Forests – A Key Factor in Ensuring Food Security

Forests not only serve as the Earth's green lungs but also provide essential food sources and livelihoods for millions of people. Forest trees, wildlife, and plants offer diverse and nutritious food sources, from fruits, nuts, mushrooms, and honey to wild animal products. These resources play a crucial role in enhancing nutrition, particularly for forest-dependent communities.

In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Pham Van Dien, President of VNUF, emphasized the critical role of forests in economic development, ecosystem regulation, and climate change mitigation. He stated: "Forests are the foundation of food security and sustainable development. At VNUF, we are committed to training forestry experts to optimize the role of forests in food production and disaster mitigation. Our efforts focus on sustainable forest management, protecting livelihoods, and ensuring a thriving environment for future generations."

Mr. Nguyen Song Ha, Assistant FAO Representative in Vietnam

Mr. Nguyen Song Ha, Assistant FAO Representative in Vietnam, underscored the vital role of forests in food security, nutrition, and livelihoods. He pointed out that forest-derived foods provide essential nutrients that sustain millions of people, especially those living near forests. He described forests as "nature's supermarkets" that supply a variety of foods, including fruits, nuts, honey, edible insects, and mushrooms.

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thien, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection

Mr. Nguyen Huu Thien, Deputy Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, highlighted the indispensable role of forests in sustaining life: Forests are home to 80% of terrestrial species; 75% of the world's accessible freshwater originates from forested watersheds; Approximately 2.5 billion people rely directly on forest products for their livelihoods and nutrition. He reiterated the 2025 International Day of Forests theme, "Forests and Food Security," as an opportunity to emphasize the essential ecosystem services provided by forests and to raise public awareness of their significance.

Panelists

The forum also featured panel discussions, where students from VNUF presented research papers on the relationship between forests and food security. As a leading institution in forestry training, research, and application in Vietnam, VNUF continues to advance research and develop sustainable forest conservation solutions. The university collaborates with international partners to enhance forest management, non-timber forest product development, and the application of scientific and technological advancements in ecosystem conservation.

Experts at the forum reaffirmed that sustainable forest management is one of the most effective solutions to ensure food security and mitigate climate change impacts. VNUF's research and training activities significantly contribute to sustainable solutions and the development of high-quality human resources for forest conservation and management in Vietnam.

To mark the occasion, forum participants joined VNUF faculty and students in a tree planting event at the university's experimental forest, reinforcing their commitment to forest conservation and environmental sustainability.

Some photos from the event

Source: International Cooperation Division

The conference brought together nearly 80 delegates, including representatives from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, the National Forestry and Grassland Administration of China, and Yunnan provincial authorities. It also welcomed leaders and experts from universities and research institutes in Vietnam, China, and Laos.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui The Doi – delivering the opening remarks

In his opening speech, Vice President Bui The Doi emphasized the crucial role of biodiversity in human life, highlighting not only its economic value but, more importantly, its environmental significance in maintaining ecological balance. He noted that China, Vietnam, and Laos are recognized as biodiversity hotspots in Asia and the world. The transboundary corridor linking these three countries is of exceptional ecological value, hosting diverse and rich ecosystems.

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam – Co-chair of the Conference

Prof. Dr. Hoang Van Sam, Director of the International Cooperation Division at VNUF, co-chaired the conference. Over three days, more than 20 in-depth presentations were delivered by scientists from China, Laos, and Vietnam, covering key topics such as: Legislation on Biodiversity Conservation; Nature Reserve Systems; Biodiversity Survey and Monitoring; Local Communities and Sustainable Tourism; Transboundary Biodiversity Conservation

Dr. Le Sy Doanh giving a presentation 

The Vietnamese delegation contributed four presentations:

1. Legal Framework for Biodiversity Conservation in Vietnam (Le Sy Doanh, Bui The Doi)

2. Biodiversity and Vietnam's Special-Use Forest System (Hoang Van Sam, Tran Ngoc The, Pham Hoang Phi)

3. Biodiversity Survey and Monitoring in Vietnam (Nguyen Trong Cuong, Mai Hai Chau)

4. Forestry and Biodiversity Conservation in Dien Bien Province (Hoang Van Sam, Bui The Doi, Nguyen Manh Toan, Pham Hoang Phi)

Dr. Nguyen Trong Cuong

During the conference, delegates shared significant research findings and proposed various solutions for biodiversity conservation in the transboundary corridor. Additionally, they agreed to strengthen cooperation in education, scientific research, and technology transfer.

In his closing remarks, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui The Doi expressed gratitude to the leadership of Southwest Forestry University and the organizing institutions for successfully hosting this important conference. He reaffirmed VNUF's commitment to actively contributing to biodiversity conservation efforts, particularly within the transboundary corridor of Laos, Vietnam, and China.

Some images from the conference

Source: International Cooperation Division