Special-use Forest Research Articles

ASSESSMENT OF FOREST AREA CHANGE TRENDS IN HA TINH PROVINCE USING NON-PARAMETRIC ESTIMATION METHODS

This article applies non-parametric estimation methods to assess forest area change trends in Ha Tinh province from 2017 to 2023. The study focuses on analyzing changes in various forest categories, including protective forests, special-use forests, and production forests, across districts within the province. Results indicate an increase in protective and production forest areas in regions such as Ky Anh and Cam Xuyen districts, while other areas like Duc Tho district and Hong Linh town show a trend of decline or stability. Overall, these changes align with the province’s forestry development policies and strategies. This research aims to provide a scientific basis for developing forest management policies. Additionally, it offers statistical analyses to support climate change response efforts, advancing toward sustainable development goals.

Review of biodiversity assessment and resource management orientation for sustainable rural development in Lang Son province, Vietnam

This study examines the conservation and biodiversity management efforts in Lang Son province, Vietnam, in the context of global environmental concerns. Under Decision No 2447/QD-UBND, the province’s Special-use Forest Planning focuses on conserving areas such as the Huu Lien Nature Reserve and the Mau Son special-use forests. This initiative covers a substantial planned land area to sustain biodiversity and foster rural development up to 2030. Recent surveys indicate a notable increase in plant species within these areas, from 842 species in 2017 to 961 in 2019, and significant efforts towards conserving endangered species like the Asiatic black bear and the Annam flying frog. The province encompasses diverse ecosystems spread across 832,075.82 ha, characterized by varied terrains and climates contributing to its rich biodiversity. These regions are crucial for various species, including those listed in conservation documents, such as the 77 plant species recorded. RAP-Plant analysis and Monte Carlo simulation indicate that Lang Son’s biodiversity, with a Shannon index of 2.85 and Simpson index of 0.75, is threatened by a projected forest area decline to 514,578.61 ha by 2040, risking extinction for rare species like Hoang dan and Lan kim tuyen. Furthermore, Lang Son’s strategic initiatives towards sustainable agricultural practices, forest management, and restoration efforts highlight the integration of biodiversity conservation into broader socio-economic development plans. The province’s approach aligns with global strategies emphasizing the protection of endangered and endemic species as essential to maintaining ecological balances and supporting sustainable development. This study underscores the importance of comprehensive regional planning and community engagement in biodiversity conservation efforts to mitigate economic development, illegal activities, and climate change challenges. Threats such as illegal logging and habitat fragmentation persist, necessitating more vital community-based conservation efforts and robust legal frameworks.

Traditional knowledge, attitude and behaviour of indigenous people towards endangered wildlife conservation in Kon Plong District, Vietnam

Indigenous knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of local people are very important concepts for wildlife conservation. Endangered wildlife species that live in Kon Plong forests have been under pressure from the communities living around them, including wildlife hunting, trapping, capturing, illegal logging, and encroachment for residential and production land. This study aims to understand the knowledge, attitude, and behaviour of indigenous people towards endangered wildlife in order to protect these species. Some participatory rural appraisal tools were used to discuss the situation and collect information in nine villages of four communes in Kon Plong District from December 2019 to March 2020. The results showed that the levels of knowledge about endangered wildlife among indigenous people in communes were statistically different. People’s knowledge of the law influenced their behaviour. Gender had the greatest influence on the level of knowledge. Most indigenous people had a positive attitude and wanted to protect endangered animals. “Commune” and “culture” were the two factors affecting people’s attitudes. “Commune”, “culture”, and the level of understanding affected the hunting behaviour of people. Negative human impacts have seriously influenced endangered wildlife species. Therefore, it is necessary to develop a long-term conservation strategy and plan, including the establishment of Kon Plong Special-Use Forests, supporting livelihoods for local people, communicating, and raising awareness among local people, and increasing the participation of community organisations.

Applying GIS and Markov chain in establishing the land use change map and forecasting land use changes in Thach That district, Hanoi city

The study applied GIS and Markov chains to assess land use changes in the period 2015-2020 and forecast land use change trends in Thach That district, Hanoi city until 2030. Using two maps of the land use status quo map in 2015 and 2020 of Thach That district and 2 period land statistics, the research result has established a land use change map in Thach That district for the period 2015 - 2020 for 16 types of land with a land change rate of 9.63% of the total natural area. During this period, the land types that tend to increase are Perennial crop land; Special-use Forest land; Aquaculture land; Other agricultural land; Residential land; Special-use land; Land for religious establishments; Land for beliefs establishments and Specialized water surfaces with an increased rate of 0.05-2.28%. In contrast, land types with a decreasing trend are Annual crop land; Production Forest land; Protective Forest land; Cemetery land, cemetery, funeral home, crematorium; Land of rivers, streams, canals and streams; Other non-agricultural land, and Unused land which decreased at a rate of 0.02-2.34%. It is forecast that by 2030, agricultural land will have 10,271.28 hectares (accounting for 54.90%), non-agricultural land will have 8,432.22 hectares (accounting for 45.07%), unused land will have 4.76 hectares (accounting for 0.03%). Performing a T-Test (Paired two sample for Means) between the area from the forecast and the planned area until 2030 shows that ρ = 0.979 > 0.05. Thus, it proves that the results of forecasting land use changes to 2030 using the Markov chain compared to the land use planning plan of Thach That district do not have too big a difference. The results of assessing land use changes and making forecasts of land change trends in the Thach That district contribute to helping policymakers have an objective view of land-use planning and economic development sustainably.

Research the Current Status of Educational Works on Biodiversity Conservation at Than Sa - Phuong Hoang Natural Reserve, Thai Nguyen Province, Vietnam

Than Sa - Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve is the largest natural forest in Thai Nguyen province, with high biodiversity with 6 types of vegetation, 1,234 plant species, and 346 animal species. The buffer zone Than Sa - Phuong Nature Reserve has about 6,500 households living, with more than 90% being ethnic minorities. Local people are still dependent on the forest, causing many difficulties for conservation. Education to raise awareness for the community is a long-term, highly effective and sustainable solution to biodiversity conservation. During the research process, the authors used a combination of methods of analyzing and synthesizing documents; field survey method. Research results show that: Biodiversity conservation education is carried out at Than Sa - Phuong Hoang Nature Reserve in different forms for diverse target groups. However, the number of educational programs on biodiversity conservation is not much due to lack of funding and low practical effectiveness. The staff in charge of education and communication work of the Management Board of special-use forests and protection forests in Thai Nguyen province have not been professionally trained.

Development of Community Tourism in Na Hang District, Tuyen Quang Province, Vietnam Associated With the Protection of Special- Use Forests

Community-based tourism is currently a popular trend of developing countries, including Vietnam. After the Covid 19 pandemic, most of the travel needs of tourists have changed. From bustling urban areas, tourists want to find remote areas to be close to nature, find inner peace and enjoy a green life. Therefore, community-based tourism in the form of experience, adventure, ecology and healing is being prioritized for development in Tuyen Quang province. This is a province with the largest natural forest cover in Vietnam, in which, Na Hang district has over 21,000 hectares of natural forest in Thanh Tuong, Son Phu, Con Lon and Khau Tinh communes. In order to better manage and protect forests, over the past time, Na Hang Special-use Forest Protection Department has strengthened propaganda, patrolling, controlling and protecting existing forest areas, contributing to preserving the living environment, natural disaster prevention, socio-economic promotion, tourism development. The issue of special-use forest protection associated with community-based tourism development has both created livelihoods for the people here and raised people’s awareness of preserving the landscape environment.

An Assessment of Impacts of Local Communities on the Habitat of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus) Population in Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province

The population of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus avunculus) in Cao - Ta - Tung forest of Quan Ba district, Ha Giang province is approximately from 10 to 20 individuals. Because the distribution of this population is located outside of a special-use forest, the habitat of the species is fragmented and continuing to decline due to agricultural expansion and human disturbance. The research results showed that the main livelihood of local people is growing corn and cardamom. There are still activities of forest product exploitation, mainly for firewood. Five major threats to the population of Rhinopithecus avunculus in Cao - Ta - Tung forest are hunting activities, timber logging, non-timber forest product exploitation, deforestation for farming, and cardamom cultivation. The activities of local people in Va Thang 2, Ta Van and Chong Chai villages have a very high level of threat, while Cha Phin and Ban Thang villages have a high level of threat. The expansion of the planting area of cardamom (Amomum tsao) under the forest canopy by local people has made the forest area shrink, which has seriously affected the habitat of the population. In order to protect the habitat and population of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey in Quan Ba district, the following conservation measure should be considered: i) Establish the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Species and Habitat Conservation Area; ii) Take measures to prevent the expansion of cardamom cultivation under the forest canopy; iii) Enhance communication to raise public awareness on this species protection, forest protection as well as biodiversity conservation; and iv) Develop livelihood models for local communities to improve living standards and reduce pressure on forests.

Assessment and Zoning of Emission Coefficient Kv, Coefficient Kq of Receiving Water and Wastewater Discharge with Column A and B by using GIS Technology: Case Study of Binh Dinh Province

The development of GIS brings several advantages for environmental protection and management in Binh Dinh province. This technology has huge potential to overcome the disadvantages of ground-based monitoring sites and can provide additional information on the geographical representation of environmental quality at the regional level. The objective of this study is to use GIS technology to develop a map for rapid identification of the emission coefficient Kv (Kv), coefficient Kq of receiving water (Kq), and wastewater discharge with columns A and B in national environmental regulations. This study also used the ArcGIS tool and map overlay method to merge data with several GIS’ layers. The results show the maps of emissions coefficient Kv in the province are as 5 regions with a coefficient Kv = 0.6; 0.8; 1.0; 1.2; 1.4 based on the current state of urban development, socio-economy, industrial zones, special-use forests, natural heritages, historical and cultural relics, urban areas, rural areas. For the coefficients Kq (Kq = 0.9) corresponding to the flow rate (Qmean) of receiving water of all rivers, streams, canals, and channels in Binh Đinh province (Qmean < 50 m3/s). The other result shows that the wastewater river basin from the downstream of the river to the estuary or lagoon usually is the zoning of wastewater discharge column B.

Improving regulations on forest reclassification and conversion of special-use forests into forests and protection forests

The legal framework regarding the conversion of forest land use serves an important role in balancing the interests between environmental protection and socio-economic development. The conversion of forest land use can be attributed to two groups: forest reclassification and conversion of forest land use for other purposes. Given the decreasing forest land area, especially for protected and specialized forests, studying regulations concerning the conversion of forest land use becomes highly necessary. This article focuses on analyzing and evaluating the provisions in the Draft Land Law (amended) regarding (i) Cases of land use conversion, including the conversion of protected forests and specialized forests; (ii) Bases for permitting land use conversion; (iii) Conditions for permitting the conversion of protected forests and specialized forests. These contents are considered in relation to regulations on the conversion of forest land use for other purposes and regulations on forest type conversion in the Forestry Law. Based on practical implementation of forest type conversion laws and evaluation of legal enforcement, the article provides suggestions for the Draft Land Law (amended) and the Draft Decree on detailed regulations for implementing the Land Law regarding the conversion of special-use forests and protection forests. Additionally, the article also expresses the viewpoint on amending legal provisions to create uniformity in regulating the issue of land use conversion in forestry.

THE INFLUENCE OF FOREST CANOPY COVER ON FRUIT-FEEDING BUTTERFLY COMMUNITIES IN THE HUU LIEN SPECIAL-USE FOREST, LANG SON PROVINCE

The alteration of tropical forest structures due to human activities can have negative impacts on various organism communities. The purpose of this study was to investigate how forest canopy cover affects the species composition and community structure of fruit-feeding butterflies in the karst ecosystems of the Huu Lien special-use forest, Lang Son Province. Three forest fragments with high (&gt;80%), medium (50-80%), and low (&lt;50%) levels of canopy cover were examined. We collected fruit-feeding butterflies using Van Someren-Rydon traps, with 30 traps deployed evenly across the three fragments from May 2022 to March 2023, recording 27 butterfly species of 557 individuals in total. The results indicated that the forest fragment with medium canopy cover had the highest species richness and diversity of fruit-feeding butterfly communities. Although most species were found in all three forest fragments, the Nonmetric Multidimensional Scaling (NMDS) analysis significantly separated the community structures of fruit-feeding butterflies among the three fragments. The two species, Kallima incognita Nakamura &amp; Wakahara and Stichophthalma fruhstorferi Röber, were mainly found in the forest fragment with high canopy cover and were considered as indicator species for this forest type. This study demonstrated the impact of forest canopy cover on the structure of fruit-feeding butterfly communities and emphasized the importance of forest canopy cover in conserving and maintaining insect diversity in karst ecosystems.

Species Composition and Utilization Values of Oil Plants in Xuan Nha Special-use Forest, Son La Provine

This study was conducted to assess the resources of oil plants in Xuan Nha special-use forest, Son La province. The survey period was conducted from July 2018 to June 2021. The results showed that there were 317 species, 196 genera of 62 families belonging to Pinophyta and Magnoliophyta. In addition to the value for essential oils, many species had other values such as 256 medicinal species, 105 edible species, 66 timber species, 35 bonsai species, 20 wine additive species, 9 species used for animal feeds, 7 dye-containing species and 3 poisonous species. The spectrum of life forms of identified species included: SB = 63.41Ph + 11.99 Th + 11.04Cr + 7.57Hm + 5.99 Ch. We have identified 24 species of plants as being endangered in the Vietnam Red Book (2007), 12 species listed in the Governmental Decree and 10 species in the red list of IUCN (2021). These are species with a small number of individuals that need to have policies for conservation and development.

Global biodiversity-related conventions on facilitating biodiversity conservation in Vietnam

Global biodiversity-related conventions have positively influenced nature conservation in Vietnam. Adherence to international policies and strategies is one of the critical motivations for reducing biodiversity loss. As highlighted in Aichi Target 11, protected areas are central for this effort and Vietnam is not an exception. In this study we reflect on and suggest how this Target can be most effectively pursued in Vietnam. Of which, besides remaining the status of special-use forests, uplifting protection forests, especially focusing on forest areas which are in rich biodiversity condition, to special-use forests category should be a priority.

The Supported Policies in the Afforestation and Perennial Crops Project and its Effects on the Local Peoples’ Livelihoods in Dien Bien Province of Vietnam

The Afforestation and Perennial Tree Plantation Project were implemented in several mountainous areas in Dien Bien province, Vietnam, for many purposes such as providing agricultural products, increasing incomes for the people in the projected areas, and reducing shifting cultivation. Based on these reasons, the central and local governments implemented several policies and subsidies for the growers, including rice subsidies for ethnic minorities who planted forests to replace shifting cultivation; investment support for planting protective forests and special-use forests; and providing seedlings. This article aimed to provide a clear view of the supporting policies in the Afforestation and Perennial Crops Project and its effects on the local people’s livelihoods in Dien Bien province of Vietnam. By analyzing the types of the capital of the livelihood assets (human capital, natural capital, financial capital, physical capital, and social capital), indicators of each capital type were chosen and scored in the context of achieving sustainable livelihoods. The results identified that the government has issued several policies to help the investors and farmers involved in this project. However, there were some concerns about the policies in practice, for example, the low percentage of dividend sharing for farmers, unclear land use rights, and inadequate applications of the policies in reality. In evaluating the livelihood assets, significant differences were found in the sustainable livelihood index gained between the rubber-based and non-rubber-based groups.

PRELIMINARY DATA ON DISTRIBUTION OF AMPHIBIANS AND REPTILES FROM CHI LINH SPECIAL - USE FOREST IN HAI DUONG PROVINCE, NORTHERN VIETNAM

Based on the novel data collected during three field surveys in 2019 and 2020, we herein provided a checklist of 13 amphibian species belonging to 10 genera (five families, one order) and 12 reptile species belonging to 12 genera (7 families, two orders) from Chi Linh Special-Use forest, Hai Duong province. In this study, Trachemys scripta is recorded as invasive alien species from the area. In terms of conservation concern, 2 species are listed in the IUCN Red List (2020) as Vulnerable (Physignathus cocincinus and Goniurosaurus lichtenfelderi) and 1 species is listed in the Vietnam Red Data Book (2007) as Vulnerable (Physignathus cocincinus). In terms of herpetological distribution, mostly recorded species were found in the evergreen forest habitat (6 species of amphibians and 7 species of reptiles). Additionally, the largest number of species were recorded in March 2019 (12 amphibian species and 4 reptile species).

The tonkin snub-nosed monkey &lt;i&gt; Rhinopithecus avunculus &lt;/i&gt; population in the Quan Ba forest, north-east Vietnam: an identification of priority habitat for conservation

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus is among the World’s 25 most endangered primates. At present, the species is found only in few forest areas in Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang Provinces, north-east Vietnam with a total number not exceeding 250 individuals. The forest block in Cao Ma Po, Ta Van and Tung Vai Communes of Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province (the Cao - Ta - Tung forest) harbors the second largest population of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. This population was estimated to be conisted of about 30–35 individuals in 2007. However, it faces a number of serious threats (wildlife hunting, habitat degradation by widespread forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom plant, etc.) that may lead the population to be extinct in near future. The population was reduced to 15–21 individuals in 2016 due to these threats. In 2017–2018, we conducted a study to identify a priority habitat area to establish the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area. The results of our study show that the distribution of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population is confined to a small area (about 5,000 ha) belonging to the Theng Chu Phin, Dao Dan Chai, Ta Lay mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 295. This area harbors the best forest of the Cao - Ta - Tung area. The forest covers 92.3% of the area, and only 7.7% of the area is a non-forest land. There are two types of forest: evergreen broad-leaved forest (50.0% of total area) and limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest (42.3%). The evergreen broad-leaved forest has been degraded to medium and restoration status. Tsao-ko cardamom Amomum tsao-ko fields are widespread. The limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest of almost primary status remains in very steep slopes and limestone mountains. The Cao - Ta - Tung forest was designated as a watershed protection forest that allows farming of agricultural and medicinal plants inside the forest and the forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom is widespread becoming the most serious threat to the long-term survival of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population. In order to ensure long-term survival of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population, the area of the Theng Chu Pin, Dao Dai Chai, Ta Lay, Tung Lau mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 285 must be designated as a special-use forest, i.e. to establish a Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area.

The tonkin snub-nosed monkey &lt;i&gt; Rhinopithecus avunculus &lt;/i&gt; population in the Quan Ba forest, north-east Vietnam: an identification of priority habitat for conservation

The Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Rhinopithecus avunculus is among the World’s 25 most endangered primates. At present, the species is found only in few forest areas in Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang Provinces, north-east Vietnam with a total number not exceeding 250 individuals. The forest block in Cao Ma Po, Ta Van and Tung Vai Communes of Quan Ba District, Ha Giang Province (the Cao - Ta - Tung forest) harbors the second largest population of Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey. This population was estimated to be conisted of about 30–35 individuals in 2007. However, it faces a number of serious threats (wildlife hunting, habitat degradation by widespread forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom plant, etc.) that may lead the population to be extinct in near future. The population was reduced to 15–21 individuals in 2016 due to these threats. In 2017–2018, we conducted a study to identify a priority habitat area to establish the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area. The results of our study show that the distribution of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population is confined to a small area (about 5,000 ha) belonging to the Theng Chu Phin, Dao Dan Chai, Ta Lay mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 295. This area harbors the best forest of the Cao - Ta - Tung area. The forest covers 92.3% of the area, and only 7.7% of the area is a non-forest land. There are two types of forest: evergreen broad-leaved forest (50.0% of total area) and limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest (42.3%). The evergreen broad-leaved forest has been degraded to medium and restoration status. Tsao-ko cardamom Amomum tsao-ko fields are widespread. The limestone evergreen broad-leaved forest of almost primary status remains in very steep slopes and limestone mountains. The Cao - Ta - Tung forest was designated as a watershed protection forest that allows farming of agricultural and medicinal plants inside the forest and the forest farming of Tsao-ko cardamom is widespread becoming the most serious threat to the long-term survival of the Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population. In order to ensure long-term survival of the Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey population, the area of the Theng Chu Pin, Dao Dai Chai, Ta Lay, Tung Lau mountains, the Hill 754 and a forest patch along the Vietnam-China border from the Post 283 to Post 285 must be designated as a special-use forest, i.e. to establish a Quan Ba Tonkin Snub-nosed Monkey Conservation Area.

Thành phần loài và phân bố của cá trong các thủy vực rừng đặc dụng Na Hang, tỉnh Tuyên Quang

Results of the surveys conducted in 2017 and 2018 show that the total number of fish species at the Na Hang special-use forest was counted at 41 species, with 34 genera and 15 families of 4 orders. Of them, the Cypriniformes order are the most abundant 22 species (53,7%). Perciformes is the most abundant of families with 6 families (40%). There is richness in number the species of Balitoridae and Gobiidae in habitats and streams have high flow rate, limestone substrata, while in the power reservoir, number the species of families Cypprinidae are recorded in large numbers and larger in size. There are three rare species which was listed in Vietnamese Red Data Book (2007): 02 species of VU level and 01 species of EN level; 03 species were listed in the IUCN Red List: 01 species of VU level and 02 species of NT level.

The comparative analyses of selected aspects of conservation and management of Vietnam’s national parks

The national parks in Vietnam are protected areas in the national system of special-use forests created to protect natural resources and biodiversity. In order to improve the effectiveness of management of national parks, the study assesses some current aspects of conservation and management of natural resources with respect to management plans, financial sources, staff, cooperative activities, causes of limited management capacity and threats to natural resources. Out of the total of 30 national parks, six are under the responsibility of the Vietnam Administration of Forestry (VNFOREST) and 24 national parks are managed by provincial authorities. It was found that most of the national parks have updated their management plans. Financial sources of funding for national parks mainly originated from the central and provincial budgets, with an average of 51% and 76% respectively. Fifty percent of national parks spent 40–60% of their total funding on conservation activities. About 85% of national parks’ staff had academic degrees, typically in the fields of forestry, agriculture and fisheries. Biodiversity conservation was considered a priority cooperative action in national parks with scientific institutes. Major causes of a limited management capacity of national parks included human population growth and pressure associated with resources use, lack of funding, limited human and institutional capacity and land use conflict/land grab. Illegal hunting, trapping, poaching and fishing, the illegal wildlife trade, illegal logging and firewood collecting appeared to be the most serious threats to the conservation and management of natural resources. In addition to these results, significant differences were found between the VNFOREST and provincial parks in terms of financial sources, staff and the threat of illegal logging and firewood collecting. The authors’ findings offer useful information for national park planners and managers, as well as policy makers and researchers in seeking solutions for the sustainable management of natural resources in national parks.

Data on aquatic insects of Ngoc Linh Special-use Forest, Quang Nam province

Three investigations into species composition in aquatic insects in Ngoc Linh Special-use Forest in Quang Nam (March, September, 2015 and March, 2016). At 15 sampling sites in selected waterbodies, aquatic insects were sampled quantitatively by Surber net and qualitatively by hand net. The study has showed a total of 86 species, belonging to 69 genera, 40 families, 8 orders of aquatic insects: 24 Odonata species, 21 Ephemeroptera species, 13 Tricoptera species, 11 Hemiptera species, 7 Plecoptera species, 6 Coleoptera species, 3 Diptera spieces and 1 Megaloptera species. The three orders, Odonata, Ephemeroptera, Tricoptera, predominated (67,45%) the aquatic insect fauna in terms of species richness. This study has provided the data of aquatic insects in this area

The Vietnamese Legal and Policy Framework for Co-Management in Special-Use Forests

Co-management has been introduced into Special Use Forests (SUFs) of Vietnam for more than 10 years. However, the extent to which Vietnamese laws and policies support co-management remains unclear. This paper reviews existing policies and laws from the national to commune levels and assesses their facilitation of co-management in SUFs. The review demonstrates there is support for co-management, albeit scattered and uncoordinated across a range of policies and laws. Modifications to policy on ownership and use rights would support the development of SUF co-management. Additionally, clearer legislative underpinning for benefit sharing in SUFs could better incentivize the participation of local people and private sector actors to engage in more effective co-management arrangements.