Advancing climate-friendly forest management in Viet Nam

Context

Forests cover 42 per cent of Viet Nam’s land area and play a central role in achieving the country’s net-zero emissions target by 2050. However, forest quality remains low, species diversity is limited, and climatic risks such as storm damage are increasing.

Viet Nam is Asia’s second largest timber exporter, but most plantations use short-rotation models for wood chip production. Domestic supply cannot meet the rising demands for large-sized timber, resulting in 60 per cent of timber imports being sawlog. Although there is political commitment, forest owners lack experience with sawlog timber cultivation and access to finance, while the regulatory framework offers few incentives for change.

Objective

Viet Nam has made progress in implementing climate-friendly forest management practices that support long-term environmental and economic goals.

Approach

The project:

• Advises national and provincial stakeholders on how to improve the legal framework to push the transition to eco-friendly forest management;
• Develops the skills of service providers so that they in turn can enhance the ability of forest owners to manage long rotation plantations;
• Supports forest owners in developing innovative business models and identifying possible financing options for the transition.

Throughout all activities the project promotes gender equality. The consulting company unique land use GmbH supports the local implementation of project activities.

Last update: April 2025