Since May 2021, AFoCO and Forest Science Center of North-Eastern Viet Nam (FSNE) have been collaborating on the project “Research on forest enrichment using high valuable native species in Hoa Binh province, Vietnam (AFoCO/022/2021)“. The project is targeted for two main areas; (a) initiating customized restoration and reforestation models, and (b) local livelihood improvement and community-based small enterprise development
The goal of the project is to improve degraded natural forests in Hoa Binh province by applying forest enrichment measures using high-valuable native species, contributing to the increment of the environmental value and livelihoods of local people.
Despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in Viet Nam, the research team implemented the project activities successfully in 2021 as planned. The survey to assess degraded natural forest status, forest enrichment models, techniques applied, and related policies in Hoa Binh province was conducted and a report on relevant issues was developed to provide a comprehensive picture of Hoa Binh province in specific and Viet Nam in general that plays as a significant foundation for the province to make a good plan for coming action related to forest and environment protection and development. Based on the results achieved, a technical guideline on forest enrichment using high valuable native species was generated, and to be a baseline for the research team to develop the technical training curriculum. At the end of 2021, a training course on forest enrichment and seedling production of some valuable native tree species was organized in Hoa Binh province to be attended by more than 35 relevant participants.
Although the project has been implemented for only quite a short time, local people are very interested in the projects, particularly for the activities of improvement of degraded natural forests that they are coping with difficulty. They also learned how to select and produce good native seedlings. New knowledge and skills learned by the project will help promote sustainable practices while improving livelihoods.
Contributed by Dr. Bui Trong Thuy, Deputy Director of Forest Science Center of North-Eastern Viet Nam
