Policy Effects for Forest Conservation and Local Livelihood Improvements in Vietnam: A Case Study of Bach Ma National Park

Abstract

In 2012, the Vietnamese Government enacted “Decision 24” aiming at forest conservation and local development, incorporating the community support program in national park buffer zone to enhance the poor household livelihoods on the condition of reducing forest exploitation. In this program, the village submits an annual plan based on the needs of local people. To evaluate policy impacts, 1) provision of alternative job opportunity, 2) targeting the poor households, and 3) reducing frequency of incursion into national park, were examined. An interview was conducted on 95 households in the buffer zone of Bach Ma National Park. The achievements of the program depended on the village governance. There is a case of inappropriate policy selection that non-incursion HHs were selected and got benefits. It is important that the authority pays attention to not only the local people’s demands but also their management abilities, production conditions, and access to technical support.