Dehradun: A delegation of senior forest officers from Uttarakhand, led by state forest minister Subodh Uniyal, recently concluded a five-day official visit to Vietnam and Cambodia. In Vietnam, the delegation held detailed discussions with various organisations on forest conservation and ways to boost employment for local communities. In Cambodia, officials from both countries exchanged information on heritage sites, wildlife, and climate change.
Uniyal on Wednesday said a detailed report will be prepared based on the Vietnam visit, outlining new strategies for creating jobs through forest-based industries while preserving Uttarakhand’s natural and historical heritage. He added that these steps would also support eco-tourism and conservation efforts in the state.
He added that in Vietnam, locals can lease forest land for up to 50 years to produce forest products. This system has led to the establishment of several private factories and products worth around $18 billion (around Rs 1.5 lakh crore) are exported annually. There is growing demand for ‘Made in Vietnam’ products like furniture in India as well. Uniyal said this model creates job opportunities not just through eco-tourism but also in industries such as furniture production.
The delegation, which included principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Samir Sinha and GS Pandey, PCCF and MD of Uttarakhand Forest Development Corporation, met Vo Dai Hai, president of the Vietnam Academy of Forest Science, and other senior officials. They exchanged experiences on forest conservation in both countries. Given the global demand for high-quality wood products, the officials noted the need for improved forest management practices, which could benefit Uttarakhand as well.
The delegation also met Pham Hong Luong, deputy director-general of the Vietnam Forest and Forest Protection Agency (VFFPA), to discuss the role of forestry and forest conservation.
During a meeting with Ngo Sy Thoai, deputy director of the timber and forest products association of Vietnam, Uniyal highlighted the importance of involving local communities in sustainable forest management to generate employment. The development of forest-based products and value-added policies to create economic opportunities for locals was a key focus of the discussion.
