Assessment of forestland allocation to community’ management under payments for forest environmental services policy in Hong Kim commune, A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province

Abstract

Forestland allocation to communities’ management under the policy on payments for forest environmental services brings numerous benefits, improving the lives of ethnic minorities and contributing to adequate forest protection. Therefore, this study aims to assess forestland allocation to communities’ management in Hong Kim commune, A Luoi district, Thua Thien Hue province, after more than six years of applying the policy. The results indicate that the commune delivered 397.9 ha of forestland and forests to six communities for management and protection​​, accounting for 10.2% of its total forest area. The remuneration from this policy is about VND 200 million/year/a community. After applying this policy, the forest coverage rate increased by 3.3% (from 90.5% in 2013 to 93.8% in 2019). Local people’s living standards and income were improved but below expectation. Therefore, each community needs to have appropriate solutions and give more support to individuals and households in forest protection.