Forest bathing for connection and cultural exchange

On March 17-18, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the Viet Nam Forest Administration (VNFOREST), co-organized the celebration of the International Day of Forests 2026 at Cuc Phuong National Park.

Unlike traditional commemorative events, this year’s program was designed as a journey of hands-on experiences combined with multi-dimensional policy dialogue. Delegates took part in “forest bathing,” connection walks, and cultural exchanges with the Muong community, thereby gaining a deeper appreciation of the intrinsic relationship between people and forest ecosystems.

In addition, the high-level panel discussion “Economic Values and Livelihoods from Forests” focused on clarifying the role of forests as an “economic infrastructure,” promoting sustainable forest product value chains, the bioeconomy, climate finance, and public-private partnerships, while also highlighting the role of youth and indigenous knowledge in advancing a green economy. The “Commitment Tree” initiative and the tree-planting ceremony further helped spread the message of joining hands to protect and develop Viet Nam’s forests.

With the overarching message “Sustainable Forests - Secure Water - Resilient Livelihoods - A Happy Future,” the program attracted a wide range of participants, including representatives of government agencies, international experts, youth, and local communities.

Mr. Tran Quang Bao, Director General of the Viet Nam Forest Administration (VNFOREST), emphasized that Viet Nam consistently identifies sustainable forestry development as one of its key strategic priorities. Forest protection is not the responsibility of a single country or sector, but a shared effort of governments, the international community, businesses, and citizens, working together toward a green and sustainable future.

The event in response to the International Day of Forests 2026 was held at Cuc Phuong National Park - the first national park in Viet Nam - combining nature-based experiences, cultural exchange, and policy dialogue.

“Sustainable forestry is not only a national goal but also Viet Nam’s commitment and responsibility to the global community. To successfully achieve these goals, we highly value and appreciate the companionship of the international community. The practical contributions from organizations such as FAO, UNDP, GIZ, WWF have helped Viet Nam strengthen forest governance, conserve biodiversity, and improve sustainable livelihoods,” he noted.

In the coming period, the forestry sector will continue to focus on several key directions: sustainable forest management, protection and development; strengthening forest product value chains; expanding forest ecosystem services; promoting the development of forest carbon markets; enhancing science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation; and placing local communities at the center of forest management and development efforts.

According to Vinod Ahuja, FAO Representative in Viet Nam, in order to achieve global climate and biodiversity goals, forests must be placed at the center of socio-economic development strategies, planning, and policies.

Forest-based products such as timber, bamboo, rattan, resins, food, and medicinal resources provide nature-based solutions for a low-emission economy, while maintaining forest landscapes helps reduce the costs of disaster recovery and ensures water security - the foundation for both agricultural production and urban development.

The celebration of the International Day of Forests 2026 once again reaffirmed that: “Investing in forests is investing in the future of humanity, in the prosperity of society as a whole, and in a healthy planet.”

“Viet Nam’s forests are not only a natural treasure but also a powerful driver of economic opportunities and rural livelihoods. Investing in forests means investing in water security, climate resilience, and sustainable growth for millions of people. Events like this remind us that protecting forests and strengthening forest-based economies must go hand in hand if we are to build a prosperous and sustainable future,” emphasized Vinod Ahuja.

Forests are not only ecosystems but also economic drivers, cultural foundations, and climate shields, contributing to livelihoods, health, and human well-being. This was the key message conveyed by FAO and VNFOREST during the International Day of Forests 2026 in Viet Nam.

Since 2013, the International Day of Forests (March 21) has been observed annually to raise global awareness. This year, under the theme “Forests and Sustainable Economic Development,” the event highlighted the role of forests in driving growth, protecting natural resources, and strengthening climate resilience.