On March 8, 2024, the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and Environment (DFFE) of South Africa released a draft National Biodiversity Economy Strategy (NBES) for public comment. The consultation period was initially set for two weeks but later extended to April 5, 2024.
PRESS RELEASE: “Regreening Forest 2024” Campaign Launches to Celebrate the World Environment Day
In a collaborative effort to combat deforestation and restore critical habitat, several organizations joined forces to launch the “Regreening Forest 2024” initiative. Held on June 2nd in Van Ho commune, Son La province, the event marks a significant step towards a long-term goal of restoring 500 hectares of forest along the ecological corridor connecting Hoa Binh and Son La provinces.
The Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA), Van Ho District Forest Protection Department, Van Ho Youth Union, Van Ho Commune People’s Committee, Pa Co Commune People’s Committee, Hang Kia – Pa Co Nature Reserve, and People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature) co-organized the event. Nearly 300 participants, including local youth and women’s unions, businesses, and dedicated volunteers from across Vietnam, planted 16,000 trees across 25 hectares of land.
The planting focused on two key areas: 10 hectares in Van Ho commune, Son La, and 15 hectares within the Hang Kia – Pa Co Nature Reserve, Hoa Binh. These headwater forests provide vital habitat for the critically endangered Northern white-cheeked gibbon. Forest degradation and fragmentation threaten this rare primate’s survival. The “Regreening Forest” initiative aims to “heal” the forest and expand suitable habitat for this endemic species.
“Van Ho is an ecological cornerstone for Son La and the Northwest region,” emphasized Mr. Pham Quang Thao, Vice Chairman of VUSTA. “Forest conservation and restoration are crucial here, especially with fragmented and degraded areas. Restoring these forests not only benefits the ecosystem but also supports local economic development through sustainable tourism and livelihoods.”
Mr. Nguyen Hung Chien, Deputy Head of the Van Ho District Forest Protection Department, acknowledged the challenges of promoting long-term forest restoration compared to activities with immediate economic returns. However, he expressed confidence in the collaborative effort, stating, “We believe that with continued support, the management, protection, and development of Van Ho’s forests will flourish. We envision greener, richer forests with increased biodiversity and a thriving Northern white-cheeked gibbon population.”
Mr. Trinh Le Nguyen, Director of PanNature, highlighted the importance of forest restoration in the “decade of ecosystem restoration.” He emphasized PanNature’s dedication to supporting local communities, protecting endangered species, and promoting sustainable livelihoods through combined ecotourism and conservation efforts. “We envision a future where Van Ho’s forests are fully restored,” he concluded.
“Regreening Forest” is a decade-long program aiming to restore 500 hectares by 2032. The 2024 event was supported by donors through the GivingLunch Initiative and cooperation with businesses like Termo Vietnam, TH Group, Tupperware Vietnam, and Nha ben rung Ulesa. PanNature plans to organize another tree-planting event later in the 2024 season.
The theme for World Environment Day 2024 is “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience.”
Some pictures of the event:
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PARTNER STATEMENTS Mr. Nguyen Hoanh Tien, Senior Vice President – Marketing and Distribution Services at MoMo MoMo, as a platform that facilitates convenient fundraising, is thrilled to empower the community to contribute, no matter how small, to such a worthy cause. Together with GivingLunch, we’re proud to add some regreening to the forests of the Northwestern Mountains. We strongly believe in the importance of forest restoration in this region. Through collaboration with the community, local authorities, and PanNature, we envision a future where forests are thriving, benefiting both nature and people. Forest conservation and preserving Vietnam’s rich biodiversity are top priorities for MoMo. We encourage continued support for GivingLunch, both domestically and internationally, so we can collectively safeguard these vital forests for generations to come. Mrs. Trang Do – General Director of Tupperware Vietnam Tupperware prioritizes both product quality and environmental responsibility. This commitment is reflected in our company philosophy: “All of Tupperware Brands’ business philosophies, policies, and activities are built on a commitment to sustainable development for society and the environment.” We’re proud to partner with the “Regreening Forest” campaign for two years running. By donating reusable water bottles to participants in local forest restoration activities, we’re achieving multiple goals. The bottles not only provide a morale boost and keep volunteers hydrated, but they also help reduce plastic waste and encourage sustainable habits. Ms. Hoang Thi Thanh Thuy, Director of Sustainable Development, TH Group TH Group prioritizes sustainable development throughout all our operations. This ensures a balance between economic growth, social progress, and environmental protection, ultimately building a better future for everyone. One key area of focus is forest restoration. Planting trees, protecting existing forests, and improving their quality helps in several ways: it safeguards natural resources, reduces greenhouse gasses, improves local communities’ well-being, and promotes biodiversity. Importantly, sustainable development experts recognize forest health and coverage as key indicators of a nation’s environmental and overall sustainability. TH Group actively works with development organizations and environmentally conscious communities. We provide resources and collaborate to implement these good practices and spread the values of sustainable development throughout society. We believe that by working together, we can create lasting positive change for both the environment and society. Mr. Nguyen Tien Chung, Deputy General Director of Termo Vietnam Co., Ltd Sustainability isn’t a buzzword at Termo Vietnam; it’s fundamental. We develop eco-friendly products and minimize our environmental impact. We understand the long-term impact of our actions and strive for a positive contribution through responsible practices. Customers increasingly demand sustainable products and practices, seeking partners with a shared vision for a greener future. The “Regreening Forest” campaign perfectly aligns with this vision. By participating, we showcase our environmental commitment and connect with customers who share our values. Together, through collaboration, we can create significant positive change. |
For more information, please contact:
Communication Department, PanNature
Email: truyenthong@nature.org.vn
Phone: 024 3556-4001, Extension: 103; or 0936781289
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