The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) have launched the US$102.5 million RECAF project to address rising greenhouse gas emissions and safeguard critical forest ecosystems in coffee-producing regions of the Central Highlands and South Central Coast. The initiative targets areas where rural livelihoods depend heavily on coffee production, combining climate action with economic development.
RECAF promotes climate-smart agroforestry practices, strengthens natural forest protection, and supports deforestation-free value chains, aligning with Viet Nam’s priorities for sustainable economic growth and emissions reduction. The project is implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in collaboration with provincial authorities in Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Lam Dong, and Khanh Hoa, with financing shared among IFAD, GCF, and domestic co-funding.
Over its six-year duration, RECAF aims to reduce 6.68 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, restore 145,000 hectares of agroforestry land, and protect 500,000 hectares of high-value natural forest. The project is expected to directly benefit around 420,000 people and indirectly improve livelihoods for over one million rural residents, enhancing food security and rural incomes while advancing Viet Nam’s national climate commitments.
The initiative emphasizes inclusive partnerships between farmers, local authorities, and the private sector, helping small-scale producers access markets, adopt sustainable practices, and improve infrastructure. Special attention is given to women, youth, and ethnic minorities to ensure those most affected by climate change actively participate and benefit from project activities.
RECAF demonstrates how climate finance can achieve tangible environmental and socio-economic outcomes by integrating sustainable land use with forest protection. IFAD and GCF highlight the project as a model of country ownership, impactful partnerships, and long-term resilience for both communities and natural resources in Viet Nam.
