Project looks to protect, develop coastal forests

Hanoi (VNA) - Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh has signed a decision approving the project on protecting and developing coastal forests to respond to climate change and promote green growth in the 2021-2030 period.

The project's objectives are to manage, protect and sustainably use forests in the existing and newly-afforested coastal areas in the period; effectively promote the role and function of forests in coastal areas in protecting the environment, consolidating defence security, reducing impact of natural disasters, responding to climate change, as well as generating jobs and increasing income of locals, thus contributing to socio-economic development.

The main task of the project is to effectively manage, protect and use the existing coastal forests, especially the area of protection forests, special-use forests and production forests; planting 20,000 hectares of new forests, including 9,800 hectares of mangrove forests and 10,200 hectares of forests for shielding from winds and wind-blown sand; and growing more trees on 15,000 hectares of existing forests, including 6,800 mangrove forests and 8,200 hectares of forests for shielding from winds and wind-blown sand.

The project aims at raising capacity and awareness about the role and value of forests in coastal areas, protecting and developing mangrove forests, and preserving biodiversity./.