Research on introducing the coconut industry to the carbon market

On August 16, the People's Committee of Ben Tre Province, in collaboration with the Ministry of Science and Technology and Can Tho University, organized a scientific seminar on the coconut industry with the theme "Ben Tre's green and sustainable development towards net zero."

Mr Tran Ngoc Tam, Chairman of the People's Committee of Ben Tre Province, stated that Ben Tre has the largest coconut acreage in the country, with 79,000 ha, generating nearly $ 500 million annually. Currently, coconut products from Ben Tre are exported to 90 countries and territories. The export market for coconut products continues to be maintained and expanded by businesses.

Recognizing coconut as one of the key industrial crops, the provincial leadership is committed to providing all necessary conditions for developing mechanisms and policies to attract investment, enhancing the application of science and technology in coconut production and processing, aligned with domestic consumption needs and international markets.

According to Mr Tam, with the largest coconut acreage in the country, Ben Tre has the potential to sequester between 1.9 to 5.8 million tons of CO2 (not including the trees under the coconut canopy). The province also has the potential to participate in the carbon credit market and move towards a green economy, circular economy, and climate change mitigation. Therefore, the agricultural sector in Ben Tre is focusing on continuing to develop ecological and circular agriculture with low carbon emissions, environmentally friendly practices, and climate adaptation.

At the seminar, experts and scientists focused on addressing issues to sustainably develop the coconut value chain, the coconut industry in Ben Tre’s participation in the low-carbon economy, and sustainable development policies for the coconut sector.

During this event, the People's Committee of Ben Tre Province signed a cooperation agreement on training, science and technology, and innovation for the 2024–2025 period with the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Can Tho University, and the National University of Ho Chi Minh City, contributing to the successful achievement of goals in training, science, technology, and innovation.