Overview the Forum

The forum was attended by Dr. Nguyen The Hinh – Deputy Head of Agricultural Project Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development; and Ms. Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, Specialist at the Department of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Ozone Layer Protection.

Representatives from the organizing entities included: Ms. Pham Thi Xuan – Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Association For Safe Water and Environmental, and other leaders of the Association’s centers, departments, and divisions; Mr. Nguyen Van Toan - Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine of Environment and Life, along with the magazine’s staff, reporters, and editors, as well as representatives from the Vietnam Livestock Association, environmental experts, scientists in waste management, circular economy, and livestock farming; and companies and facilities involved in the production and processing of livestock products.

Delivering the opening speech at the Forum, Mrs. Pham Thi Xuan – Vice Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Association For Safe Water and Environmental

In her opening speech, Ms. Pham Thi Xuan – Vice Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Association For Safe Water and Environmental mentioned that the livestock sector contributes 25-26% to the agricultural GDP annually and is one of the fastest-growing agricultural sub-sectors, even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Over the past decade, this sector has maintained a growth rate of 4.5 to 6%. Therefore, livestock farming has long been identified as a key sector that needs to transition from small-scale to large-scale, commercial farming.

In addition to its significant economic contributions, the livestock sector also poses challenges for environmental protection and greenhouse gas emissions. It is estimated that each year, an average of 61 million tons of manure and over 304 million m³ of livestock wastewater are produced from major livestock types.

Mr. Nguyen Van Toan – Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine of "Environment and Life"

Green transition is now an irreversible trend. The livestock sector is a source of greenhouse gases such as CH4 and CO, which have the potential to contribute to global warming. Thus, reducing emissions in livestock farming is extremely important and urgent.

Recognizing this issue, Vietnam is actively pursuing a green transition towards sustainable development and has set a goal to achieve Net Zero by 2050, Ms. Xuan added.

From right to left: Mrs. Pham Thi Xuan – Vice Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Association For Safe Water and Environmental, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An – Former National Assembly Delegate of the XIII term, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Hung – Director of the Institute for Environmental Treatment and Application Research

It is estimated that annually, the livestock sector in Vietnam emits 61 million tons of manure, over 304 million m³ of wastewater, and nearly 15 million tons of CO2. Therefore, in the coming period, it is necessary to encourage livestock farming to develop towards professionalization following the circular economy model, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, etc.

Current status, difficulties, and challenges in implementing greenhouse gas emission reduction measures in livestock farming

Speaking at the forum about the current emission status in the livestock sector, Dr. Nguyen The Hinh – Deputy Head of Agricultural Project Management, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development stated that according to 2022 statistics, Vietnam has about 8 million buffaloes and cows, 24.7 million pigs, and 380 million poultry (GSO 2018-2023). According to the approved Livestock Strategy, by 2030, Vietnam will have about 10 million buffaloes and cows, 30 million pigs, and about 670 million poultry.

Presenting at the Forum, Dr. Nguyen The Hinh – Deputy Director of Agricultural Projects Management Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development

Greenhouse gas inventory results show that the livestock sector annually emits about 18.5 million tons of CO2e, accounting for 19% of emissions in agriculture. There are two main greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted from livestock farming: methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). According to scientists, 1 ton of CH4 has a greenhouse effect equivalent to 28 tons of CO2, and 1 ton of N2O has a greenhouse effect equivalent to 265 tons of CO2.

Discussing the status of GHG emissions in Vietnamese livestock farming, Dr. Nguyen The Hinh mentioned that GHG emissions from livestock consist of two main sources: CH4 from the stomachs of ruminant animals and CH4, N2O from animal manure.

According to the 2016 GHG inventory results, emissions from the stomachs of ruminant animals accounted for the highest proportion, with 444 thousand tons of CH4 (equivalent to 12.42 million tons of CO2e), followed by emissions from animal manure including 11.2 thousand tons of N2O (equivalent to 2.97 million tons of CO2e) and 112 thousand tons of CH4 (equivalent to 3.13 million tons of CO2e). Among animals emitting methane from their stomachs, dairy cows emit the most, about 68 kg CH4 per cow per year, followed by beef cattle and buffaloes, with 47-55 kg CH4 per cow per year. Horses have a low emission rate, at only 18 kg CH4 per horse per year. Other grazing animals such as goats and sheep have negligible emission rates, around 5 kg CH4 per year. However, due to the large number of beef cattle and buffaloes in the country, the annual methane emissions from beef cattle reach up to 245 thousand tons, followed by buffaloes with 138 thousand tons and dairy cows with 19 thousand tons per year.

Methane emissions from animal manure occur under anaerobic conditions in biogas digesters or in large manure storage areas with poor ventilation. Therefore, the highest methane emissions usually occur in concentrated livestock systems and those using large amounts of water for cleaning, such as pig and dairy cattle farming, leading to manure mixing with water in liquid form, creating conditions for anaerobic bacteria to thrive. In extensive livestock farming, methane emissions from animal manure are insignificant as the manure is usually decomposed under aerobic conditions.

N2O emissions from animal manure occur under more complex conditions, beginning with the decomposition of nitrogen-containing compounds in manure into NO2 and NO3 under aerobic conditions due to Nitrosomonas and Nitrobacter bacteria. Subsequently, bacteria continue to reduce NO2 and NO3 to N2O and N2 under anaerobic conditions. In highly acidic and low humidity environments, the amount of N2O produced is much higher and vice versa. High N2O emissions occur when manure is applied to acidic soils with low moisture content.

Greenhouse gas emissions from livestock including two main sources: methane (CH4) from the rumen of ruminant animals and methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) from animal manure

To reduce GHG emissions from livestock farming, Dr. Nguyen The Hinh mentioned that Vietnam has implemented several measures to reduce CH4 emissions from ruminant stomachs and animal manure.

For instance, to reduce CH4 emissions from ruminant stomachs, green fodder has been replaced with silage; MUB nutritional cakes; nitrate salt has been used instead of urea in the feed; lipid compounds such as oil, fat, and fatty acids have been added to feed or other nutritional supplements to both reduce methane emissions from ruminant stomachs and improve nutrition for cattle.

For animal manure, to reduce CH4 and N2O emissions, many places have used biogas facilities, utilizing CH4 for cooking and electricity generation. Livestock waste is used as organic fertilizer, etc. Proper application of manure to soil is also a method to reduce N2O, acidity, and moisture content of the soil.

Proposing solutions, Dr. Nguyen The Hinh suggested that the government should invest in supporting research and providing products that help reduce CH4 emissions from ruminant stomachs while improving their nutrition; allow biogas electricity generation to be connected to the grid to encourage farm owners to invest in large-scale biogas generators to fully utilize the gas produced, thereby providing profits for farm owners and reducing direct CH4 emissions into the environment; the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should soon issue national technical standards on using livestock waste as organic fertilizer to complete the legal framework for technologies in waste collection and transport. There should be policies to support small enterprises and households in collecting livestock waste for organic fertilizer production for sale and self-use.

Reducing greenhouse gas emissions for sustainable livestock development

Sharing at the forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao The Ha from Vietnam-Japan University (VJU) & Center for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development (CETASD) - Hanoi National University (VNU) noted that annually, pig farming is the leading source of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming. An average pig of 54 kg emits 0.36 kg of organic VS and greenhouse gas emissions: 1.8 kg CO2 per kg VS of pig manure. It is projected that by 2030, the number of pigs will reach 30 million, resulting in 5,913,000 tons of CO2 per year being emitted into the environment.

Livestock waste is considered a raw material input and has the potential to develop biogas energy. Biogas generated from waste could be a key to promoting sustainable energy in the future. Currently, there are thousands of biogas systems installed at the household level in Vietnam for cooking purposes, and some biogas power generation systems are installed at farms, replacing diesel-powered generators.

According to Article 6 of Decree No. 06/2022/ND-CP on Regulations for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Protecting the Ozone Layer, facilities must conduct GHG inventories if they have annual emissions of 3,000 tons CO2 equivalent or more, equivalent to the emissions of a pig farm with 15,220 pigs.

Sharing at the Forum, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao The Ha – Vietnam Japan University (VJU) & CETASD Center for Environmental Technology and Sustainable Development, VNU-Hanoi

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Cao The Ha mentioned that abroad, livestock waste after collection is sent to disposal sites for composting. The treatment methods include anaerobic composting, aerobic composting, and nitrogen and phosphorus treatment. After treatment, this waste is used as fertilizer and for producing renewable energy. For liquid waste in livestock farming, it is collected in tanks or ponds to separate solid waste. Solid waste is treated anaerobically (biogas) or aerobically (composting), and liquid waste is treated biologically with plants to produce biogas and organic fertilizer.

In Vietnam, the biogas program is currently being implemented very effectively, with an output COD reaching up to 600-1500 mg/L. If this resource is well utilized and managed, organic pollution can be reduced by 80-90%.

However, despite the positive outcomes of waste treatment through biogas digesters, there are still issues. Many households and livestock farms currently choose biogas digester volumes that are not appropriate (usually with an HRT of ~40 days). The large amount of waste and inappropriate digester sizes have led to overflow, reduced operational volume, and even rupture or leakage, impacting the surrounding environment.

Biogas digesters still contribute to air pollution. For example, in Ha Nam province, some officials from local communes have reported that 30% of pig farming households use biogas digesters that emit foul odors and discharge waste improperly, causing serious pollution to nearby water sources.

Moreover, post-biogas treatment remains an issue. Natural systems (ponds, lakes) used for post-biogas treatment often lack clear design specifications and are ineffective. Additionally, the design of waste storage facilities depends on available land, which is limited in the Red River Delta region. Most biogas systems currently do not meet QCVN 62-MT:2016 (B/A) standards.
Regarding waste treatment technologies in pig farming toward a circular economy, Associate Professor Dr. Ha mentioned that two factors need to be addressed for biogas digesters: (1) reducing effective volume over time; (2) flow obstructions reducing effective volume. Resolving these issues will help biogas digesters meet environmental protection standards, reduce operational costs, and optimize space for small-scale or land-limited cases.

The principle for treating wastewater (C, N, P-rich waste, harmful microorganisms) is as follows:
Step 1: Separate R (selection, composting or charcoal), reduce HC-C factor (compost loses biogas, N?), techniques: manure presses; HDPE digesters, UASB, etc.

Step 2: Treat wastewater: C, N, P, consider recovering N, P along with applying high technology/techniques.

Step 3: Improve wastewater quality, consider filtration, and reuse.

Highlighting the major issues and shortcomings of environmental control and livestock emissions in Vietnam

Discussing greenhouse gas emission reduction measures according to NDCs and national climate change policies up to 2050, Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Hung from the Institute of Environmental Technology emphasized: “How to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while aiming for a Net Zero goal?”

Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Hung highlighted several causes of climate change: Uncontrolled human activities have emitted greenhouse gases into the environment. Greenhouse gases are those that absorb long-wave (infrared) radiation reflected from the Earth's surface after being illuminated by the sun. These gases then re-radiate heat back to Earth, causing the greenhouse effect.

Greenhouse gases include: Water vapor (49-71%), carbon dioxide (22-29%), methane and nitrous oxide (4-8%), ozone (7-10%), and others like chlorofluorocarbons, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, etc.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Van Hung – Director of the Institute for Environmental Treatment and Application Research

The concentration of greenhouse gases has increased rapidly since the first industrial revolution around 1750, when humans used fossil fuels to power steam engines, and accelerated further with the second industrial revolution in 1870 (with the invention of the electric motor).

In his presentation, Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Hung defined the concept of Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as commitments by countries to address climate change, including adaptation and mitigation goals, policies, and measures to achieve the Paris Agreement objectives.

At the 26th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP26), Vietnam, along with 147 other countries, committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Associate Professor Dr. Le Van Hung also proposed six solution groups for reducing greenhouse gas emissions to implement NDCs, including: 1) Building and improving institutions and policies; 2) Communication, raising awareness, and involving the community; 3) Developing human resources; 4) Developing science and technology; 5) Mobilizing financial resources for climate change response; 6) Promoting international cooperation in climate change response.

According to Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong, Chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association, controlling environmental and emission issues in Vietnam's livestock sector is challenging due to the high density of livestock farming in the country. Although Vietnam ranks 66th in terms of natural land area, it has the 6th largest pig population and the 2nd largest poultry population globally. Small-scale farms are prevalent, and while many waste treatment technologies exist, they are not yet perfected or suitable, especially for medium and small farms.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong also identified factors affecting emissions in livestock farming, such as electricity and energy use, respiration processes, and animal waste. Technologies applied in emission control include: technologies and equipment to control carbon indices in feed mills and farms, biogas technology, and biological bedding to reduce environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. He also mentioned legal regulations and policies in the livestock sector, such as the Livestock Law, Environmental Protection Law, and various decrees and decisions related to greenhouse gas reduction and ozone layer protection.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong – Chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong proposed four recommendations: First, waste treatment and greenhouse gas control in livestock farming should be undertaken voluntarily and proactively by businesses and farmers. Second, given the need for appropriate technology and significant costs, the government should provide land policy support for concentrated livestock farming, raise awareness, disseminate suitable technologies, and offer preferential loans for technology investment. Third, since this is a new issue and domestic livestock farming faces difficulties, the government should not yet include livestock farming in mandatory greenhouse gas inventory requirements but should encourage farms to undertake inventory and emission control. Finally, during this period, the government should enhance public awareness, train technical staff, and improve technologies and policies to enhance management capacity and the application of technologies in waste treatment and greenhouse gas inventory in livestock farming, ensuring readiness for future mandatory requirements.

Regulations and policies on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming

According to Ms. Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, a specialist from the Department of Greenhouse Gas Reduction and Ozone Protection, Climate Change Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Vietnam has advantages in renewable energy and has plans to develop and implement strong greenhouse gas reduction measures using its own resources, along with international cooperation and support, particularly from developed countries, in both finance and technology transfer, including implementing mechanisms under the Paris Agreement to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.

Mrs. Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, Officer of the Department of Greenhouse Gas Mitigation and Ozone Layer Protection, Department of Climate Change, MONRE

Additionally, Vietnam has joined the “Global Methane Reduction Commitment” with the goal of reducing methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. The livestock sector plays a crucial role in this commitment as it significantly contributes to methane emissions, primarily from digestion processes and waste treatment. Specific solutions include: applying advanced technology, changing farming methods, and policy and financial support.

Ms. Tran Thi Bich Ngoc also pointed out challenges faced by businesses and livestock farms, such as: a lack of systematic thinking in policies and laws, limited effectiveness and efficiency of regulations, insufficient environmental consideration in development decisions, short-term profit goals without considering long-term sustainability, and insufficient attention and support for environmental products and recycling. She highlighted the need for substantial resources to transition to a circular economy, which is currently not met, and limited awareness and knowledge about greenhouse gas inventory and emission reduction requirements.

Moderating the discussion session at the Forum, Mrs. Pham Thi Xuan, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Association For Safe Water and Environmental, and Mr. Khanh Toan – Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine of "Environment and Life"

At the forum, Associate Professor Dr. Bui Thi An, former member of the 13th National Assembly, mentioned: Vietnam's economy is characterized by many small-scale livestock farms. While policies are nearly adequate and do not hinder livestock development, and technology is sufficient, many places have effectively implemented waste treatment. 

However, a lack of coordination and comprehensive implementation means waste treatment in livestock farming needs to be centralized. Policies must be appropriate, and auditing is an effective management tool at a suitable scale. Supporting farmers in auditing helps the government manage effectively and address environmental issues, social welfare, and sustainable development.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Bui Thi An, Former National Assembly delegate of the XIII term

Small-scale farms should be reviewed for existence; if they continue to operate, emissions must be audited. However, mechanisms and policies to support these farms must be studied.

According to Dr. Dinh Viet Hung from the School of Interdisciplinary Science and Arts (Hanoi National University), to encourage greenhouse gas inventory in livestock farming, why not implement carbon credit trading in this sector? Large enterprises can lead, followed by smaller ones, making inventory a voluntary practice rather than a mandate.

Dr. Dinh Viet Hung – School of Interdisciplinary Science and Art (Vietnam National University, Hanoi) sharing at the Forum

Nguyen Van Tien, a business owner concerned with waste treatment in livestock, stated: Waste treatment in livestock farming has been an ongoing issue and remains “difficult.” High costs for facilities, feed, and medicine make it nearly impossible for producers to meet Vietnamese standards. In Vietnam, most farms are medium or small-scale, often household or individual farms, leading to direct waste discharge into water bodies, causing severe environmental pollution. Many farms emit strong odors even from a distance of hundreds of meters. While discussions on circular economy development are prevalent, practical implementation remains distant. Technologies like Nano treatment for waste and odor control in Shanghai provide examples.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tien proposed that livestock waste has two components: solid and liquid. While solid waste can be used as compost, the liquid waste could potentially be used as fertilizer for agricultural irrigation. He also suggested managing feed and water sources and using probiotics to separate and reuse livestock waste.

For small, individual farms, waste should be collected and treated centrally to apply optimal waste and water treatment technologies.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tien – Business Representative sharing at the Forum

During the forum discussion, Dr. Nguyen The Hinh, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Project Management Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, said: “Currently, most countries focus on reducing emissions in the industrial sector, and emission reductions in livestock farming are not widespread due to significant economic impacts. I agree with the viewpoint that major enterprises should conduct inventories first before small and medium enterprises. We need to proceed cautiously because improper management could affect not only food supply but also other issues.”

Dr. Hinh also noted: “Regarding livestock waste, while there are many methods for treating solid waste, methods for treating liquid waste are still limited, even though liquid waste is a major source of environmental pollution. I see a lack of regulations, standards, legal frameworks, and policies concerning liquid waste treatment. Additionally, the use of solid waste as fertilizer also faces limitations, leading to a lack of enthusiasm among people and businesses. I hope that environmental treatment in livestock farming will develop further.”

Dr. Nguyen The Hinh – Deputy Director of Agricultural Projects Management Board, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development presenting at the Forum

According to Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong, Chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association, addressing environmental issues in livestock farming and greenhouse gas inventory is a major challenge requiring various aspects such as financial resources, technology, policies, and especially implementation. Vietnam need to clarify these issues to implement them effectively. He wanted to further enhance the role of individuals and businesses, as well as the role and responsibilities of associations and organizations.

Concluding the forum, Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, Editor-in-Chief of the Magazine of Environment and Life, mentioned: “Vietnam is aiming for a Net Zero goal, achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Therefore, the livestock sector is also striving to achieve this goal through various solutions. We need solutions to encourage and support businesses and the livestock sector in reducing emissions.”

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Duong – Chairman of the Vietnam Livestock Association concluding the Forum

Mr. Nguyen Van Toan further added: “Businesses and facilities in the livestock sector face many difficulties regarding capital, technology, and human resources for waste treatment and greenhouse gas inventory. Legal frameworks and regulations are also issues that businesses encounter when reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”

To address these challenges, scientists have proposed several solutions: The government should invest in supporting research and providing additives that reduce CH4 emissions from ruminants while improving their nutrition; The government should allow biogas electricity generation to be connected to the grid, encouraging farm owners to invest in large biogas generators to fully utilize the generated gas, reducing the direct release of CH4 into the environment from many large farms; The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development should promptly issue national technical regulations on using livestock waste as organic fertilizer to complete the legal framework for technologies related to waste collection and transportation. There should be policies to support small enterprises and farmers in collecting livestock waste for organic fertilizer production for sale and self-use. By improving waste treatment technologies, we can develop towards a circular economy, recycling resources for livestock production, and reducing environmental emissions.

Ngoc Huyen