Livelihoods under forest canopy from the agroforestry model

Van Son is known as a mountainous commune classified as extremely disadvantaged in Bac Ninh Province (formerly under Son Dong District, Bac Giang Province). Although it has a large forest area (approximately 6,000 ha), local people have mainly planted small timber trees with a rotation of 5 to 7 years under extensive cultivation for paper and woodchip materials for many years. As a result, the economic value has been low, and local livelihoods have faced many difficulties.

After implementing the two-level local governance model, the Party Committee of Van Son Commune developed a program for sustainable forest development associated with the “agroforestry model,” aiming to improve the local economy and help people escape poverty sustainably. A reporter from VAN News interviewed Mr. Dam Van Lich, Head of the Economic Division of Van Son Commune, on this topic.

Could you please share the specific targets that Van Son commune has set in order to develop sustainable forest-based economic growth associated with the “agroforestry model”?

The Party Committee of Van Son Commune has set very specific goals, including: forestry production value reaching about VND 30 million per hectare per year; total income from forestry reaching over VND 120 billion per year; establishing and maintaining 3 agroforestry models; maintaining a forest coverage rate of 67.5%; attracting enterprises to invest in building 1 to 2 forest product processing factories; strictly protecting natural forests and planted forests and newly planting 50 ha of forests (scattered trees); ensuring that 40% to 50% of the production forest area is granted sustainable forest management certification (FSC).

What specific solutions will Van Son Commune implement to achieve these goals?

The commune encourages people to plant large timber species of high economic value and suitable growth cycles for local conditions (such as lim, oak, hybrid acacia, eucalyptus). In addition to timber products, we focus on developing agricultural products under the forest canopy that meet OCOP standards and forest specialties such as forest medicinal herbs (ginseng, cinnamon, angelica), forest honey, tree resin and forest specialty products (bamboo shoots, wild fruits). We focus on supporting investment in preliminary processing facilities to preserve value and expand consumption markets. Training courses on techniques for harvesting, preserving and processing non-timber forest products are organized for local people.

In addition, the commune also focuses on developing models combining forest planting with agricultural crops (fruit trees, short-term industrial crops) and livestock and poultry farming; promoting production linkages and building value chains from agroforestry; developing ecotourism and forest-based services; and tapping the potential for ecotourism and community tourism associated with forests (sightseeing, agroforestry experiences, adventure tourism).

How do you assess the strategy for sustainable forest development associated with the “agroforestry model”?

I believe this model aims to make effective use of land by combining forest planting with agricultural crops and livestock, creating diversified livelihoods for local people, protecting soil, preventing erosion, and increasing soil fertility. The model also helps reduce pressure on natural forests, expand the area of planted and high-quality regenerating forests, and ensure a balance between ecological protection and agroforestry economic development. The ultimate goal remains to increase income and improve the living standards of people in forested areas through diversified products.

We are also selecting suitable land areas for forestry and crops, combined with small-scale livestock farming, identifying safe zones for agroforestry production. Priority is given to high-value, drought-tolerant, and erosion-resistant forestry species, combined with fruit trees, medicinal plants, and short-cycle industrial crops under the forest canopy; raising livestock and poultry under sustainable farming models to minimize deforestation; promoting production-processing-marketing linkages, supporting the development of agroforestry product value chains (OCOP products, local specialties); and expanding forest allocation and agroforestry land distribution to communities and households.

Alongside these measures, the commune will provide technical support and technology transfer, organize training on forest planting, agricultural crop care, livestock techniques, and apply science and technology in forest and agricultural management, such as water-saving irrigation, organic fertilizers, and ecological protection.

In this strategy, the role of local leaders is crucial in ensuring policies are implemented consistently and effectively, and in preventing them from failing in practice. What specific plans does Van Son commune have, sir?

We view forest protection and development as an ongoing political task, linked to the responsibility of the party committee's head. The commune People’s Council also includes the goal of maintaining forest cover and reducing violations of forestry laws in the annual socio-economic development resolution for implementation. The commune will streamline the management system, clearly assign forest management responsibilities to each level of government and organizations in the development, management, and protection of forests; assign specific duties to organizations and individuals contracted, leased, or managing forests with a commitment to protect them; ensure that forest management, protection, and use are carried out according to the principle of sustainable development, contributing to environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, and improving livelihoods for local people and communities; promptly detect, document, and propose handling of acts of forest encroachment and violations of forestry laws.

Thank you so much!