Hyundai Motor Company has embarked on a remarkable journey to combat climate change by forming a strategic alliance with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and Good Neighbors International (GNI) in Vietnam. Hyundai set their primary focus is on the vital task of mangrove reforestation in the ecologically sensitive Mekong Delta. (news: Hyundai Motor)
This three-year partnership is a crucial part of Hyundai Motor’s ongoing IONIQ Forest project, which was initiated in 2016 with the aim of creating sustainable forests worldwide. These forests serve as carbon sinks, protect biodiversity, and improve the livelihoods of local communities.
In the inaugural year of their collaboration, Hyundai, IUCN, and GNI are planning to plant an impressive 120,000 mangrove trees in Ca Mau province. These trees will primarily belong to the Rhizophora and Avicennia species and will be strategically planted in integrated mangrove shrimp farms. This approach not only supports sustainable aquaculture practices but also contributes to the preservation of the delicate ecosystem and enhances the community’s resilience to climate change.
The benefits of these integrated farms are multifaceted. They help in carbon sequestration, boost biodiversity, and act as a natural barrier against natural disasters. The natural tidal flows in the water maintain its cleanliness, significantly reducing the risk of diseases. Furthermore, the shrimp produced in these farms are highly sought after and fetch premium prices in both local and international markets.
Interestingly, the mangrove-shrimp landscape in Ca Mau has the potential to earn the designation of ‘other effective area-based conservation measure (OECM)’. This designation is a novel approach to protect land or water outside of formally protected areas and is already recognized in the latest Global Biodiversity Framework.
Vietnam holds a special place in Hyundai Motor’s future mobility strategy in the ASEAN region. The company is striving to become the first global brand to launch a CKD EV model in Vietnam, solidifying its commitment to a sustainable future in the region.
The partnership with IUCN and GNI aligns with the Global Standards on Nature-based-Solutions (NbS) launched by IUCN in 2020. These standards aim to protect, sustainably manage, and restore nature to address societal and environmental challenges. The reforestation project in Ca Mau is expected to play a pivotal role in promoting NbS by increasing mangrove cover in shrimp farms. In the long term, this integrated mangrove shrimp landscape could contribute to Vietnam’s commitment to the 30×30 target, established at the CBD COP15 in Montreal in December 2022.
Vietnam’s vulnerability to sea-level rise and storms, given its extensive 3,000-kilometer coastline, makes this initiative all the more critical. Ca Mau Province, in particular, faces the risk of flooding, saltwater intrusion, and coastal erosion. Hyundai Motor’s project not only enhances resilience to climate change but also promotes sustainable livelihoods in the region.
The IONIQ Forest project or mangrove reforestation is part of Hyundai Motor’s overarching ‘Hyundai Continue’ initiative, a global effort dedicated to creating shared value (CSV) in line with the brand’s vision of ‘Progress for Humanity.’ In addition to Vietnam, Hyundai Motor has undertaken the IONIQ Forest project in various countries worldwide, with the ambitious goal of planting one million trees by 2024.
The ‘Hyundai Continue’ initiative focuses on three key areas: ‘Continue Earth,’ highlighting the commitment to environmental protection and climate change mitigation; ‘Continue Mobility,’ dedicated to advancing technology for more accessible and safer mobility solutions; and ‘Continue Hope,’ focusing on nurturing young talent and educating future generations.
Hyundai Motor’s collaboration with IUCN and GNI marks a significant step towards a greener and more sustainable future for Vietnam and the world. As the global automotive leader strives to make a positive impact on the environment, this initiative is a testament to their dedication to progress for humanity and a brighter, more sustainable future.
