Forest Sector Development Project

closed

The Forest Sector Development Project will achieve sustainable management of plantation forests, and conservation of biodiversity in special forests uses. The project components are as follows: 1) strengthening forest management and biodiversity conservation, through the revision of selected policies, and regulations regarding the management of production plantation forest, and special forests uses (e.g.: improved forest land allocation guidelines; development of management regulations to enable forestry management boards to enter into co-management agreements with local stakeholders; and, incentive and tax systems to support forestry plantation). In addition, farm forestry groups will be established to develop smallholder forestry, and the promotion of forest plantation certification to ensure environmental sustainability, higher prices, and improved and secured market access for participating households. 2) based on different cropping systems, forest plantations will be established, including fast-growing plantations, mixed forestry-agriculture crops, and fruit trees, as well as promoting small-scale tree growing by rural communities. A participatory approach will involve village consultations, and technical and environmental screening of proposed sites, including land allocation, and certification for land uses rights. Extension and services delivery shall assist smallholders in forestry plantation activities, plantation design and management, and, plantation investments in the form of credits; 3) conservation, and sustainable use of biodiversity resources will be financed, through the establishment of an innovative financing mechanism, namely, the Vietnam Conservation Fund (VCF) to administer a competitive small grants program, including monitoring and reporting, and, implementing conservation needs assessments; and, 4) project management activities will include the coordination of project implementation with the various government agencies at central, provincial and district levels, monitoring, and cooperation with partnerships.