Photo: TTO

The forest coverage of Vietnam in 2011 has reached 40 percent, as a result of activities in responding to the 2011 International Year of Forest launched by the United Nations.

The activities were carried out both inside and outside the country, aiming to highlight the role of forest in preserving the environment, coping with climate change, developing the economy, eliminating hunger and reducing poverty.

Among the activities, the 40th letter writing contest co-organized by Minister of Information and Communication and Forestry Department of Forestry attracted nearly one million children and school pupils under 15 years old nationwide.

Other remarkable activities included the “Vietnam’s Forest” photo contest, the competition of “Discovering the environment and ecosystem of Can Gio mangrove forest” and the first National Festival of Forest Products.

Vietnam also held a national meeting marking the World Environment Day and the 2011 International Forest Year, organised conferences and launched forestation projects in the northern mountainous province of Bac Kan.

In particular, Vietnam cooperated with 9 members of ASEAN to organise a forest exhibition on the occasion of the 33rd meeting of ASEAN Agro-forestry Ministers in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Vietnam’s forestry development strategy, achievements and major policies were also introduced at the second Asia Pacific Forestry Week in Beijing, China.

Source: VNA