Chapter 12 - Decentralization in Forest Management in Vietnam’s Uplands: Case Studies of the Kho Mu and Thai Ethnic Community

Abstract

This chapter examines the outcomes of decentralization in forest management in Vietnam’s uplands through case studies in three communities of two different ethnic minorities residing in different ecological conditions. It has been demonstrated that, since the Vietnamese government adopted forest management decentralization policies in the early 1990s, municipal governments have more responsibility than in the past to intervene in forest management; however, actual forest management powers and rights over forest resources are still retained by the central government. The study shows that the decentralization policies have contributed to improving social equity in access to forest resources, distribution of economic benefits from such resources, and reinforcing sustainable practices of forest management, though this does not happen in all cases. However, there are some shortcomings in policy formulation and implementation such as power devolution, benefit sharing, accountability, and participation that need to be adjusted and overcome to move the process of forest management decentralization forward.