Vietnam implements forest environmental service payment policies

Vietnam is implementing forest environmental service payment policies to promote conservation and provide sustainable livelihoods for local communities.

In the Bù Gia Mập National Park buffer zone, ethnic minority households have participated in forest protection contracts for over a decade. This model provides regular income, such as approximately 9 million VND per quarter for some participants, which helps improve living standards while ensuring strict patrolling and preventing illegal resource exploitation.

In Cà Mau Province, authorities have approved a scheme to implement similar environmental service payments. The policy targets various users, including clean water suppliers, industrial facilities, eco-tourism businesses, and aquaculture operations. Payments are made to forest owners, households, and communities under protection contracts, either directly or through the provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund. The initiative aims to mobilize social resources and ensure financial stability for those directly involved in forest preservation.