HỌP KHỞI ĐỘNG DỰ ÁN “TĂNG CƯỜNG KHẢ NĂNG THÍCH ỨNG VỚI BIẾN ĐỔI KHÍ HẬU CỦA TRẺ EM VÀ CỘNG ĐỒNG THÔNG QUA GIÁO DỤC VỀ KHÍ HẬU VÀ TRỒNG RỪNG TẠI TỈNH THANH HÓA” | KICK-OFF MEETING FOR THE OVERALL PROJECT "CLIMATE RESILIENCE THROUGH FOREST PLANTATION AND CL

Thanh Hóa, May 27, 2024– Today, Save the Children International (SCI), Hong Duc University, and Ben En National Park Management Board held the Kick-off Meeting for the overall project "Climate Resilience through Forest Plantation and Climate Education" in Thanh Hoa province. 

The meeting was attended by 50 delegates, including Mr. Nguyen Van Thi, Vice Chairperson of Thanh Hoa Province, representatives from Hyundai Group in Thanh Hoa, Mr. Vuong Dinh Giap, Director of Program Implementation of SCI in Vietnam, representatives from the Department of Climate Change of Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and representatives from related departments, agencies, Ben En National Park Management Board, and 10 high schools in Thanh Hoa province. 

During the meeting, delegates discussed the project details, including its objectives, expected outcomes, activities, and specific implementation plans. Additionally, the roles and responsibilities of participating units were clarified to ensure effective project execution. 

Mr. Nguyen Van Thi, Vice Chairperson of Thanh Hoa Province, shared: "Thanh Hoa province prioritizes raising community awareness and strengthening the capacity to respond to climate change, viewing it as both a crucial goal and an essential political task in the pursuit of socio-economic development aimed at green and sustainable growth."

The overall project “Climate Resilience through Forest Plantation and Climate Education" is implemented by Hong Duc University, Ben En National Park Management Board, and Save the Children, with sponsorship from Hyundai Engineering and Hyundai Motors Group of Korea. The project aims to strengthen the climate change adaptation capabilities of children through climate education at Hong Duc University and forest plantation efforts at Ben En National Park. 

Mr. Vuong Dinh Giap, Director of Program Implementation of SCI in Vietnam, emphasized: “This project is not only a commitment, but also a specific action by Save the Children and its partners to raise awareness among students and people in the communityon climate change, which promotes practical steps to adapt to climate change among children and communities with the participation of relevant stakeholders.”

It is expected that after three years of project implementation, over 4,300 students will participate in activities at the Climate Change Education Center, and more than 5,000 students will engage in community awareness campaigns on climate change adaptation across 11 high schools in Thanh Hoa Province. Additionally, at least 10 hectares of new forest will be planted and well-maintained in Ben En National Park.  

ABOUT SAVE THE CHILDREN 

Save the Children is the leading independent global organization for children. Founded in 1919, we are working in nearly 120 countries around the world. Save the Children started our work in Vietnam in 1990. Since then, we have expanded our programs to include six key program areas: Education, Health and Nutrition, Child Protection, Child Rights Governance, Child Poverty, Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation. We now cover 22 provinces across the country with more than 100 staff with a wide range of technical expertise and program management qualifications. In the implementation of our programs, we work in partnership with government agencies, social organizations, the private sector, academic and research institutions.  

Website: https://vietnam.savethechildren.net/   

ABOUT HONG DUC UNIVERSITY 

Hong Duc University is a public, multi-disciplinary institution in Vietnam, overseen by the Thanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee and the Vietnam Ministry of Education and Training (MOET). Established in 1997, the university focuses on improving training, research, and technology transfer to meet the needs of economic and social development objectives of Thanh Hoa province. Its vision is to become a reputable institution in training, research, and technology transfer. Its mission is to enhance human resource training in science, technology, and management, contributing to the economic and social development objectives of Thanh Hoa province. Hong Duc University has 651 staff members, including 23 Professors and Associate Professors, and 166 Doctorates. It offers a wide range of programs, including Doctoral, Postgraduate, Talent Graduate, and Graduate programs in various fields such as Literature, Mathematics, Physics, Business Administration, and many more. Currently, the university hosts around 600 postgraduate students and approximately 13,000 graduate students. It is actively engaged in research and technology activities, participating in numerous projects at different levels (international, state, ministry, province, and university levels). It has a strong focus on practical and applicable projects related to climate change. Moreover, it collaborates with universities and institutions from various countries, including China, Singapore, Japan, Korea and involve joint training programs with universities abroad as well as facilitate student exchanges and learning opportunities. 

Website: https://eng.hdu.edu.vn/  

ABOUT BEN EN NATIONAL PARK 

Ben En National Park is located within the territories of two districts, Như Thanh and Như Xuân, in Thanh Hóa Province. It is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and a rich, diverse ecosystem of flora and fauna, representing the lowland ecosystems of North Central Vietnam. Ben En serves as a destination for both domestic and international scientists, tourists, and researchers, offering significant value across various fields.On January 27, 1992, Ben En National Park was establishedby Decision No. 33/CT of the Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now the Prime Minister). The park's primary functions include conserving natural ecosystems, restoring plant and animal species, conducting scientific research, developing tourism, and improving and stabilizing the livelihoods of people in the buffer zones. Additionally, it promotes public awareness and engagement in forest management, protection, and development. 

Website: http://benennp.com.vn/  

MEDIA CONTACT 

Save the Children in Viet Nam 

Trần Đức Mạnh – Project Manager - tranduc.manh@savethechildren.org 

Nguyễn Huệ Linh – Communication Coordinator - nguyenhue.linh@savethechildren.org  

Hong Duc University 

Bùi Văn Dũng - Head of Project management unit – President of Hong Duc university 

Hoàng Thị Mai – Deputy Head of Project management unit - Vice President of Hong Duc university 

Ben En National Park Management Board 

Lê Công Cường - Head of Project management unit - Director of Ben En National Park