CGIAR demonstrates solidarity with flood-affected communities in Vietnam

In a display of compassion and support, CGIAR centers in Vietnam donated a significant sum to aid Vietnamese communities ravaged by the recent Typhoon Yagi.

Representatives from various CGIAR centers in Vietnam, namely, the Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT, the International Livestock Research Institute, the International Potato Center, the International Rice Research Institute, and the Standing Panel on Impact Assessment, presented 120 million Vietnam Dong (VND) to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD). This generous donation, comprised of voluntary contributions from CGIAR staff and centers, will be used to provide relief to those affected by the recent natural disasters.

Dr Nguyen Do Anh Tuan, Director of the Department of International Cooperation-MARD, reported that the recent typhoon and floods had severely impacted Northern Vietnam’s agriculture sector. Over 200,000 hectares of rice crops were inundated, resulting in significant losses. The crop sector has had to shift to early winter cropping, increasing the demand for seeds and fertilizers.

Dr Tuan also added that the livestock sector suffered heavy losses, with approximately 3 million chickens and 25,000 cattle killed. The fisheries sector, particularly aquaculture, also faced substantial damage. He emphasized the urgent need for support in terms of livestock and aquaculture breeds to restore production, as domestic supplies are limited.

Dr Tuan expressed his deep appreciation for CGIAR’s timely support. He emphasized the importance of demonstrating to the world that CGIAR is actively working with MARD to support Vietnam’s recovery efforts. He highlighted the need to shift from a reactive approach to disaster response to a more proactive focus on building resilience. Dr Tuan stressed the crucial role of the research community in providing the necessary expertise and support to achieve this goal.

In addition to the financial contribution, representatives from CGIAR expressed commitment to long-term solutions for climate resilience in agriculture. CGIAR is working closely with MARD to develop innovative strategies that can help Vietnam adapt to future extreme weather events.

Additionally, the CGIAR Initiative on One Health has provided emergency relief to affected areas, including supplies for sanitation and livestock health valued at VND 100 million. World Agroforestry, another CGIAR center in Vietnam, has been providing direct support to its project sites in the northern mountainous provinces. This assistance, amounting to VND 90 million, aims to help communities impacted by the recent floods recover and rebuild their livelihoods.