Stronger forest governance drives Viet Nam’s green future

Implementing Directive No. 13-CT/TW and Conclusion No. 61-KL/TW of the Secretariat regarding strengthened Party leadership in forest management, protection, and development, the forestry sector has deployed synchronized solutions over the recent period. These efforts have yielded comprehensive results, contributing significantly to ecological stability and sustainable development.

Synchronized action from leadership to implementation

The dissemination and thorough grasp of the Directive and Conclusion have been carried out extensively from the central to the grassroots levels. Ministries and branches have organized conferences to convey these directives to all party organizations, agencies, units, and officials. Simultaneously, communication regarding the Party and State’s policies on environmental protection and sustainable development has been intensified.

At the local level, party committees and authorities have taken a proactive leadership role, coordinating with the Fatherland Front and socio-political organizations to launch movements such as "All people participate in forest protection and development" and the "Tree Planting Festival in eternal gratitude to Uncle Ho." These initiatives have led to significant changes in community awareness and action.

Building on this foundation, the Government issued specific action programs, including Resolution 71/NQ-CP (2017) and Resolution 29/NQ-CP (2024), outlining 38 key tasks focused on propaganda, improving state management efficiency, developing the forest economy, planning, and international cooperation. The Party Civil Affairs Committee of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment also issued specific Action Programs and Plans, assigning clear responsibilities to individual units to create a unified platform for implementation.

Implications of notable achievements

Management, protection, and development work has seen positive shifts. Since 2020, forestry and forest protection authorities have advised on the issuance of 35 legal documents and the development of three major programs: the Sustainable Forestry Development Program (2021-2025), the Viet Nam Forestry Development Strategy (2021-2030, vision to 2050), and the National Forestry Planning (2021-2030, vision to 2050).

The value of forestry production has maintained stable growth, reaching 4.7% in 2024 and 6.67% in the first quarter of 2025. Export turnover for wood and non-timber forest products surged from VND 8 billion in 2017 to VND 17.35 billion in 2024. Revenue from forest environmental services now exceeds VND 17 trillion annually, becoming a sustainable financial pillar for the industry and helping improve incomes for millions of households engaged in forestry.

Forest protection is executed consistently under the principle of "strict and effective protection of existing forest areas, particularly natural forests." Thanks to intensified inspection, supervision, and strict handling of violations, the number of forestry law violations has decreased by an average of 10% per year. The roles and responsibilities of authorities at all levels in forest management have become increasingly defined.

Currently, more than 1.2 million households comprising nearly 5 million laborers participate in forestry activities, the majority of whom are ethnic minorities in mountainous and highland regions. Forest protection contracting policies have provided stable livelihoods for hundreds of thousands of households, improving living standards and contributing to poverty reduction and new rural development.

Viet Nam's forest coverage rate reached 42.02% in 2024, surpassing the targets set by the 13th Party Congress. The structure of three forest types, special-use, protection, and production forests, is maintained and effectively utilized for headwater protection, coastal defense, erosion control, and disaster mitigation. These efforts play a crucial role in ensuring water security, environmental security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering green growth.

Towards a green and modern forestry sector

Drawing from practical implementation, the forestry industry has identified several critical lessons. First, the timely institutionalization of Party guidelines and State policies creates a synchronized legal framework for the entire sector. Furthermore, accelerating the application of science, technology, and digital transformation in forest management is an inevitable requirement of the new era.

The sector also emphasizes regular inspection, supervision, and practical review to replicate successful models and resolve issues in a timely manner. Ultimately, forest protection is defined as a responsibility of the entire society. Consequently, mechanisms and policies must be robust enough to attract investment while strengthening international cooperation and expanding export markets to meet commitments on climate change and sustainable development effectively.

In the coming period, forestry and forest protection authorities are determined to continue effectively implementing Conclusion No. 61-KL/TW. This involves enhancing the roles and responsibilities of party committees and authorities at all levels, especially heads of agencies. There will be a strong push for digital transformation and the application of GIS technology, remote sensing, and artificial intelligence in forest resource management.

Concurrently, the sector will perfect financial mechanisms to encourage enterprises, communities, and individuals to participate in preserving forests and generating wealth from them. Building a professional, courageous forest ranger force closely attached to the grassroots remains a priority to meet the demands of the new situation.

Executing Directive 13 and Conclusion 61 is not only a key political task but also a commitment to a greener, more sustainable Viet Nam, where forests continue to provide cover, protecting life and the future for generations to come.