Vietnam Implements Forest Ecosystem Multi-Use Plan

Forest protection coverage in Vietnam has increased from 1.7 million hectares a decade ago to 7.43 million hectares currently. Local authorities are implementing policies to support community-based economic models to improve livelihoods and income. The management includes 1.2 million hectares at the commune level and approximately 2 million hectares managed by individual households. Nguyen Ba Ngai, General Secretary of the Vietnam Forest Association, noted that healthy forests receive higher payments while degraded forests receive less. Vietnam has approved Decision 208 regarding the multi-use development of forest ecosystems through 2030 with a vision toward 2050. The plan aims to integrate forest landscapes with tourism, including resorts and educational sites for students. The government has already generated over 1.4 trillion VND from forest-related products, including the sale of 50 million tons of goods. Local communities are expected to participate by leveraging local culture to attract eco-tourism. This approach seeks to balance environmental management with economic opportunities for local populations. This approach involves mobilizing residents to utilize forest resources alongside cultural preservation. The strategy involves integrating local culture into forest management to attract visitors to areas like Lam Dong, Gia Lai, and Sapa. Communities are encouraged to develop products from forest resources, such as seeds and medicinal herbs, to create sustainable income.