Forest rangers patrol in Núi Dinh Protective Forest in Phú Mỹ Ward in HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Hoàng Nhị

HCM CITY — The HCM City Department of Agriculture and Environment has begun a comprehensive forest inventory for the 2024-25 period to provide accurate data on forest area, reserves, and carbon stocks to serve both State management and sustainable development goals.

At a conference held on September 11 in Bà Rịa Ward, officials emphasised the importance of the initiative, which will cover forest areas formerly under Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu’s administration.

The department’s deputy director, Hồ Trúc Thanh, said the survey will provide a detailed assessment of the current status of three forest types – special-use, protection, and production – forming a complete dataset for State forest resource management.

“The results will also allow authorities to calculate forest carbon reserves, creating a foundation for the city to move towards carbon credit trading,” he said.

According to the plan, the inventory will include all forested and forestry-designated land, as well as areas outside official planning.

The scope covers natural forests, planted forests, and non-forested land managed by ward/commune-level people’s committees.

The Bà Rịa–Vũng Tàu Forest Protection Sub-department is coordinating with a consortium of consulting firms, including T&H Consulting Agriculture and Forestry Co., Ltd, Thành Lợi Cartography and Service Green Tree Co., Ltd, and Thuận Hòa Agricultural Forestry Design Consultant Co., Ltd, to carry out the work.

The survey will combine satellite imagery, UAVs, digital maps, and on-the-ground investigations to ensure accuracy and transparency.

“The plan places special emphasis on close coordination among forest rangers, local authorities, forest owners, and consultants to guarantee quality, progress, and accountability,” Bùi Quốc Vương, deputy head of the sub-department, said.

Between September and November, consultants will work across 21 communes, wards, and special zones with a total area of more than 33,642ha of forest and forestry land.

T&H Consulting Agriculture and Forestry Co., Ltd will be in charge of protective forests and nature reserves.

Thuận Hòa Agricultural Forestry Design Consultant Co., Ltd will focus on Côn Đảo Island area.

Thành Lợi Cartography and Service Green Tree Co., Ltd will handle mapping and baseline data.

Data collection and processing will be carried out using advanced technologies, combining field surveys with remote sensing and digital analysis.

By December, the final outputs – including a comprehensive report, GIS maps at a 1:10,000 scale, and updated forest area and reserve statistics – are expected to be completed, verified, and handed over.

These results will be integrated into the city’s forestry database, supporting planning, forest protection, and development, while also providing key scientific foundations for climate change response.

The consulting consortium affirmed it would mobilise maximum resources and apply modern technologies to meet deadlines and quality standards, contributing to a stronger scientific basis for the city’s sustainable forestry development. — VNS