Vietnam’s forest coverage remains at 42.02%: agriculture ministry
In 2022, Vietnam had 14,790,075 ha of forest area, of which 10,134,082 ha were natural forests and 4,655,933 ha were planted ones, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development announced in a decision on June 20.
Forest in Gio Linh district, the central province of Quang Tri. (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – In 2022, Vietnam had 14,790,075 ha offorest area, of which 10,134,082 ha were natural forests and 4,655,933 ha were planted ones, the Ministryof Agriculture and Rural Development announced in a decision on June 20.
The total area of forest meeting standards for calculating forest coverage was13,926,043 ha, resulting in a percentage of forest cover of 42.02%.
In the deci♐sion, the ministry assigned the Administrationof Forestry to establish a nationalforest resources database.
Provincial-level People's Committees nationwide were asked to assign People's Committees atlower levels to perform the responsibilities of state management of forestry inaccordance with the provisions of the Forestry Law. They are required to updateforest status data. Meanwhile, agencies, units and forest owners are asked to strictlymonitor, update and report on annual forest developments.
Young people join growing trees. (Photo: VNA)
The ministry required localities that recorded a reductionin natural forest area in 2022 to investigate the causes of the reduction andundertake measures to restore the forests, as well as to identify and punishthose who are responsible for the reduction in forest area.
In 2021, the country had 14,745,201 ha of forest area including 10,171,757 haof natural forest and 4,573,444 ha of planted forest. The total area of forestmeeting standards for calculating forest cover was 13,923,108ha, and a forestcoverage of 42.02%./.
About 38,700ha of concentrated forest was planted nationwide in the first quarter of 2023, up 4.7% year on year, according to the Vietnam Administration of Forestry.
The Mekong Delta province of An Giang is facing the fifth level of forest fire risk, the extreme danger level, according to the provincial Forest Protection Sub-department.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged stepping up wildfire prevention measures as heatwaves are scorching many localities nationwide, increasing the risk of wildfires.
Mariam Sherman, World Bank Country Director for Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, said the World Bank remains committed to working with the Vietnamese government to develop the next phase of climate resilience and transformation for the Mekong Delta.
Under the directive, the PM instructed relevant agencies to regularly inspect, supervise and proactively implement disaster prevention, response and rescue measures in line with their assigned roles and mandates, ensuring readiness, avoiding passivity or delays, and maintaining operational continuity amid ongoing political and administrative restructuring at levels.
According to Dr. Vu Anh Tuan, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Space Centre and head of the project, this is the first study in Vietnam to simultaneously employ Sentinel-2 satellite data, advanced machine learning algorithms, and the Google Earth Engine (GEE) cloud computing platform to model and monitor key seawater quality parameters.
The Deposit Return System is seen as a potential instrument for effectively advancing Vietnam’s vision of a circular economy, as outlined in Article 142 of the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection.
The figures were highlighted in a Pre-Feasibility Study on a DRS tailored for single-use beverage packaging in Vietnam, conducted by Eunomia Research & Consulting.
Young people should not view AI as salvation but rather as a tool under human control. Young creators should focus on learning and accumulating practical knowledge, using AI as a tool to carry out artistic projects in the most effective and cost-efficient manner.
Saigon Hi-Tech Park’s ambitious 50% renewable energy goal far exceeds the city’s 15% target, positioning the park as a trailblazing “living lab” for sustainable energy solutions.
Vietnam's economic losses from natural disasters are estimated to account for 1 to 1.5% of GDP annually - a steep price that will continue to rise unless the country takes strong action.
Wutip, the first storm in the East Sea so far this year, has wreaked havoc across central Vietnam, claiming lives, displacing residents, and causing widespread damage to houses, crops, and infrastructure, the Department of Dyke Management and Disaster Prevention and Control reported as of 6:30 pm on June 13.
The tremor occurred at 7:39:46 am (Hanoi time), with the epicentre located at latitude 14.924°N and longitude 108.236°E, at a depth of approximately 8.1 kilometres. The natural disaster risk level was classified as 0 – the lowest on the scale.
Addressing a session on “Accelerating Financing for Resilience: Tailored Solutions for Disaster Risk Reduction,” Deputy Minister Hiep emphasised Vietnam's proposal in building sustainable financing in response to natural disasters, which aligns with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction's goals.
Vietnam has demonstrated its strong commitments by participating in global sustainable development forums, signing multiple free trade agreements, and attracting support from international partners for the implementation of the SDGs.
The fight against plastic pollution could not succeed through isolated efforts, but it must be a collective endeavour involving the entire political system, businesses, citizens, and the international community, said Minister of Agriculture and Environment Do Duc Duy.
Lang Son Global Geopark, with its outstanding geological values, cultural heritage, and unique natural landscapes, represents a valuable addition to UNESCO’s global geoparks system.
In 2019, Quang Ninh became one of the first localities in Vietnam to launch a province-wide campaign against plastic waste, mobilising the participation of the political system, the business sector, and the general public. Other localities—such as Hai Phong, Da Nang, Binh Duong, and Ho Chi Minh City—have also effectively implemented waste-sorting initiatives at source, along with models for plastic-free markets and urban areas.
This year’s World Oceans Day on June 8 is themed 'Wonderful Oceans: Sustaining What Sustains Us', while World Environment Day is on June 5 with the theme: 'Beat Plastic Pollution'.
According to Director of the provincial Department of Agriculture and Environment Le Huu Toan, a fire prevention and control plan has been in place since the dry season began, including round-the-clock patrols and rapid-response teams to snuff out fires before they could spread.
Renowned artists including Ha Anh Tuan, Den Vau, and Phan Manh Quynh, along with many directors and attendees, took part in planting hundreds of rare tree species such as mun (Diospyros mun) and cho chi (Parashorea chinensis) in the Thung Bong area of the Cuc Phuong National Park, contributing to forest ecosystem restoration.
Forest in Gio Linh district, the central province of Quang Tri. (Photo: VNA) 
Young people join growing trees. (Photo: VNA) 
