Gia Lai forest carbon credits could generate millions per year and support local livelihoods

Gia Lai province in Vietnam's Central Highlands is moving to participate in the forest carbon credit market. With nearly 988,000 hectares of forest land, the province estimates its forests absorb about 4.9 million tons of CO2 per year. At a reference price of around 10 USD per ton, that could mean tens of millions of dollars in annual revenue. The article reports that local authorities are working with experts to standardize management and improve emission monitoring to meet international standards. Kon Ka Kin National Park, with over 42,000 hectares of natural forest, is highlighted as a key area for carbon credit development. Revenue from carbon credits is expected to fund forest protection, ecotourism, and sustainable livelihood programs for communities living near forests. This is a concrete example of how carbon finance can connect conservation with local economic development. The numbers are rough estimates, but the direction is clear: Gia Lai is positioning itself to turn forest protection into a revenue stream that benefits both the environment and the people who depend on it.