SRD to encourage the campaign Forest the Future
The Center for Sustainable Rural Development (SRD) in cooperation with local agencies and organizations to hold the “Forests for the Future” campaign kick-off Ceremony, in response to the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought (17 June 6).
Attendants to the Ceremony were Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) Deputy Secretary - General – Dr. Le Cong Luong, representatives of Departments; SRD Center staffs; representatives of leaders and officers of departments of Son La province, Thuan Chau Commune, Forest Ranger unit and a great number of locals.
On the morning of 16 June, at Ta Khoan Village, Chieng Khoang Commune, Thuan Chau District, Son La Province,
Speaking at the Ceremony, Dr Le Cong Luong affirmed: “The ceremony is not just a response to the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, but also an evidence of active, responsive and creative spirit of science organizations and the community in a common effort to restore land, protect the ecosystem and ensure future for next generations”.
This reforestation campaign is one of the key activities in the “Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change in the Agriculture and Forestry Sector of the Northwestern Mountain Region - Phase 2” project, sponsored by the Bread for the World organization (Germany). The project is to be launched in 5 villages of Thuan Chau Commune in the 2024-2026 period, aiming to enhance rural community’s resistance to climate change, especially through restoring and protecting forest linked to sustainable livelihood”.
In the framework of the campaign, 50ha of forest out of more than 77ha surveyed is expected to be restored, with approximately 20.000 indigenous tree species such as Tram đen, Gioi xanh and Lat hoa. These multi-purpose forestries not only help green bare hills but also serve as a source of income, food and the green future for the local community. In particular, the project founded 10 self-managed forest protecting units, organized technical training on forest planting and protecting, enhancing forest resources management capacity and awareness for the locals.
Mrs Nguyen Kim Ngan, Deputy Director of SRD Center shared:” We hope locals not only participate in the project but also lead the way to sustainability. Every single effort to plant trees today is a promise to maintain soil, protect the forest and ensure tomorrow's lives”.
The ceremony ended with the tree planting activity in Ta Khoang Village, with active participation of local representatives, officials and residents.
This Forest the Future campaign, through close cooperation of agencies, social organizations and the community, is expected to contribute to the Net Zero target of the Vietnam’s Government, restoring livelihood and protecting sustainable ecological environment for the Northwestern Mountain Region of Vietnam.
