Ha Giang promotes sustainable forestry development towards leveraging carbon credit opportunities

BHG - Ha Giang, one of the provinces with the highest forest coverage rates in the country, with a forest area of 470,103 hectares, plays a crucial role in environmental protection, disaster prevention, and sustainable economic development.

To fully tap into the potential of its forests, on October 10, 2021, the Provincial Party Committee issued Resolution 16 on sustainable forestry development. The resolution focuses on economic forest planting, combining livestock farming, medicinal plant cultivation, and promoting forestry law awareness, while also enhancing the public's consciousness about forest protection.

Forest protection patrol forces in Bac Me.

After three years of implementing the resolution, the province has planted 22.7 million trees, achieving 115.3% of the target, and increasing the forest coverage rate to 59.3% as of the end of 2024. The work of allocating forests to households and replanting forests after harvesting has also achieved positive results, with 90.4% of the target completed. The province continues to carry out measures to protect and develop forests and apply advanced technologies such as GIS for smart forest management.

Ha Giang is also moving towards carbon credit exploitation through forest protection and planting, creating opportunities to participate in the international market, thereby increasing the economic value derived from forests. At the same time, the province combines ecological tourism development in areas such as the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark, Phong Quang Forest, and the Tay Con Linh mountain range. Community-based tourism models, homestays, and the sale of traditional handicrafts not only attract tourists but also create jobs and improve the incomes of the local people.

According to Hoang Nhi Son, Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the implementation of Resolution 16 not only protects forest resources but also opens new directions through carbon credits, providing a sustainable source of income. The department will continue to promote international cooperation and supporting policies, contributing to the sustainable development of forestry and the socio-economic development of the province.

With the achieved results, Ha Giang is aiming towards environmental protection, economic development, and improving the quality of life for its people, while also effectively exploiting the potential of its forests to create dual benefits for the province.

VAN NGHI