Discussion on promoting the power of Vietnamese forests for community benefits
WVR - The German Embassy in Hanoi, in partnership with Brot für die Welt, hosted the panel discussion titled “Boosting the Power of Forests: From Climate Solutions to Community Benefits” on September 24, 2024.
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This discussion marked the 2nd edition of “Hanoi Climate Talks”, a series of events aimed at addressing various climate change-related topics.
The Hanoi Climate Talks provide a platform for exchanging experiences, raising awareness and fostering cooperation between policymakers, businesses, the scientific community and the broader public. The theme for this talk highlighted the critical role of forests in mitigating climate change, promoting biodiversity, and supporting sustainable development.
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| German Ambassador Helga Margarete Barth speaks at the event. (Photo: German Embassy in Hanoi) |
The event attracted the participation of numerous stakeholders from ministries, academia and the broader public: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Thai Nguyen University, international organisations and members of the diplomatic community.
In her opening speech, German Ambassador to Vietnam Helga Margarete Barth emphasized: “Typhoon Yagi has devastated communities and the environment in many ways. We mourn with the families of the victims. In addition to the severe consequences of the storm, especially in rural Northern Vietnam, the loss of 25,000 trees in Hanoi alone marks a significant setback. We’re convinced that we can’t tackle global warming without the help of trees and forests worldwide. The science is clear: Sustainable forest management is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to protect our climate.”
Affirming Germany is a longstanding partner in Vietnam's efforts to protect its forests and ensure a sustainable future for future generations, the Ambassador stated, “Together, we implement forest projects across the country, totaling a portfolio of 75 million Euros. We look forward to continuing our support for Vietnam’s path towards a green and sustainable future.”
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| Speakers at the events. (Photo: German Embassy in Hanoi) |
In the panel discussion, international experts explored the critical role of Vietnamese forests in addressing climate change and supporting sustainable development. They examined the current state of the forest sector, strategies to enhance carbon sequestration, and the importance of urban forestry, agroforestry, and international cooperation in promoting sustainable forest management.
Mr. Pham Hong Luong, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, highlighted the multifaceted roles of Vietnam's forests, including their carbon absorption capabilities, environmental services, and economic value. Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thu Ha, Director of the Forestry Research and Development Institute, Thai Nguyen University, shared her insights about Urban Forests which have proven effective in sequestering carbon, reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, and improving air quality.
For Vietnam, expanding urban forests in cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, Da Nang can mitigate climate impacts while enhancing the quality of life for urban residents. Dr. Quang Tan Nguyen, Country Coordinator, International Forestry Research and World Agroforestry (CIFOR-ICRAF) underscored the enormous potential for agroforestry in Vietnam to contribute to climate change mitigation. Agroforestry, known as trees outside forests or trees in agricultural landscapes, plays a vital role in restoration of agro-ecosystems while improving local livelihoods. Agroforestry is also an important carbon sink.
Ms. Anja Barth, Chief Technical Advisor, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), gave an overview about the German-Vietnamese partnership in sustainable forest management which is one of the most effective and cost-efficient ways to protect the climate. German development cooperation in Vietnam has three priorities: Preserve the Vietnamese forests, boost their role in climate protection, and improve the lives of the local people.
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| German Deputy Ambassador Simon Kreye with Thai Nguyen University's students. (Photo: German Embassy in Hanoi) |
The event concluded with a call to action for governments, businesses, and individuals to work together to create a sustainable future. As the urgency to address climate change intensifies, understanding and strengthening the role of Vietnamese forests becomes essential. Healthy forests play a key role in mitigating the effects of climate change, and Vietnam's forests are essential in this effort. These forests, which cover around 40% of Vietnam's land area, not only support an incredible array of biodiversity but also provide essential ecosystem services that benefit both local and global communities. Moreover, a sustainable management of forest resources is crucial for supporting the livelihoods, economic stability, and well-being of communities.
