Enhancing the Value of Plantation Forests Through Sustainable Forest Management

Cooperatives showcase products developed under the project

Over its three-year implementation period (2023-2026), the project conducted 40 training sessions and issued the FSC certification for 1,004.4 hectares of forest, including 533 hectares in Hue. All 7 participating cooperatives developed maps and sustainable forest management plans.

The project directly benefited nearly 1,300 women, more than 1,000 young people, and 255 ethnic minority people. Notably, it also helped 17 people with disabilities improve their employment prospects and livelihood opportunities.

In Hue, the project supported the City’s Cooperative Alliance and local cooperatives in connecting with potential buyers, discussing procurement demands, and signing a framework agreement with Phat Huy Company. Notably, the agreed price was 10 to 15% above market rates at the time.

Speaking at the project’s closing event, Chairman of the City’s Cooperative Alliance Nguyen Van Hung highlighted the project’s contributions to strengthening cooperatives’ management capacity, helping them obtain FSC certification, diversifying livelihoods and expanding opportunities for production development, particularly for ethnic minority women and other disadvantaged groups.

Following the project’s completion, the City’s Cooperative Alliance will continue to support cooperatives in mobilizing resources, sharing experiences, as well as exploring opportunities to expand production and gradually scaling up successful models.

During the program, delegates, experts, and cooperative representatives exchanged insights on growing large-timber plantations, maintaining FSC certification, diversifying livelihoods, and providing support for vulnerable groups. They also discussed ways to sustain and build on the project’s achievements, with the aim of enhancing the economic value of plantation forests while protecting the environment and promoting sustainable forestry.