HÀ NỘI — Starbucks Việt Nam has officially teamed up with the Gaia Nature Conservation Centre to promote sustainable living and environmental conservation through the 'Green Contribution' initiative with various community-focused activities taking place throughout the fiscal years 2024 and 2025.

The partnership’s first project began in Phong Điền Nature Reserve in Thừa Thiên-Huế Province in November this year, where Starbucks employees and Gaia representatives, supported by forest rangers, planted 1,300 trees.

This effort aims to restore ecological balance, contribute to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development’s one-billion-tree initiative, and support Việt Nam’s net-zero emissions target for 2025.

“This is a meaningful and practical project for Starbucks Vietnam, showcasing our commitment to creating a sustainable future through conservation and environmental restoration," Nguyễn Trần Anh Chi, Communications Director of Starbucks Vietnam.

"Partnering with Gaia is an honour, and this is just the beginning.”

The partnership will continue in 2025 with activities such as a forest-planting event in Thanh Hóa Province in March next year, where 1,000 trees will be added to Xuân Liên Nature Reserve. Starbucks will also host Green Living Days to educate staff and communities on adopting eco-friendly practices in daily life.

Gaia is a non-profit organisation focused on environmental conservation. Its forest restoration programme has planted nearly 1.2 million trees across Việt Nam. According to Đỗ Huyền, Founder and Executive Director, Gaia will involve strict monitoring to ensure the trees' survival and lead interactive events to encourage public participation in preserving Việt Nam’s natural resources.

This collaboration is part of Starbucks Việt Nam’s broader sustainability strategy, which includes initiatives like reforestation, clean water tower installations, and disaster relief projects. By integrating conservation efforts into its operations, Starbucks aims to foster a greener future and inspire customers to participate.

Setting foot in Việt Nam in 2013, Starbucks has expanded its reach to 16 cities and provinces with 125 outlets by the end of 2024. The US coffee chain aims to extend its presence to more localities in Việt Nam in 2025, with an expected higher growth rate than the 20 per cent growth in 2024. — VNS