MEDIA RELEASE
09 Aug 2002
Hanoi - A new forestry research project funded by the Australian Government is investigating the benefits of mixed plantations of indigenous tree species from Vietnam and Australia to provide high-value trees for timber production. The research carries potential benefits for both countries, including increased timber productivity, reduced pest and disease damage, improved plant nutrition and improved incomes for rural landholders through the sale of timber and non-timber products.
Commenting on the project, Mr Joe Thwaites, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam said, “The potential social, economic and environmental benefits of this collaborative reforestation project are considerable. Research will focus on identifying the optimum mix of species to support the reforestation efforts of both Vietnam and the tropical parts of northern Australia. Researchers will aim to achieve these combinations in a way that benefits rural economies and helps restore some of the environmental values provided by native forests that have been lost. Vietnamese and Australian scientists will work together to meet this challenge and advance the reforestation process in both countries.”
There has been increasing interest in recent years in the use of high value indigenous tree species among Vietnamese landholders. This is mainly due to the higher prices being paid for their timbers and also the ability of some indigenous tree species to provide income through non-timber products such as natural medicines. Similarly, in Australia there has been renewed interest in establishing plantations of indigenous rainforest tree species of high commercial value, following the end of rainforest logging. As in Vietnam, many landowners have a preference for planting these species in mixtures although, to date, there have been no guidelines for establishing productive mixed plantations.
The new project is funded by the Australian Government through the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR). It is being led in Australia by the University of Queensland and in Vietnam by the Phu Ninh Forestry Research Centre in Phu Tho Province. Field studies in Vietnam will be concentrated in Vinh Phuc and Phu Tho in the north and in Kontum in the Central Highlands and researchers will also develop links with other scientific research institutions and government agencies, facilitating the transfer of knowledge within the forestry community in Vietnam.
The Australian Government through ACIAR is contributing a total of A$939,828 (approximately VND 8 billion) over a four-year period.
For more information contact:
Mr Greg Banova
ACIAR Manager
Australian Embassy, Hanoi
Tel: 831-7755 (ext 202)
E-mail: greg.banova@dfat.gov.au
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