Forestry science in new era: [1] New tree varieties drive sustainable forestry

Safeguarding the ‘green shield’ amid climate change

Starting at the Southwestern Forestry Research and Experimental Center, a working delegation from the Forest Science Institute of South Viet Nam (FSISV) traveled more than 100 km to Da Bac and Phan Ngoc Hien communes to inspect seed orchards, seed production forests, recognized forest genetic resources, and integrated aquaculture-under-forest models.

These are not only among Ca Mau province's most representative forests but also symbolize the two distinctive ecosystems of Viet Nam's southernmost region. Da Bac commune, located in the U Minh Ha area, features acid sulfate swamp forests dominated by cajuput and acacia growing on clay and peat soils. Meanwhile, Phan Ngoc Hien commune is home to coastal mangrove forests, where mangrove species form a green barrier that protects the shoreline while gradually extending the coastline.

Once scarred by war, forest fires, and resource exploitation, these forests now provide significant economic, ecological, and conservation value. Ca Mau is home to two national parks - U Minh Ha and Mui Ca Mau, the latter recognized as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance within a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. However, both ecosystems are increasingly threatened by climate change.

The U Minh region faces prolonged drought, saltwater intrusion, declining groundwater levels, and a growing risk of peat forest fires. Ngoc Hien, meanwhile, is increasingly vulnerable to sea level rise, coastal erosion, and shifting sediment deposits. These changing ecological conditions directly affect forest growth, making it essential to identify and develop tree varieties better adapted to emerging environmental challenges.

The contrasting site conditions and climate vulnerabilities of U Minh and Ngoc Hien have made them key locations for forestry breeding research. These forests not only preserve valuable wetland genetic resources but also serve as "natural laboratories" for evaluating drought, acid sulfate, salinity, and pest resistance in tree varieties. The findings support forest restoration efforts and sustainable management in Ca Mau while providing scientific guidance for other areas in the Mekong Delta with similar ecological conditions.

According to Ninh Van Quang, Deputy Director of the Southwestern Forestry Research and Experimental Center, forests today are no longer viewed merely as natural resources but as ecological infrastructure that protects coastlines, regulates water resources, stores carbon, conserves biodiversity, and supports the green economy.

In Ngoc Hien, that value is further enhanced through integrated aquaculture beneath the forest canopy. Combining forest protection with aquatic farming helps maintain forest cover while generating income and increasing the value of local products, thereby encouraging communities to participate in forest conservation.

"In the past, the forests of U Minh and Ngoc Hien were known for their wild, mysterious beauty and wartime history. Today, they have become a true 'green shield' and precious biosphere heritage, strictly protected against climate change while serving as a foundation for Ca Mau's sustainable green economy and ecotourism," Quang said.

This evolving role of forests also demands a new direction for forestry science. Tree breeding is no longer focused solely on productivity but must also improve climate resilience, forest quality, ecological functions, and long-term economic benefits for local communities.

Research, selection, certification, and mastery of improved genetic resources have therefore become essential to building climate-resilient forests while balancing conservation, livelihoods, and sustainable forestry development.

Tree breeding is the key to higher-value planted forests

In the past, forest plantations primarily aimed to restore barren land and supply raw materials. Today, under increasing climate pressure, planted forests must do much more. They are expected to deliver high productivity while adapting to local site conditions, storing more carbon, protecting the environment, and providing stable livelihoods.

At the U Minh Forestry Experimental Station, that effort begins with improved planting material. Researchers are evaluating tree lines that not only grow vigorously but also tolerate the acid sulfate soils typical of U Minh Ha, where seasonal drought, wildfire risks, and changing ecological conditions are becoming more severe.

According to Vuong Hung Vy, head of the U Minh Forestry Experimental Station, it is collaborating with the FSISV to evaluate multiple lines of black wattle (Acacia auriculiformis) and long-leaved paperbark (Melaleuca leucadendra). The objective is to identify planting materials best suited to local conditions to improve forest productivity and quality.

"We aim to identify the best-performing tree varieties for commercial production. Field trials show that several lines of black wattle and long-leaved paperbark have grown exceptionally well on U Minh's acid sulfate soils. After about four years of testing, these trees have demonstrated stable growth and strong potential for large-scale deployment," Vy said.

High-quality genetic resources not only increase timber productivity but also help establish forests with greater carbon sequestration capacity, higher canopy cover, and a more reliable supply of raw materials for the wood-processing industry. More importantly, higher returns per hectare encourage local communities to remain committed to sustainable forestry.

Field experience has shown that plantation success depends not only on improved genetics but also on proper site selection, raised-bed preparation, careful maintenance, pruning, and thinning. These practices must be implemented together to ensure high survival rates, vigorous growth, high productivity, and stronger resilience throughout the forest rotation.

Alongside breeding research, the U Minh Forestry Experimental Station continues to manage and protect forests, prevent wildfires, and raise public awareness. Tree breeding is therefore closely linked to local livelihoods. When forests provide stable income, communities are more motivated to protect, manage, and develop them over the long term.

From a research perspective, Dr. Kieu Tuan Dat, FSISV Director, said that part of the cajuput forests in the U Minh region is showing signs of degradation as ecological conditions change. This underscores the need to develop tree varieties that combine high productivity with tolerance to drought, acid sulfate soils, and salinity to support ecosystem restoration under climate change.

The FSISV has spent many years breeding forest tree varieties suited to diverse ecological zones. Many have been officially recognized by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment as new varieties, advanced technical varieties, or national varieties, and have gradually been transferred into commercial production. These improved varieties have contributed to higher-quality production forests while also supporting protection forests, special-use forests, and genetic resource conservation.