Vinamilk engages in regenerating 25 hectares of mangrove forest in Ca Mau

This initiative is part of Vinamilk's larger project titled "Net Zero Vinamilk Forest", aimed at creating green spaces to absorb carbon dioxide, thereby advancing the goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and contributing to Vietnam's broader Net Zero 2050 target, as actively promoted by the Vietnamese government.

"Restoring mangrove forests - Monitoring the Carbon footprint"

This message is conveyed by Vinamilk through their current activity at the Mui Ca Mau National Park. As they embark on the nurturing and regeneration project for a 25-hectare mangrove forest in partnership with Gaia, the effort will span over the next 6 years.

According to Mrs. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Founder and CEO of the Gaia Nature Conservation Center, the organization partnering with Vinamilk on this project, mangrove forests serve as an efficient ecosystem for carbon sequestration. Some studies suggest that the carbon absorption and storage capacity of mangrove forests can be up to four times greater than that of tropical forests on land, depending on various regions. Mangrove forests can be considered highly effective "carbon sinks," capable of storing carbon for over 5,000 years. Hence, the conservation and development of mangrove forests play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

"The Vinamilk & Gaia nurtured forest covers an area of 25 hectares within the core zone of the Mui Ca Mau National Park. It is anticipated that around 100,000 – 250,000 mangrove trees will grow. To ensure the sustainability and effectiveness of the project, we will collaborate with the Mui Ca Mau National Park to implement protective and monitoring activities for the nurtured area. These activities will include raising awareness among local residents, conducting patrols, reinforcing protective barriers, and carrying out research to measure the impacts of the forest over a 6-year period. We hope this forest will rapidly thrive and become a significant 'carbon sink' in the near future," shared Mrs. Thanh Huyen.

The total investment by Vinamilk for this project amounts to 4 billion VND, which supports activities related to nurturing and promoting the natural regeneration of the forest, as well as programs aimed at raising awareness among the local communities living within and around the Mui Ca Mau National Park. With the 25-hectare mangrove forest, under normal growth conditions, it is estimated that this area can potentially sequester carbon ranging from 17,000 to 20,000 tons of carbon, equivalent to 62,000 to 73,000 tons of CO2e.

Mui Ca Mau National Park is a key area within the Ca Mau World Biosphere Reserve, one of Vietnam's RAMSAR sites (important wetlands of international significance). It is a site for conserving genetic resources and protecting diverse ecosystems with over 400 species, including more than 40 endangered and rare species such as the mudskipper, catfish, and king cobra.

"The activity of nurturing and promoting the natural regeneration of the forest through Vinamilk in collaboration with Gaia at Mui Ca Mau National Park, apart from aiding carbon offset to contribute to climate change mitigation, also assists in expanding the forest cover area towards the sea, preventing saltwater intrusion, enhancing wave protection along the coast, forming the ecosystem of the forest, and creating habitats for many precious aquatic, animal, and plant species. I believe that with more collaborative efforts and contributions from businesses, organizations, and communities, the mangrove forest of Mui Ca Mau will continue to thrive," noted Mr. Le Van Dung, the Director of Mui Ca Mau National Park.

In this project, Vinamilk employees also actively participate in nurturing and caring for the forest through various annual activities. Specifically, to kick-start the "Net Zero Vinamilk Forest" project in Ca Mau this time, nearly 60 Vinamilk employees took part in the meaningful act of nurturing the forest - an event held in August to commemorate Vinamilk's 47^th anniversary.

On this occasion, Vinamilk also donated 5 boats to Mui Ca Mau National Park to support patrol, inspection, and forest protection activities, along with gifting more than 4,200 nutritional products to the staff and workers of the park.

Towards the goal of Net Zero Forests

Vinamilk is known as a pioneering and active entity in sustainable development activities, as well as in its commitment to Net Zero 2050. Alongside activities to reduce emissions across the value chain, Vinamilk actively promotes tree planting for carbon offsetting. An example of this is the "Net Zero Vinamilk Forest" project, which the company is implementing to create green spaces that absorb CO2 and inspire the community to engage in nature conservation and tree planting.

Prior to this project, in 2018, also in Ca Mau, Vinamilk and the program "One million green trees for Vietnam fund" planted nearly 100,000 trees in various areas, such as the GPS National Coordinate Milestone 0001, the coastal areas of Dat Mui commune (Ngoc Hien district), and Tan Hung commune (Cai Nuoc district). These forests have now grown, creating extensive green areas in the local region.

Participating in the reforestation team and revisiting the previously planted areas of the "One million green trees for Vietnam fund", there were Vinamilk's CEOs, Mr. Le Hoang Minh, CEO of Production, and Head of Vinamilk's Net Zero Project. Mr. Minh stated, "Experiencing and understanding the mangrove forests, seeing the green rows of trees that were planted 5 years ago now thriving and towering, we have a clearer understanding of why we need to act for nature and the environment. Through these activities, Vinamilk also hopes that all of our employees will become positive contributors, working together for the company's sustainable development goals. This will bring shared values and further spread the meaningful essence of the program".

"One million green trees for Vietnam fund" is a program carried out by Vinamilk from 2012 to 2020, in collaboration with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, planting 1,121,000 trees at 56 locations in 20 provinces and cities, with a total value of 12.5 billion VND. In early 2023, Vinamilk continues to partner with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment in the activity "Planting trees towards Net Zero (2023 - 2027)" with a budget of 15 billion VND. In the coming time, Vinamilk will continue to enhance efforts to establish more "Net Zero Vinamilk Forest" in Vietnam, making a significant contribution to achieving Vinamilk's Net Zero roadmap by 2050.