Implementing agencies

• Category

  Project

• Date time

  From 2018 to Present

• Field

  Climate Action

Deforestation and the decrease in forest area are serious issues in Vietnam. Additionally, environmental awareness among some segments of the population remains limited. To contribute to the protection and restoration of Vietnam's forests and raise community awareness about environmental protection, Standard Chartered has launched the "Steps to Green Vietnamese Forests" project. Through the running event, each participant's steps are converted into contributions towards a tree-planting fund. As a result, the project has planted a significant number of trees, helping to expand forest areas and improve the living environment.

Part 1

Starting background of the project

Vietnam is facing serious deforestation issues, leading to a significant loss of natural forests and negatively impacting the ecosystem. Activities such as illegal logging, converting forest land to agricultural land, and infrastructure development are the main causes of forest area reduction. This not only destroys the habitats of many rare species but also leads to problems such as soil erosion, floods, and climate change.

A portion of the population still lacks awareness about environmental and forest protection, with some continuing to engage in or support illegal logging activities. Many people depend on forests for their livelihood but lack understanding of the negative impacts deforestation has on the environment and their lives. Additionally, environmental education and awareness in certain regions are limited, resulting in a lack of community consciousness about protecting forests and natural resources.

The Standard Chartered Hanoi Marathon Heritage Race is the 10th race in the Standard Chartered Marathon series. This is the first event in Vietnam to be sponsored by Standard Chartered, a market with a long historical presence since 1904.

In response to the forest resource degradation, Standard Chartered initiated the "Steps to Green Vietnamese Forests" project. In this project, participants will not only focus on running but each of their steps will contribute to the protection and restoration of forests.

Part 2

Project innovation/ invention

Combining Sports with Environmental Protection: Instead of focusing solely on running, the project encourages participants to contribute to reforestation efforts. Each step run will be converted into a donation to fund tree planting activities, helping to green Vietnam's forests.

Creating a Community of Sports Enthusiasts and Environmental Advocates: The project attracts not only running enthusiasts but also spreads the message of environmental protection to a wider community.

Using Technology: The mobile app used to track running distances and the number of trees planted helps participants easily monitor their progress and motivates them to stay involved over the long term.

Collaborating with Social Organizations: The project partners with social organizations to ensure that reforestation efforts are carried out effectively and sustainably.

Part 3

Goals and vision of the project

Goals

This project, initiated by Standard Chartered, has clear objectives aimed at a greener future:

- Protecting and Restoring Vietnam's Forests: The core goal of the project is to directly contribute to reforestation and forest protection efforts, aiming to stop deforestation and forest degradation.

- Raising Community Awareness: The project seeks to create a broad movement within the community, especially among the youth, about the importance of environmental protection and addressing climate change.

- Connecting the Community: It creates a common space where people can come together to participate in meaningful activities, helping to build a sustainable community.

- Building Brand Image: Through this project, Standard Chartered aims to affirm its commitment to community-driven actions and sustainable development.

Vision

- Vietnam's forests are protected and restored, contributing to ecosystem balance and climate change mitigation.

- Every individual is environmentally conscious and ready to take action for a greener future.

- The Vietnamese community is united, working together to build a sustainably developed country.

Part 4

Implementation - Scope - Cost of the project 

Implementation - Scope

The "Steps to Green Vietnamese Forests" project is held annually in major cities across the country, especially in areas with potential for eco-tourism development and nature conservation. Participants can include running and sports enthusiasts, individuals interested in environmental protection, students, and more.

The activities of the project include:

- Organizing running events where each step taken by participants is converted into a monetary contribution to plant trees.

- Partnering with environmental organizations to implement large-scale reforestation and forest protection projects.

- Promoting environmental protection through media channels, events, and educational activities to raise community awareness.

Cost

The costs of implementing the project come from Standard Chartered's budget, contributions from sponsors, and participation from service providers. These funds will cover the following activities:

- Event organization costs: venue rental, equipment, personnel, advertising, etc.

- Reforestation costs: purchasing seedlings, labor hire, transportation, etc.

- Communication and promotion costs.

- Costs associated with collaboration with environmental protection organizations.

Depending on the scale of the event, the area of newly planted forest, and communication expenses, there will be varying budget sources.

Part 5

Achievements 

The event, first launched in 2018 under the name Hanoi International Heritage Marathon, attracted over 3,000 athletes and running enthusiasts from Vietnam and around the world.

In 2019, the Hanoi People's Committee selected the marathon as "Hanoi's official international marathon," with the number of participants doubling to over 6,000 from more than 50 countries and regions.

In 2020, as Vietnam held the ASEAN Chairmanship, the marathon was chosen as the official marathon of the ASEAN Chair Year 2020.

In 2022, over 10,000 people registered for the event, with 3,000 athletes signing up for the Full Marathon (42.195 km), the largest number ever for a domestic marathon. In total, nearly 9,000 athletes competed across four race categories, with over 1,000 international participants.

The Hanoi International Heritage Marathon 2023 was a unique event, combining a traditional marathon with a special tour through five major districts, covering almost all historical and cultural landmarks of Hanoi's Old Quarter, with over 11,000 athletes participating.

In 2024, the marathon will mark its 10th edition in the prestigious Standard Chartered Marathon series, aiming to honor endurance, unity, and the effort to surpass limits. It will be held according to international standards, showcasing 11 must-see heritage sites and landmarks in the peaceful, captivating, and historically rich capital city of Hanoi.

Part 6

Model expansion potential

Expanding the geographic scope:

- Nationally: Similar running events could be organized in different provinces and cities, creating a nationwide movement for environmental protection through running.

- Internationally: The project could be expanded to other countries in the region and globally, forming a community dedicated to environmental protection.

Diversifying activities:

- Other sports: In addition to running, activities such as walking, cycling, mountain climbing, and water sports could be organized to attract more participants.

- Contribution methods: Besides converting steps into tree planting, other forms of contribution could be created, such as direct donations or volunteering in tree planting activities.

Integrating technology:

- Mobile apps: Develop mobile applications with more attractive features, such as building user communities, organizing challenges, and sharing experiences.

- Virtual/augmented reality: Create virtual reality experiences where participants can engage in tree planting and tree care.

Partnering with stakeholders:

- Social organizations: Expand partnerships with social organizations and businesses to jointly carry out environmental protection activities.

- Government agencies: Seek support from government agencies to facilitate the implementation of the project.

Building the brand:

- Branding the project: Establish a strong brand associated with environmental protection and healthy living.

- Creating related products: Develop project-branded products, such as T-shirts, hats, and water bottles, to attract the community's attention.

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