Within the framework of implementing the RSC VN3 Project funded by the IKEA Group, on 23 January 2026, the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development (IFSD) – Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry hosted and held a working session with the RSC VN3 Project delegation.
The IKEA delegation included Mr. Mikhail Tarasov, Forestry and Raw Material Manager; Ms. Erika Alm, Climate in Forestry and Land Use Leader; and Mr. Le Quoc Huy, Revoming and Storing Carbon Leader. Representing the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development were Prof. Dr. Tran Thi Thu Ha, Director; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tran Quoc Hung, Vice Director; and Dr. Do Hoang Chung, Vice Director. Representatives of Woodsland Company included Mr. Ha Dang Chinh and Mr. Nguyen Van Tam.
At the meeting, the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development was identified as a potential partner, playing a key role in providing scientific foundations, technical solutions, and professional expertise for the implementation of the RSC VN3 Project in the northern midland and mountainous region of Viet Nam, particularly in Thai Nguyen Province. The Institute presented and discussed cooperation priorities focusing on technology transfer for large-timber plantation development, application of sustainable forest management practices, and supply of high-quality planting materials that meet FSC certification standards and the requirements of the IKEA Group’s sustainable wood supply chain.
Overview of the welcoming and working session between the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development and the RSC VN3 Project delegation.
During the working program, the delegation visited the Institute’s laboratory system and research facilities, where activities related to tree breeding, field trials, propagation, and quality control of forest planting materials are being carried out. The Institute’s research outcomes and technical capacity were highly regarded as an important basis for supplying high-quality forest seedlings, contributing to the development of large-timber plantations, stable productivity, and enhanced carbon sequestration under the RSC VN3 Project.
The delegation also visited the laboratory system and the tissue culture facilities.
On the same day, the delegation visited the Thai Nguyen Climate Park, a representative model integrating scientific research, training, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem conservation, highlighting the Institute’s pioneering role in sustainable forestry initiatives.
The delegation visiting Thai Nguyen Climate Park – a learning and experiential space on sustainable forestry and climate change adaptation.
In addition, the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development coordinated field surveys at planted forest areas and potential raw material zones in Thai Nguyen Province. The surveys aimed to assess natural conditions, current production status, and the potential for linkages among local communities and enterprises, thereby identifying suitable raw material areas for the implementation of large-timber plantation models under the RSC VN3 Project.
The delegation conducted a field survey at 7-year-old acacia plantation models at the household of Mr. Vu Tat Dac in Luu Quang 1 Hamlet, Duc Luong Commune.
In addition to research activities and field surveys, the delegation visited and worked with a sawmill located in Thai Nguyen Province. During the visit, the delegation was introduced to the processes of receiving, pre-processing, sawing, and grading raw timber for the production of export-oriented wooden products in accordance with international standards. The production stages were highly appreciated for their level of automation, quality control, and compliance with timber traceability requirements.
Through the visit to the sawmill, the parties engaged in in-depth discussions on the potential for linking large-scale plantation forest raw material areas with the wood processing system, thereby contributing to the completion of the value chain from forest establishment – harvesting – processing – to consumption within the framework of the RSC VN3 Project. This is considered an important prerequisite for enhancing the added value of plantation timber products and meeting IKEA Group’s requirements for the development of a sustainable wood supply chain.
The delegation visited an FSC CoC–certified sawmill of Thai Nguyen Forestry Products Manufacturing and Processing Co., Ltd., located in Hoa Tien 2 Hamlet, Duc Luong Commune.
The working visit reaffirmed the role of the Institute of Forestry and Sustainable Development as a reliable scientific and technical partner, with the capacity to provide forest plantation solutions, high-quality planting materials, and raw material development areas, while laying a foundation for long-term cooperation among the Institute, the IKEA Group, Woodsland Company, and relevant partners toward the goals of sustainable forestry development, forest resource protection, and improved local livelihoods.
