Hai Duong: Moving towards sustainable livestock farming, reducing emissions, and accessing the carbon market

This is the first time a workshop related to the carbon market has been held in Hai Duong, particularly in the context of Vietnam's strong commitment to the international community towards the Net Zero target by 2050, as announced at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 28). Additionally, the Prime Minister has recently issued Directive No. 13/CT-TTg dated May 2, 2024, on enhancing the management of carbon credits to implement the nationally determined contributions.

The workshop overview

The workshop was attended by Deputy Director of the Department of Livestock Production - Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development Mr. Tong Xuan Chinh; Deputy Director of the Vietnam National University of Agriculture Vu Ngoc Huyen; Director of the Institute for Green Growth Research Mr. Hoang Hiep; representatives from various provincial departments, agencies, and organizations; leaders of Thanh Ha District; representatives from the Agriculture Department and the Agricultural Service Centers of 12 districts, towns, and cities; as well as several businesses, farms, and livestock farmers in the province.

At the workshop, experts, scientists, and livestock farmers clearly outlined the current state, difficulties, and obstacles, with which the livestock industry is facing. They clarified the concepts of sustainable livestock development, emission reduction, and carbon market access. Specific directions were proposed for building and developing sustainable, low-emission livestock models that access the carbon market, and valuable lessons in emission reduction in livestock farming were shared.

Many opinions suggested that authorities at all levels, from central to local, should intensify the promotion of low-carbon concepts and carbon credits, as well as develop appropriate policies to encourage farms and livestock establishments to meet greenhouse gas emission reduction criteria. In particular, there is an urgent need to establish a national carbon credit registration system, provide guidance on developing programs and models for greenhouse gas emission reduction, and create carbon credits.

In Hai Duong Province, the livestock industry has a long-standing history and has been maintained and developed, particularly with advantages in pig farming, poultry farming, and aquaculture, which have the potential to participate in the carbon credit market. The province has established large-scale livestock farms that apply scientific and technological advancements in operations, animal management, and the use of biological products and bio-bedding. However, small-scale livestock farming still accounts for a large proportion and has not yet fully addressed pollution issues.

To develop livestock farming aimed at reducing emissions, the province needs to conduct comprehensive and objective assessments to improve and develop circular livestock farming models that reduce emissions. This direction aligns with the province's goals of green growth and sustainable development in the coming period.