Thai Nguyen: Implementing FSC afforestation serving for forestry exports

Approach

Afforestation following the FSC global standard represents a significant step forward in forestry production, eradicating spontaneous forest plantation through the application of science and technology and bringing businesses and farmers closer to the global market through the sale of high-quality wood products. Truong Thinh Phat Co., Ltd. was a focal firm linking household foresters with timber-consuming corporations in the world by mid-2021. Truong Thinh Phat has selected Van Han commune (Dong Hy district), an area in Thai Nguyen with a high proportion of production forests, to deploy 4,000 ha for FSC certification.

Mr. Vu Quang Dung, Chairman of the district, stated that the district made a breakthrough in forestry a few years ago, and as a result, Dong Hy welcomes and commits to creating favorable conditions and an environment for enterprises to invest in the district, provided that all regulatory factors are met. Additionally, the district anticipates that its forest area will be FSC certified, enhancing the quality and value of each forestry land area unit.

Implementation

According to Ms. Nguyen Thi Loan, Deputy Head of the Dong Hy district's Forest Protection Department, the district has around 17,900 ha of producing forest, primarily acacia trees. Since 2019, the locality has partnered with many farmers to plant large timber forests. It aims to plant at least 120 hectares of new large timber forest by 2022 and to accelerate the implementation of sustainable forest management projects and the certification of FSC forests.

The FSC-certified production method strives to provide clear-sourced and safe material areas, prevent deforestation-related wood exploitation, and successfully protect the environment. It serves as the foundation for State and local management authorities to make decisions on how to use forest resources sustainably in terms of the economy, society, and environment. Participation in the program features enterprises' investment with the commitment to consume forest timber of higher value than the market, which serves as a critical foundation for public consensus.

Mr. Nguyen Trong Van (Pha Ly hamlet, Van Han commune), a participant in the FSC afforestation project, revealed that over 100 households in Pha Ly hamlet are engaged in sustainable forest management and FSC certification issuance. The community is lucky to have access to the project since they gain not only from the municipal afforestation policy but also from commercial backing.  Especially committed to purchasing forest materials at a higher price than the market.

Mr. Vu Duc Chuyen (Pha Ly Hamlet, Van Han Commune) stated that the FSC's principles are not a barrier since they contribute to the protection of the environment and the natural ecosystem in a unique way, which encompasses not only the source of forest timber but also the supply of air and water. While the economic benefits are obvious, the environmental benefits will raise people's consciousness.

Mr. Duong Son Ha, Deputy Director of the Thai Nguyen provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, stated that Van Han is the first commune in the province to be selected to implement the project. Almost 1,000 households have registered to join thus far, covering an area of approximately 1,500 ha. This is a critical step toward a future in which wood products are harvested to satisfy international standards, reach a global market, and provide significant economic benefits to people. Thai Nguyen province has established a target of 10% large timber forest area and 30% certified sustainable forest area by 2025 and 30% by 2030.

FSC forest certification acknowledged local forest owners and managers in their efforts to sustainably manage forests. It helped people participating in forest certification groups have a better sense of environmental protection, and showed a greater sense of community in forestry production, bringing high long-term and stable economic efficiency.

The model was undertaken closely from the process of planting, caring, and harvesting, ensuring wood quality for export to the European market.

Thai Nguyen is projected to plant about 1.7 million scattered trees in 2022, concentrated in nine districts, cities, and towns, in conjunction with tasks and solutions for implementing the Forestry Development Strategy and targets of the country's long-term development.

Thai Nguyen now owns about 178,800 hectares of land designated for forestry, including 36,300 hectares for special-use forests, 43,000 hectares for conservation forests, and over 99,500 hectares for production forests. Thai Nguyen now has a forest coverage percentage of 47.6 percent, which is 5.5 percent greater than the national average.