Ben Tre, Vietnam – August 15, 2024 – Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, the Executive Director of the International Coconut Community (ICC), recently attended a significant seminar in Ben Tre, Vietnam. The event, focusing on "Green and Sustainable Development Towards Net Zero in Ben Tre's Coconut Industry," highlighted the strategic importance of coconut cultivation as a key solution in the global fight against climate change. The seminar underscored Vietnam's commitment to prioritizing coconut as one of the ten key plants for climate adaptability and one of the top five for carbon sequestration.
The event was inaugurated by Ông Trần Ngọc Tâm, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Bến Tre Province, who emphasized the province’s dedication to sustainable agricultural practices, especially in coconut farming, which is integral to both the local economy and environmental health. Ben Tre, often referred to as the "Coconut Kingdom," plays a critical role in Vietnam's agricultural landscape, with over 40% of the country’s coconut plantations located in this province alone. Following the inauguration, Mr. Agustaviano Sofjan, the Consul General of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City, delivered a speech highlighting the substantial environmental impact of coconut cultivation and its unique opportunity for sustainability. He expressed his wish for a productive seminar that would lead to fruitful collaborations and advancements in the coconut industry.
Dr. Alouw, in her presentation, highlighted the strategic partnerships and collaborative efforts between ICC member countries that are crucial for promoting sustainable coconut farming practices globally. She noted the significant potential of coconut trees in carbon sequestration, which aligns with Vietnam's efforts to integrate coconut cultivation and relevant coconut product development into its climate change mitigation strategies.
The seminar highlighted the significant carbon sequestration potential of coconut trees, particularly in Ben Tre, emphasizing the region's strong position for integrating coconut farming into carbon credit markets. The discussions underscored the use of modern biotechnological techniques in developing sustainable coconut varieties that are resilient against the environmental challenges of the Mekong Delta. This focus on innovation is crucial for ensuring the long-term sustainability and productivity of coconut farming in the region.
In addition to the technological advancements, the seminar also addressed strategies for enhancing the economic efficiency of the coconut value chain. Solutions were proposed to help the industry adapt to the impacts of climate change, ensuring that coconut farming remains a viable and profitable endeavor. The seminar further explored international experiences in carbon credit markets, with a call for Vietnam to actively leverage its coconut industry to participate in this emerging global market, thereby contributing to both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
Field Visit: Sustainable Coconut Value Chain Development in Ben Tre On the afternoon of August 15, 2024, a field visit was organized to showcase Ben Tre’s sustainable coconut value chain development model. The delegation, including international guests and representatives from the ICC, was led by Trần Thanh Lâm, Deputy Secretary of the Ben Tre Provincial Party Committee. They visited the Lương Quới Coconut Processing Company in An Hiệp Commune, Châu Thành District, and an organic coconut farm in Hương Mỹ Commune, Mỏ Cày Nam District.
During the visit, Mr. Agustaviano Sofjan, the Consul General of Indonesia in Ho Chi Minh City, presented a symbolic gift from the ICC to Ben Tre Province, further cementing the international collaboration on sustainable coconut development. The group was also introduced to organic coconut farming techniques and the business linkages that support the local economy, reinforcing Ben Tre's position as a leader in sustainable agriculture.
This seminar and field visit mark a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to promote coconut as a sustainable crop that not only contributes to economic development but also plays a crucial role in global environmental sustainability.