EU, Germany join Vietnam’s efforts in natural forest restoration, sustainable management

Co-financed by the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, the program is jointly implemented by the Vietnam Forestry Administration (VNFOREST) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the German Embassy in Hanoi said in a press release on Friday. 

Running from 2026 to 2030, the project is aimed at supporting Vietnam’s green, sustainable growth, strengthening climate change mitigation and adaptation, safeguarding biodiversity, and advancing environmentally sustainable, climate-sensitive forest-based value chains.

The initiative will be implemented in Son La, Dien Bien, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and Dak Lak Provinces.

The EU will contribute 20 million euros (US$23.1 million) to the program, which will complement the ‘Protection and Management of Protected Areas with Diverse Ecosystems’ project, which started implementation early this year, with a 7.5 million-euro ($8.7 million) contribution from Germany.

The launch of the Forestry Support Program underlines the long-term support of Team Europe to Vietnam’s green and climate-resilient development.

“The program underscores our shared commitment to protect Vietnam’s natural forests and drive sustainable, inclusive development,” said director general at VNFOREST Tran Quang Bao.

By strengthening the restoration of natural forests and promoting sustainable and climate-sensitive forest management and livelihoods, it supports the Vietnamese forestry sector’s goals.

“We highly value our long-standing partnership with the EU and Germany in advancing sustainable forestry," Bao said.

Kristina Buende, head of cooperation at the EU Delegation in Vietnam, noted that the country’s forests are vital for climate action, water and soil protection, and the livelihoods of 25 million people, engaged in forest activities, while serving as major natural carbon sinks.

However, climate impact, forest degradation, and biodiversity loss threaten these ecosystems.

“Through a Team Europe approach, encompassing the EU and EU member states, we stand with Vietnam to protect and restore forests for people, nature and a resilient, low-carbon future,” she said.

Germany is a long-standing partner of Vietnam in sustainable forest management and biodiversity conservation, said Michael Lehmann, deputy head of cooperation at the Embassy of Germany.

Under the Team Europe approach and additional co-financing through the Forestry Support Program, Germany will further strengthen forest governance, enhance climate resilience, and foster sustainable, inclusive forest-based value chains.

“Building on Germany’s cooperation in Vietnam, this project advances climate-sensitive, sustainable forest management, by among others, piloting innovations, using digital tools, and building capacities to drive green growth and reduce climate vulnerability,” he said.

The launch ceremony brought together around 110 representatives from national and provincial authorities, forest management authorities, development partners, research institutions, NGOs, INGOs, and forest management communities.

Participants underlined a shared commitment among partners to advance sustainable forestry and climate adaptation in Vietnam.