A representative from the GFA organization presented the FSC certificate to the governing body of a collective consisting of 212 households engaged in bamboo forest cultivation and harvesting in Que Phong district.
A significant milestone has been achieved in Que Phong district, Nghe An, as nearly 1,000 hectares of bamboo forest cultivated and harvested by 212 households have been awarded the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certificate. This recognition marks the first instance in Nghe An province where forest management, specifically in the bamboo industry, has received FSC certification, signifying sustainable practices.
The FSC certification, granted by the World Forest Stewardship Council, aims to promote responsible harvesting activities that align with the sustainable development of forest resources, discouraging the indiscriminate exploitation of forests. Obtaining the FSC certificate not only facilitates easier access to major markets such as the EU and the US for bamboo handicraft products but also commands a selling price that is 15-20% higher compared to uncertified counterparts.
Moreover, the FSC certification opens doors for households and farmer groups to enter into long-term purchasing agreements with large enterprises, creating greater stability and opportunities for economic growth.
Since 2018, the "Sustainable and Comprehensive Development of the Clam and Bamboo Value Chain in Vietnam" (SCBV) project has been actively involved in providing technical training and knowledge-sharing sessions on bamboo forest cultivation, nurturing, and harvesting in accordance with FSC standards for groups of households in Dong Van commune. The project has also supported the establishment of pilot models for the restoration of bamboo forests in select villages within the area.
The FSC certificate is bestowed upon forest managers and manufacturers of forest products, including bamboo, who adhere to the criteria of sustainable development. This certification ensures a delicate balance between environmental preservation and the economic and social well-being of stakeholders, including producers, society, and local communities.
This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort between the Research Center for Non-timber Forest Products, Oxfam in Vietnam, and the People's Committee of Que Phong District (Nghe An). It was accomplished within the framework of the SCBV project, which receives funding from the European Union.
