The SAFE Initiative's objective is to conserve and restore forest ecosystems in Bhutan, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam,

During the Demo Day, seven businesses, shortlisted from 35, participated in a competition to pitch their ideas for the conservation and restoration of forests and the promotion of local livelihoods

The Innovative Foods Technology Company, which specialises in producing plant-based meat from jackfruit, was awarded first place, followed by An Xuan Organic Herb Co., Ltd. in second place and the Goong Local Knowledge Cooperative in third.

The Forest Ecopreneur initiative is funded by the Korea Forest Services and implemented by UN Environment Programme (UNEP), Bridge for Billions, a digital ecosystem for early-stage entrepreneurship, and the Research Institute for Innovation and Development (IID). It supports 100 business projects across Southeast Asia, providing opportunities for sustainable development and connecting businesses with vital resources.

The main objective of the scheme is to enhance business capacity through online training courses on the Bridge for Billions platform, and events and seminars to create opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing.

IID oversees the initiative in Vietnam, and between May and September, the institute ran four online training modules, three networking events, and a field trip to Kon Tum province.

Alexis Corblin, regional technical advisor of the UNEP said, "Vietnam has consistently been at the forefront of the initiative since its beginning and is the first country to host the Demo Day workshop for the first incubation cycle under the SAFE Initiative."

"Vietnam has increased forest coverage from 23 per cent in 1994 to more than 45 per cent today, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to forestation," said Corblin.

Truong Thi Nam Thang, lead researcher at IID said, "The initiative will last until the end of the decade and each year we hope to recruit 35 businesses and 35 consultants. IID is committed to creating the best opportunities for businesses interested in developing forest ecosystems."