Promoting sustainable forest management and biodiversity to reduce greenhouse gases

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The aim of the FC module is to protect and promote forest ecosystems in selected districts within the northwest Vietnamese provinces of Yen Bai, Lai Chau, Lao Cai and Ha Giang as a contribution to protecting biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change in conjunction with socio-economic development. A two-pronged approach is being pursued here: a) the promotion of an integrated forest management system for natural and production forests, which, in addition to protecting ecosystems and their biodiversity, offer an opportunity to improve the income of the population living in the forest, and b) the model development of mechanisms for protecting biodiversity in protected areas with the active involvement of the local population. The primary target group is the population in the project areas, in particular those parts of the population whose livelihoods are directly or indirectly dependent on the surrounding forest areas and who benefit from the measures. Depending on the province, the focus of the measures is on i) protecting existing biodiversity, ii) preventing biodiversity loss in secondary forests and degraded forest areas and iii) promoting the idea of biodiversity (especially in areas dominated by plantations). In addition, iv) personnel support is provided in all provinces at the implementation level (especially at the district level). In addition to positive effects on biodiversity, a positive climate effect is expected, particularly due to improved forest management (e.g. by avoiding slash-and-burn practices, increasing biomass per unit area). The total cost of the project is estimated at around EUR 25.5 million and 80% will be financed as an FC loan (EUR 15 million) or an FC grant (EUR 5.5 million).