Community Forestry Management for Whom? Learning from Field Experience in Vietnam

Authors: Nguyen Quang Tan, Yurdi Yasmi, Tran Ngoc Thanh, Hoang Huy Tuan

Publishers: RECOFTC, Forest Governance Learning Group (FGLG)

April 2008

What makes community forest management work for forests and livelihoods? And how can policy help?

Summary

The Forest Governance Learning Group (FGLG) Vietnam undertook a survey in Dak Lak and Thua Thien Hue provinces between December 2006 and April 2007. The survey aimed to provide insights into different forms of community forest management, the factors influencing its success, and their contribution to poverty alleviation. 

Policy Messages

• Inflexible implementation of state policies at the local level can undermine efforts to advance community forest management.
• Traditional community forest management often addresses local poverty issues more effectively than the official version, as the former is typically more responsive to local needs and allows for greater flexibility in practice than the latter.
• Support from external agencies is crucial if local communities, particularly those with official community forest management
  arrangements, are to build awareness and capacity around viable legal options.