Multiple benefits of the coastal mangrove reforestation project in Quang Ninh province

Bài liên quan

Overcoming challenges to promote mangrove reforestation

The Forest Sector Modernization and Coastal Resilience Enhancement Project (FMCR), approved by the Prime Minister of Vietnam in 2018 with fundings provided by the World Bank, has been implemented in eight coastal provinces and cities, including Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, and Thua Thien - Hue.

Most notably, the FMCR project in the Van Ninh commune, Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province, has achieved positive and significant results. Accordingly, the project has not only focused on ecological objectives but also supported and improved the livelihoods of local residents, enhancing their quality of life.

Mr. Bui Van Nhon, Chairman of Van Ninh Communal People's Committee, reported that in August 2021, the FMCR project initiated an investment in mangrove forests which cover nearly 40 hectares in the commune. A local community group specializing in mangrove reforestation was established in order to execute this task. The group consists mainly of villagers who nurtured the planted trees in the area.

In 2022, the commune expanded the project's scope and formed an additional community group, which contributed to the planting of mangrove forests on an area of approximately 60 hectares. Following these two phases of implementation, the total area of mangrove forests planted under the FMCR project in Van Ninh commune reached almost 100 hectares.

During the project implementation period, nearly 3,000 mangrove trees have been planted, providing employment opportunities and a source of income for nearly 80 households in the commune. Moreover, the FMCR project invested in constructing three coastal roads with a total length of 2.8 kilometers in Van Ninh commune to facilitate new planting and tree maintenance in the mangrove areas.

"These coastal roads have assisted people in the planting and nurturing of trees. Thanks to these infrastructure projects, the local residents of Van Ninh commune have greatly benefited in terms of aquaculture activities," Mr. Bui Van Nhon elaborated.

In addition to supporting infrastructure, the FMCR project management board in Quang Ninh province supported local residents in a pig breeding project to develop their livelihoods in the mangrove reforestation area.

The most significant difference between FMCR and other reforestation projects previously implemented in Van Ninh, according to Mr. Nhon, is the participation of the local community in planting, nurturing, managing, and earning income from project activities.

"Local residents who currently participate in the FMCR project earn a monthly income ranging from 10 to 15 million VND. As a result, the project helps people develop a strong awareness of conservation and protection, not only for the project's forest areas but also for the natural mangrove forests in the commune," explained  Mr. Bui Van Nhon.

In addition to support from the central and local project management boards, the local government and residents have been actively involved at all levels throughout the project implementation.

"We are aware of the benefits of mangrove reforestation. Firstly, it ensures the livelihoods of the aquaculture sector. Secondly, it contributes to reducing the impact of strong tides and storms. As a result, the commune's government has provided precise guidance and accompanied the project management board and local residents to effectively carry out mangrove reforestation over the past three years," added Mr. Nhon.

The FMCR project in Quang Ninh province was approved by the Provincial People's Committee in Decision No. 1918/QD-UBND dated May 7, 2019, with a total investment capital of 725,285 billion VND.

Accordingly, the central ODA fund provided 513,810 billion VND including 446,104 billion VND allocated through the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and 67,706 billion VND allocated directly to the province. Additionally, the central budget counterpart funding for the province was 49,894 billion VND and the provincial budget counterpart funding was 93,875 billion VND.

The project is implemented in 38 communes and wards across 8 districts, towns, and cities in the province, including Quang Yen, Ha Long, Van Don, Cam Pha, Tien Yen, Dam Ha, Hai Ha, and Mong Cai.

The total area of mangrove reforestation as dictated under the FMCR project in Quang Ninh province is 840.75 hectares, including 151.03 hectares of newly planted forests and 689.72 hectares of replanted forests. The original target in 2022 was 611.51 hectares including 108.68 hectares of newly planted forests and 502.83 hectares of replanted forests.

The total area of forest that has been planted to date is 730.74 out of 840.75 hectares including 107.7 hectares of newly planted forests and 623.04 hectares of replanted forests. These figures represent 86.9% of the total area. The remaining 144.32 hectares, including 44.86 hectares of newly planted forests and 99.46 hectares of replanted forests, is expected to be completed in 2023, in conjuction with activities for nurture, interplanting, and protection.

Regarding the two investment packages for upgrading the road system, managing and protecting the mangrove forests in combination with supporting the livelihoods and production of local residents in Hai Ha district and Mong Cai city, their construction has been completed, and the projects have been handed over to the respective local governments.