Project description

Title: Promotion of Sustainable Management of Natural Forest and Marketing of Important Forest Products
Commissioned by: German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)
Country: Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Lead executing agency: Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD)
Overall term: 2005 to 2011

Context

The production stemming from Viet Nam’s forests does not come close to covering the demand for raw materials. In some cases, outdated technologies and a lack of quality control has lead to imported raw materials being exploited for only a quarter of their value. Administration, training, science and research capacities are currently insufficient for meeting the challenges of this growing sector, while maintaining the ecological, social and economic functions of the natural forest resources.

Natural forests account for more than eighty per cent of the 11.5 million hectares of forest cover in Viet Nam. These forests are of paramount importance for the protection of watersheds and the conservation of agricultural land. Furthermore they play an important role with regard to the mitigation of the effects of climate change.

The Government of Viet Nam recognises the importance of forest resources for the livelihood of the rural population. The National Forestry Development Strategy (2006 – 2020) foresees the creation of conditions required for the sustainable management of forest resources.

Until now, the Government of Viet Nam has mainly focussed on reforestation through the use of fast growing species. Practical concepts for the sustainable management of natural forests however are lacking.

The Government plans to establish timber processing industries that are competitive on international markets. Current conditions in the sector however do not support the targeted industrial growth with quality standards and the investment necessary for creating long-term employment opportunities.

Objective

Efficiency and sustainability of forest management and forest industries in Viet Nam are improved.

Approach

Socially acceptable, environmentally sound and economically viable forest management will be ensured through policy advice and a close integration of forest management into the value chains of forest industries and trade. Using targeted training and institutional development, the Programme supports the Government of Viet Nam in building the capacities required for the implementation of international environment conventions and the National Forestry Development Strategy.

Results achieved so far

The Promotion of Sustainable Management of Natural Forest and Marketing of important Forest Products programme has developed the conceptual basis for sustainable management of natural forests and forest certification, and supports forest enterprises in five pilot provinces in implementation. The conditions for improved valorisation of forest products were created by establishing a training centre for wood processing, providing technical advice to wood processing industries and close cooperation with Vietnamese timber associations. A forest policy network supported by the Programme contributes to the efficient implementation of the National Forest Development Strategy at provincial level.