The sustainable development of the clam and bamboo value chain in Vietnam (SCBV) project, funded by the European Union (EU), has benefited a large number of rural residents and stabilized these production areas in Vietnam.
The project covers five provinces: Tra Vinh, Ben Tre, Tien Giang, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An, with the aim of contributing to promoting economic development and business efficiency of small businesses and processors towards sustainable standards, while strengthening market access and favorable policies are created for the inclusive and sustainable development of the clam and bamboo value chain in Vietnam.
It also focused on reducing poverty and inequality in rural Vietnam, helping clam and bamboo producers and processors apply sustainable practices, and promoting public-private partnerships in fair and responsible chain governance.
A report from the project showed that as of 2018 there are around 1.5 million small-scale producers and processors engaged in the clam and bamboo industries. However, they face many challenges, mostly due to the impoverished situation of the material areas as a result of degradation, over-exploitation and a lack of understanding of sustainable maintenance.
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In this situation, the project coordinated with the localities to improve farming techniques in order to obtain international certificates such as the MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) and the ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) for clams, and the FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) for bamboo, which allows its products to enter large markets such as the United States, the EU and Japan.
It also focused on reducing poverty and inequality in rural Vietnam, helping clam and bamboo producers and processors apply sustainable practices, and promoting public-private partnerships in fair and responsible chain governance.
In 2019, Quan Hoa district in the north-central province of Thanh Hoa became the first town in Vietnam to achieve FSC certification for bamboo production, followed by Que Phong district in neighboring Nghe An province. , and Quan Son district, in Thanh Hoa.
At the beginning of 2023, the Mekong Delta province of Tra Vinh became the third clam production area to achieve ASC certification. They are considered big steps for the Vietnamese clam and bamboo industries.
Phan Van Thang, Director of the Non-Wood Forest Products Research Center, said at the event that after receiving the FSC certificate, bamboo forests are better cultivated and maintained, leading to higher productivity and more stable quality products, which translates into higher socioeconomic and environmental values.
Hoang Quang Phong, Vice President of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said that thanks to the project, more than 34,000 people have enjoyed a sustainable income from clam and bamboo, while 125 production groups have organized better, 63 companies have seen their business situation improve and more than 4,000 new jobs have been created.
At the same time, the project has contributed to increasing Vietnamese clam exports to Europe by 38-40%, and bamboo exports by 42%, he said.
Article republished from the Vietnamese state media VNA in the framework of an agreement between both parties to share content. Link to the original article: https://en.vietnamplus.vn/eu-funded-project-promotes-sustainable-clam-bamboo-value-chain-in-vietnam/250349.vnp
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