VietNamNet Bridge – United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has pledged US$24 million to help the Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue provinces protect forests, enhance biodiversity conservation and strengthen communities’ resilience.

Gloria Steele, USAID’s senior deputy assistant administrator for Asia, (first right) and Michael Greene, USAID’s mission director, talk with leaders of Phu Ninh Protection Forest Management Board in Phu Ninh District, Quang Nam Province. – Photo courtesy of USAID

USAID Senior Deputy Assistant Administrator for Asia Gloria Steele announced the Green Annamites Project (2016-2010) during a meeting with leaders of the People’s Committee of Quang Nam Province yesterday, Oct 20.

“Climate change work is an important part of our strategy in Vietnam,” Steele said. “This project is designed to improve people’s incomes by promoting investment in climate smart agriculture, while at the same time protecting Viet Nam’s natural forests and biodiversity. The Quang Nam and Thua Thien Hue provinces are demonstrating how sustainable development can contribute to Viet Nam’s efforts to achieve low emission and resilient economic growth.”

Forests play a crucial role in Viet Nam by protecting watersheds, precluding soil erosion, alleviating climate change and providing for resilient communities.

They are also home to rare and endemic species which are found only in these areas. However, in recent times, Viet Nam’s forests, and the people and species that rely on them, are under mounting pressure from unsustainable development.

The USAID Green Annamites Project, in tandem with provincial authorities’ efforts, will engage small-holder farmers and their families to boost livelihood and increase investment in climate-smart agriculture while maintaining the natural biodiversity of the aforementioned provinces.

Climate change is a priority issue that directly threatens Viet Nam’s sustainable development goals. To accelerate Viet Nam’s transition to low-emission development, the country has collaborated with USAID to better respond to climate change through adaptation, sustainable landscapes and clean energy programmes.

VNS