Vietnam has taken an important step to protect its forests while also helping rural families earn better incomes. A new project called RECAF has been launched with support from the government, international organizations, and local communities. The goal is simple: fight climate change, protect forests, and make farming more sustainable for people who depend on the land.
Some regions, especially the Central Highlands and South Central Coast, are under pressure. Forest land is shrinking as farming expands, particularly coffee farming in areas like Dak Lak. At the same time, many farmers struggle to earn a steady income. RECAF aims to fix this by promoting smarter, climate-friendly farming methods that allow crops and trees to grow together.
Over the next six years, the project plans to improve around 145,000 hectares of land through agroforestry, protect nearly 500,000 hectares of natural forest, and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 6.68 million tonnes. About 420,000 people, mainly small farmers and their families, will receive direct support. In total, more than one million rural residents are expected to benefit through better training, improved market access, and sustainable farming practices.
The project is funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Green Climate Fund (GCF), working closely with Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and local authorities in Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, and Khanh Hoa. This partnership helps ensure the support reaches the ground and lasts long term.
Local officials say the project connects forest protection with real economic benefits for farmers. It gives them new ways to earn more income without damaging forests. International partners also praise Vietnam for putting farmers and forest communities at the center of climate action, showing how climate funding can support both people and nature.
A key focus of RECAF is climate-smart agroforestry, especially in coffee-growing areas, along with building supply chains that do not harm forests. This approach protects wildlife, supports ethnic minority communities, and aligns with Vietnam’s wider goals under REDD+ to reduce emissions while growing the economy fairly.
Projects like RECAF prove that protecting the environment and improving livelihoods can go hand in hand. With sustainable farming, rural families gain more stable incomes, communities become stronger against climate risks, and future generations benefit from healthier forests. This initiative shows that investing in nature is also an investment in people.
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