The Project for Rehabilitation and Sustainable Management of Protection Forests (JICA 2) was implemented in Gia Lai from 2012 to 2021 using official development assistance (ODA) loans from the Japanese government through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
A natural forest area in Canh Vinh Commune, Gia Lai Province, receives JICA 2 funding for management and protection (Photo: Doan Cong).
The project was part of a nationwide programme covering 11 provinces and cities, with total investment of nearly USD 100 million.
Covering more than 8,000ha, the initiative focused on forest planting, assisted natural regeneration, contracted forest protection, infrastructure development, livelihood support and the provision of forest fire prevention and firefighting equipment.
Its main objectives were to improve the quality of upstream protection forests and enhance the livelihoods of communities in project areas.
According to the Binh Dinh JICA 2 Project Management Board, by the end of 2021, the project had established nearly 1,700ha of new forest, supported natural regeneration across more than 3,400ha and arranged protection contracts for nearly 2,900ha of natural upstream protection forest.
These efforts helped increase the province's forest coverage by nearly 0.3 per cent.
Experts and project members conduct a field survey (Photo: Binh Dinh JICA 2 Project Management Board).
Since the project ended, many newly planted forest areas have developed dense tree canopies, while protected natural forests have had favourable conditions for regeneration.
The restored forests have helped preserve biodiversity, retain soil and water, limit erosion and reduce the risk of natural disasters in downstream areas.
Nguyen Re, former deputy director in charge of the Binh Dinh JICA 2 Project Management Board, said the project had delivered environmental benefits while transferring technical knowledge and strengthening forest management capacity among forestry officials.
In particular, contracts with local communities to protect forests helped strengthen their sense of responsibility for forest resources.
"The model has helped change traditional production practices, encouraging residents to gradually shift towards economic activities linked to forest protection. Previously, some people were accustomed to entering natural forests to harvest timber for building traditional stilt houses. However, their practices gradually changed during the project's implementation," Re said.
He added that the project's benefits were also evident in improved transport infrastructure and supported production models.
Before the project, many mountainous communes faced significant difficulties, with poor transport links making it challenging to travel and transport agricultural products.
Under the JICA 2 programme, some localities received investment in roads through its livelihood infrastructure development component. Concrete roads connecting villages with commune centres have made travel and the transportation of goods easier.
Residents also received support for livelihood models, including beef cattle farming combined with grass cultivation, creating additional sources of income.
With support from the JICA 2 project, rural roads in upland communes in Gia Lai have been paved with concrete, making travel and trade easier (Illustrative photo: Doan Cong).
Leaders of Gia Lai's Forest Protection Department said one of the project's most important achievements was strengthening community involvement in forest management and protection through contractual arrangements and livelihood improvements.
Experience has shown that better roads, more viable production models and more stable incomes make forest protection a tangible benefit for local communities.
This community-based approach provides an important foundation for preserving protection forests long after the project has ended.