BAT Vietnam - Collaborating with Gaia in the afforestation project, tackling climate change

In August and September 2023, British American Tobacco (BAT) Vietnam and Gaia Nature Conservation jointly organised the afforestation programmes towards natural regeneration in Dong Nai and Ca Mau.

On August 4, more than 60 members from BAT Vietnam joined hands with Gaia to plant 1,000 samplings across an area of 2 hectares in the Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve.

Then, on September 15, BAT Vietnam continued to organise the programme of delineating and promoting the natural regeneration of 40 hectares of mudflats in the core area of Ca Mau Cape National Park. It is expected that more than 200,000 white mangrove trees will grow in the forest within the next six years. More than 50 people from BAT Vietnam, including the company’s leaders and associates, together with volunteers from Gaia and staff from Ca Mau Cape National Park Authority, constructed fences with tree branches to delineate white mangrove trees.

These activities are a part of the partnership project between BAT Vietnam and Gaia over a period from 2022 to 2024 to cover 124 hectares in Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reserve, and Ca Mau Cape Natural Park. In addition to driving carbon neutrality through promoting a balance between emitting carbon and absorbing carbon from the atmosphere, which contributes to net-zero emissions vision, the project also aims for many other sustainable values, such as preventing soil erosion, increasing biodiversity and providing other practical benefits for local communities.

This strongly proves BAT Vietnam’s commitment to joining hands with the Government in tackling climate change and protecting biodiversity in Vietnam, thereby promoting the Environment pillar in the business’ Environment, Society and Governance (ESG) agenda.

Mr. Pham Hung Anh Tuan, BAT Vietnam's Head of Operations, said: “This project not only helps strengthen our commitment to environmental protection and promote ESG strategy, but also extends an opportunity for BAT Vietnam staff to take a deep dive into forest and environment protection, while consolidating internal bonding. On behalf of BAT Vietnam, I would like to thank the Management Board of Ca Mau Cape National Park for giving us and Gaia such an opportunity to carry out the afforestation project until 2025 as well as the ESG Day.”

Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen, Founder and Director of Gaia Nature Conservation said: “In the coming years, the world will be cumulatively impacted by climate change and the El Nino effect, and could experience the highest temperatures ever recorded. Afforestation and restoration of watershed forests play a crucial role in neutralizing carbon and dealing with climate change. Forests also help regulate water, lower temperatures and prevent soil erosion during storms. In addition to terrestrial forests, mangrove forests also require special attention regarding development and preservation because they not only absorb 4-5 times as much carbon as other kinds of forests but also help prevent saltwater intrusion and protect coastal areas from landslides.”