IDH Landscapes Program

General

The Central Highlands of Vietnam, including the Provinces of Lam Dong, Dak Nong, Dak Lak, Gia Lai and Kon Tum,) play a key role in the production of several agricultural and forestry commodities such as coffee, pepper, rubber, cashew, tea and cocoa. The three issues of water, deforestation and land degradation are very much interlinked with each other and IDH plays an important role in clarifying these relationships in a systematic way. In relation to this aspect, IDH fosters cross-sectoral and public-private cooperation to address issues systematically. Addressing the behavior of agricultural commodity producers needs is complemented by changes in public policies and regulation that are equally steering and (dis) incentivizing sustainable practices. Moreover, questions about the long-term viability of certain crops in (dry) areas of the Central Highlands requires integrated landscape management and better zonal planning. In this landscape, IDH adds value by bringing in the elements of public-private cooperation, cross-sectoral cooperation, and by addressing the interrelatedness of various natural resource issues.