* Many experts consider Gia Lai one of the country’s largest “carbon sinks.” Could you elaborate on the province’s potential for developing carbon credits?
- According to Decision No. 561/QĐ-BNNMT dated March 31, 2025, Gia Lai has more than 1.03 million hectares of forest, including over 692,000 hectares of natural forest. This is a major advantage, as natural forests can sustainably absorb and store carbon.
The province’s ecosystems range from tropical and dipterocarp forests to agroforestry models, creating favorable conditions to participate in the carbon credit market and contribute to Vietnam’s net-zero commitment by 2050.
Beyond forestry, Gia Lai has opportunities in agriculture and renewable energy. As a leading producer of coffee, pepper, rubber, and coconut, the province can adopt regenerative farming models to improve soil health, boost productivity, and enhance carbon sequestration. Gia Lai also benefits from favorable conditions for wind, solar, and small hydropower projects, offering new channels for green investment.
* In your opinion, which type of carbon credit has the greatest development potential in Gia Lai?
- Carbon credits from natural forests are currently the top priority. With more than 692,000 hectares of natural forest, Gia Lai is well positioned to participate in programs such as the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+).
Other areas, such as afforestation, regenerative agriculture, and renewable energy, also hold promise but require more time and technical investment to meet international standards.
* What concrete steps has Gia Lai taken to implement carbon credits, especially after CT Group’s proposal?
- On September 10, 2025, the Provincial People’s Committee held a meeting with relevant agencies and CT Group representatives to direct the pilot implementation of carbon credit projects.
Previously, several organizations also introduced initiatives. ECOTREE Group JSC proposed afforestation and assisted natural regeneration to assess carbon credits, while the Center for People and Nature (PanNature) launched a project to plant 2.2 million landscape forestry trees, aimed at absorbing 2 million tons of CO₂.
CT Group has suggested regenerative agriculture projects, including fruit trees, coffee, rubber, coconut, and rice. The Department of Agriculture and Environment is guiding these proposals in line with Decree No. 06/2022/NĐ-CP and the amended Decree No. 119/2025/NĐ-CP.
* Which sector should the province start with to develop carbon credit projects?
- Gia Lai will begin with natural forests, focusing on sustainable forest management and REDD+, which align with both provincial strengths and national strategies.
At the same time, the province plans to pilot regenerative agriculture in areas dedicated to crops such as coffee, pepper, and rubber. These initiatives aim to combine livelihood development with carbon credits.
Gia Lai will also implement measures to comply with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), supporting sustainable agriculture and raising the value of carbon credits.
* In your view, what should local authorities do to attract investors to the carbon credit market?
- The province should establish a Carbon Task Force to provide technical support and guide businesses through procedures.
A clear benefit-sharing mechanism among government, local communities, and businesses is also necessary, along with a transparent Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system.
At the national level, completing the legal framework is crucial, particularly defining carbon ownership rights, establishing a registration system, and standardizing technical regulations to meet international norms.
* In the long term, what are the province’s expectations for this sector?
- Within the next 5-10 years, Gia Lai expects to implement multiple internationally certified carbon credit projects. These would create stable revenue streams, protect forests, improve the livelihoods of forest-dependent communities, and attract green investment.
Carbon credits are not only a financial tool but also a sustainable development solution, a key “lever” to drive Gia Lai’s transition to a green and circular economy in line with global trends.
* Thank you!
A carbon credit is a tradable certificate representing the right to emit one ton of CO₂ or an equivalent amount of greenhouse gases.
Gia Lai has not yet launched official carbon credit projects but is included in the transfer region under the Letter of Intent between the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment and Emergent, part of the LEAF (Lowering Emissions by Accelerating Forest finance) Coalition.
Vietnam plans to transfer 5.15 million tons of CO₂ emission reductions from forests in the Central Highlands and South Central Coast during 2022–2026, at a minimum price of USD 10 (about 244,000 VND) per ton.
Negotiation and implementation of Emission Reduction Payment Agreements (ERPAs) will be managed by the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection in collaboration with localities, in accordance with Vietnamese law and international standards.