. Trang, over the past 30 years of accompanying Vietnam, Suntory PepsiCo has consistently taken the lead in promoting sustainable development to address environmental and social challenges, in alignment with its core value of “Growing for Good.”

The company’s sustainable development strategy focuses on six main pillars. It is also the first private enterprise to form a public-private partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) in sustainable forest development.

With a profound awareness of the importance of water resources, Suntory PepsiCo advocates for water sustainability through a dual approach: optimizing water use in production and reforesting upstream areas to replenish water for nature.

The company also promotes sustainable water resources for the future through education, fostering awareness of water conservation among students as the next generation, under the "Mizuiku - I Love Clean Water" program, which has been implemented since 2015.

With the aim of enhancing access to clean water for communities, during the closing ceremony on the morning of December 11, a representative of Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam donated water purifiers to the Department of Education and Training of Ky Son District, Nghe An Province.

Ky Son is one of three localities selected for the implementation of the program "Water Conservation - For a Green Vietnam" This area has experienced severe deforestation, with frequent flash floods, landslides, and soil erosion.

Statistics from the Forestry Department indicate that climate change is severely impacting water resources in Vietnam. Forest loss, especially of upstream forests, weakens natural water storage capacity, leading to prolonged droughts, soil erosion, and significant effects on agricultural production and people's livelihoods.

In 2023 alone, 1,722.3 hectares of forest were damaged, primarily due to wildfires and extreme weather conditions, exacerbating the risk of water depletion. Public-private partnerships are, therefore, a crucial factor in fostering collective efforts across society to address this challenge.