Vietnam's forest coverage is expected to increase to 42 percent by 2020 (Photo: tinmoitruong.vn) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam aims to increase the nationwide forest coverageto 42 percent, equivalent to 14.4 million hectares, by 2020, according to the targetprogramme on sustainable forest development during 2016-2020 recently approvedby the Prime Minister.
The country expects to achieve yearly forestry production growth rate of 5.5-6percent and have artificial forests produce 20 cubic metres per hectare peryear. Exports of woodwork and forestry products are forecast to fetch 8-8.5billion USD.
The sector eyes 25 million jobs with increased incomes, helping reduce povertyand improving livelihoods for forestry workers.
The programme sets out three main missions: protecting forest and preserving thenature, improving forest quality and productivity and increasing added value offorest products.
Under the programme, 15 percent of degrading forests, especially special-useforests, will be recovered and preserved by 2020.
Additional100,000 hectares of special-use forests will be planted while the number ofrare species which are on the brink of extinction will be increased.
Law enforcement should be promoted to cut down violations on forest developmentand protection.-VNA
VNA
