In response to Vietnam’s commitment to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050 at the 26th United Nations Climate Change conference (COP26), Grab Vietnam announces the partnership with the Sustainable Living Community Development and Support Fund (Living Fund) to implement the Grab for Good Forest project, which aims to make 1 million USD contribution toward carbon-neutral starting with the first Grab ride at 0:00 hour on November 16, 2021
This significant contribution will allow Grab Vietnam and Living Fund to launch a project that plants 5 hectares of watershed forests in Thuan Nam district, Ninh Thuan province. Other long term goals include forest expansion, natural disasters prevention, and carbon sequestration. Grab Vietnam hopes their new initiative will also support sustainable living and ensure access to underground-water in rural community.
Grab for Good Forest is one of the newest innovations within the Grab for Community mission which emphasizes the roles of environmental protection and sustainable transportation in building ecological living.
Grab Vietnam’s Managing Director Nguyen Thai Hai Van states: “Grab is committed to approach environmental protection and climate changes challenges from a comprehensive and sustainable approach. We believe in the strong collaboration of Vietnamese government, industry leaders, and the public. Grab for Good Forest is the first step toward carbon neutral and expanding watershed forests. We will actively participate to protect the environment and contribute to sustainable development of Vietnam”
Grab for Good Forest will be a part of the Forest Symphony Ninh Thuan – Plant Forest Save Water program which has been a collaboration between Living Fund and Ninh Thuan’s Department of Agriculture and Rural Development since 2020. Forest Symphony Ninh Thuan aims to plant 250 hectares worth of forest by 2025. The program supports the livelihood of more than 600.000 locals through positive associations via wind blocking, sand reducing, & watershed preservation… Forest expansion will also ensure steady supply of water to sustain the community, support local economy, and preserve the vital ecological system.
Chairman of the Foundation Board & Fund Management Board – Pham Thi Huong Giang states: “Our experiences in afforestation have shown that communities are paying attention and participating in afforestation and preservation projects as an important mean to fight climate change. We are delighted to be a partner with Grab Vietnam in this project. We believe the effort from Grab and communities will reduce the negative effects of climate change in Vietnam and contribute to a sustainable future for all.”
In a survey of Grab Vietnam’s customers, 96% of participants care about climate change and take actions to reduce carbon emission. Up to 48% of participants who do not care about climate change states they not sure on how to act to fight climate change. Grab Vietnam’s customers will have the option to get involved starting Nov 16, 2021. Customers can select the carbon neutral contribution option which donates 2000VND every GrabCar trip or 1000VND every GrabBike trip to the Forest Symphony Ninh Thuan project.
Living Fund is a non-profit social fund which targets climate change and support sustainable living. The fund is established according to Decision 2470/QĐ-BNV. For more information, visit https://song.org.vn/