Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Phuong and WWF Southeast Asia Regional Director Sang Eun Lee discuss areas of cooperation

At the meeting, Ms. Sang Eun Lee, Regional Director of WWF Southeast Asia, spoke highly of the cooperation between WWF and Quang Tri in recent years and discussed orientations for future collaboration. WWF expressed its desire to continue working with Quang Tri to promote the value of the province’s forest resources, biodiversity and indigenous culture; develop agricultural and forestry production solutions adapted to climate change; mobilize resources for forest protection and development; expand the area of forests certified under sustainable forest management standards; support local communities in developing livelihoods and strengthening capacity, particularly among ethnic minority communities; enhance emissions reduction efforts; and promote cross-border conservation cooperation between Vietnam and Laos.

Overview of the meeting

Ms. Sang Eun Lee said that WWF has strengths in scientific knowledge, technical expertise, practical experience and international networks. She expressed the organization’s desire to work with Quang Tri over the next five to ten years to develop a model of nature conservation closely linked with sustainable development. Accordingly, WWF proposed strengthening ecosystem restoration, establishing biodiversity corridors, developing sustainable livelihood models, mobilizing green finance, and promoting nature-based solutions to help communities adapt to climate change.

Speaking at the meeting, Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Phuong highly appreciated the effective cooperation between Quang Tri and WWF and agreed with WWF’s cooperation proposals, particularly in the areas of agricultural production, carbon credit markets, organic certification and emissions reduction. He emphasized that these are strategic orientations that are in line with the requirements for sustainable development of both Quang Tri and the country.

Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Phuong presents a commemorative gift to Sang Eun Lee, Regional Director of WWF Southeast Asia

The Provincial Party Secretary asked WWF to continue supporting Quang Tri in expanding the area of sustainably managed certified forests, thereby increasing the economic value of forest resources; replicating effective agricultural models; and supporting sustainable livelihood development for ethnic minority communities in line with provincial policies. He also called for WWF’s continued support in implementing solutions to raise public awareness and encourage behavioral changes in wildlife protection.
Quang Tri also hopes that WWF will continue providing financial and technical assistance and connecting the province with international resources for biodiversity conservation, forest management and restoration, environmental protection, climate change adaptation and sustainable livelihood development. The province further seeks support in transforming plantation forests toward higher-value production, gradually shifting from short-rotation acacia plantations to long-rotation plantations of large timber trees and native species. This transition is expected to improve economic efficiency, enhance carbon sequestration capacity and promote sustainable forestry development.In addition, the Provincial Party Secretary asked WWF to provide technical assistance and expertise and connect Quang Tri with international partners and funds to effectively mobilize resources for conservation and sustainable development. He also called for strengthened inter-provincial and cross-border cooperation between Vietnam and Laos in ecosystem conservation, biodiversity protection and natural resource management.

The WWF delegation and Quang Tri provincial leaders pose for a commemorative photo

Provincial Party Secretary Nguyen Van Phuong affirmed that Quang Tri would create favorable conditions for WWF to implement programs and projects in the province. He also asked relevant departments and agencies to closely coordinate with WWF and translate the issues discussed at the meeting into practical, effective programs and projects that are consistent with the province’s development orientations.

He expressed his confidence that the cooperation between Quang Tri and WWF would continue to develop in greater depth and with greater practical effectiveness, contributing to the development of a green and sustainable Quang Tri, where economic growth, environmental protection and nature conservation are harmoniously integrated.

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