📋 Tender Overview
According to FAO, forests contribute trillions of dollars each year to the global economy through ecosystem services and renewable resources. More than half of the worlds GDP depends directly on nature, including forests. Download Mr. Tran Quang Bao: Forests are not only an environmental resource but also a foundation for welfare and a driving force for sustainable development - Photo: VGP/Do HuongForests - a driving force for sustainable local economic development Today (March 18), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in collaboration with the Department of Forestry and Forest Rangers celebrates the International Day of Forests 2026 in Vietnam. With the theme Forests and sustainable economic development, this years message emphasizes that forests not only need to be protected but are also the foundation for green growth and long-term livelihoods. Approved by the United Nations since 2012 and held annually since 2013, the International Day of Forests is an opportunity for countries to more fully recognize the value of forests in development. According to FAO, forests contribute trillions of dollars each year to the global economy, while more than half of the worlds GDP depends on nature. However, these values are still not fully reflected in policy and investment. Forests not only provide wood, forest products or medicinal herbs but also play essential roles such as protecting water sources, preserving soil, regulating climate and minimizing natural disaster risks. These are fundamental factors for long-term growth, especially for developing economies. In Vietnam, with nearly 14.87 million hectares of forest and a coverage rate of over 42%, forests are making an important contribution to socio-economic development. The forestry industry maintains growth of about 5%/year and has a pervasive impact on many fields such as agriculture, hydropower, tourism and processing. Notably, wood and forest product exports in 2025 will reach over 18.3 billion USD, becoming one of the economic pillars. In addition, the policy of payment for forest environmental services also brings a stable source of income, contributing to improving peoples lives. Currently, there are about 25 million people living in and near forests, showing that forests are not only an environmental resource but also a foundation for security and a driving force for sustainable development. Conservation linked to livelihoods Cuc Phuong National Park is Vietnams first national park, established in 1962, where unique values of biodiversity converge, culture and environmental education. Reality from Cuc Phuong shows that forest conservation is only truly sustainable when associated with peoples economic benefits. During the period 2010-2025, many livelihood models have been deployed in the buffer zone, from agro-forestry, household-scale livestock farming to eco-tourism development. These models help hundreds of households improve their income, while significantly reducing the pressure on forest resource exploitation. In particular, ecotourism has opened up new directions when local communities participate directly in the value chain, from accommodation and culinary services to tour guides and cultural performances. This not only creates livelihoods but also contributes to preserving cultural identity. More importantly, peoples awareness of forest protection is significantly improved. When livelihoods are associated with forests, the community becomes the most active and effective forest protection force. One of the major orientations of Vietnams forestry industry is to shift from the mindset of forest protection to sustainable forest economic development, in which local communities play a central role. Forest-based livelihood models - from growing medicinal herbs, developing non-timber forest products to eco-tourism - are being encouraged to replicate. At the same time, new mechanisms such as the forest carbon market, climate finance or public-private cooperation are expected to create more resources for this field. Mr. Tran Quang Bao, Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, said that in the coming time the industry will focus on the following pillars: sustainable forest management; develop forest product value chains that do not cause deforestation; expanding ecosystem services; promote innovation and digital transformation; At the same time, strengthen the role of the community in forest resource management. To realize the goals of sustainable forest development, Vietnam continues to attach importance to cooperation with international organizations such as FAO, GIZ, WWF, UNDP... This is an important resource to help improve management capacity, transfer technology and develop green economic models. Mr. Vinod Ahuja, Chief Representative of FAO said: Vietnams forests are not only a natural treasure; forests are also a driving force. Investing in forests means investing in water security, climate resilience and sustainable growth for millions of people. Events like this remind us that protecting forests and strengthening forest-based economies must go hand in hand if we want to build a prosperous and sustainable future. FAO emphasizes that investing in forests is investing in the future: it brings more than just economic benefits. but also ensure water security, reduce natural disaster risks and increase resilience to climate change. In the context of global climate and biodiversity goalsincreasingly urgent, placing forests at the center of development strategies is an inevitable requirement. This requires close coordination between the Government, businesses, communities and international partners. In the forestry industry, a clear direction is being formed: economic development based on forests but not at the expense of forest resources. Forests are not only measured by area or wood output, but also by the value of clean water, fresh air, biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods for
