On July 20, the Research Institute for Development Communication (RED) and TreeBank, in collaboration with the Tam Thai Commune People’s Committee, held a working session to discuss collaborative orientations and finalize implementation details for the project to develop Met and Luong bamboo material zones. The project is designed around sustainable forest management principles with the goal of achieving FSC certification within the commune.
Attending the program were Mr. Lu Van May, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council of Tam Thai Commune; Ms. Nong Thi Kim Tuyen, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee; and Mr. Lo Duong Khanh, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Tam Thai Commune People’s Committee. Also in attendance were representatives from the RED Institute, TreeBank, Phe La, MoMo, various press and media outlets, and leaders of local specialized departments.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Lo Duong Khanh, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the Tam Thai Commune People’s Committee, emphasized that the locality possesses significant potential and advantages for forestry economic development, given its vast forest areas and raw material zones. Collaboration with the RED Institute, TreeBank, and various businesses is expected to enhance the efficiency of sustainable forest management, protection, and development. Furthermore, it aims to expand market linkages for product consumption, increase the value of material zones, and create stable livelihoods for local residents.
During the session, TreeBank presented a proposal for a 'Sustainable Forest Economic Ecosystem' in Tam Thai Commune. This comprehensive scheme includes several components: developing Met and Luong bamboo material zones through sustainable forest management toward FSC certification; developing under-canopy livelihoods; applying bio-circular economy models (biochar); building community capacity; and establishing market connections while mobilizing corporate partners to support the development of these material zones.
Representatives from Phe La shared their vision for material zone development and local engagement activities. Meanwhile, MoMo introduced programs that allow its users to support community initiatives and promote sustainability through its e-wallet platform.
During the discussion, delegates exchanged views on coordination mechanisms, strategies for mobilizing private-sector resources, business networking, market expansion, and enhancing the community's capacity for forest management.
Delivering his keynote guidance, Mr. Lu Van May - Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People’s Council - urged all agencies and partners to coordinate closely during the implementation phase. He emphasized that the project must align with local realities to achieve the dual goals of sustainable forestry development and increased resident income, alongside the protection of forest resources.
That afternoon, the Tam Thai Commune People’s Committee, TreeBank, and their partners held a ceremony to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop Met and Luong bamboo material zones aimed at sustainable management and FSC certification.
Following the signing, the delegation conducted a field survey of proposed project sites and visited under-canopy medicinal herb models to evaluate the potential for integrating raw material zones with sustainable livelihoods.
This marks a significant milestone in creating "shared value" between the government, the private sector, the scientific community, and local residents - collectively establishing sustainable material zones and long-term livelihoods for the people of Western Nghe An.