When people benefit from the forest

In Lam Dong province, the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (P&S) program not only creates additional livelihoods but also awakens community responsibility in protecting headwater forests.

Livelihoods under the forest canopy

In Lam Dong province , the area of ​​forest covered by Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) accounts for approximately 75% of the province's total forested area. PES revenue in 2025 reached over 477 billion VND. The Fund has already made four advance payments totaling nearly 400 billion VND to forest owners and households contracted to manage and protect forests.

The DVMTR policy has proven to be an effective solution, harmonizing the goals of economic development, improving people's livelihoods, and protecting forest resources in a sustainable manner. Photo: Pham Hoai.

This revenue source has contributed to reducing the pressure of illegal forest resource exploitation, limiting deforestation and encroachment on forest land, while creating conditions for people to invest in production, take care of their families' lives and their children's education. Besides increasing people's income, the forest ecosystem service policy also contributes to ensuring social security, maintaining local security and order, protecting water resources, maintaining protective functions, and conserving biodiversity.

After 17 years of implementation, the DVMTR policy has proven to be an effective solution, harmonizing the goals of economic development, improving people's livelihoods, and protecting forest resources in a sustainable manner.

In the early days of the dry season, when the risk of forest fires begins to increase, Mr. Cil Yă Ha Ni Kốp, from Đưng K' Ksi village, Lạc Dương commune, and his forest protection team set out on patrol. The path through the old-growth forests of Bidoup – Núi Bà National Park has become familiar to him over the years. Each trip lasts many hours, crossing slopes, streams, and areas far from residential areas. He shared that what keeps the villagers committed to this work is not only their responsibility to the forest but also the practical benefits that the forest environmental service payment policy brings.

“Previously, the villagers mainly practiced slash-and-burn agriculture, and their income depended on the seasons, so life was quite difficult. Since participating in forest protection contracts, they have received additional income from forest environmental services, so their lives have become more stable. The villagers are also more aware of the importance of preserving the forest,” shared Cil Yă Ha Ni Kốp, from Đưng K' Ksi village, Lạc Dương commune.

According to the Lam Dong Provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund, to date, the unit has paid forest environmental service fees for 2024 to 1,097 out of 1,654 households in the province, totaling over 3.5 billion VND, reaching 72.7% of the plan. This funding is directly transferred to households contracted to protect forests, contributing to increased income, production support, and stable livelihoods for people in the buffer zone.

Although not their primary source of income, for many households living near forests, the DVMTR (Forest Protection and Development Fund) payment is a practical incentive that helps them feel secure in participating in long-term forest protection. Instead of relying solely on agricultural production, people gain an additional source of livelihood from the very forests they are protecting.

According to the Lam Dong Provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund, to date, the unit has paid forest environmental service fees for 2024 to 1,097 out of 1,654 households in the province, totaling over 3.5 billion VND, reaching 72.7% of the plan. Photo: Pham Hoai.

From contractor to "eyes and ears" of the forest

At Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, the unit currently manages 70,038 hectares of forest and forestry land. The unit is effectively implementing the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) policy on over 66,987 hectares, of which more than 45,896 hectares of forest are contracted to 1,537 households and local communities. This force regularly stays in the forest, coordinating with forest rangers and forest owners to patrol and inspect the site.

Mr. Ton Thien An, Director of Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, said that the Ecosystem Services Policy (ESP) has helped strengthen community participation in forest protection. “People living near the forest are the ones who understand the area best. When they benefit from the forest, they are more proactive in detecting and reporting signs of forest encroachment. Many incidents are detected very early thanks to the participation of contracted groups,” Mr. An said.

Following the merger, Lam Dong province boasts one of the largest forest areas in the country, exceeding 1.1 million hectares. Given the vast forest area, complex terrain, and limited specialized personnel, the role of local communities is particularly crucial. These people living near the forests are becoming the "eyes and ears" assisting authorities in detecting forest resource encroachment at the grassroots level.

In addition to participating in regular patrols, many households proactively monitor forest conditions during their daily work. Any unusual signs are promptly reported to the forest owner and forest rangers. As a result, forest management and protection gain an additional layer of effective community oversight.

At Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park, the unit currently manages 70,038 hectares of forest and forestry land. The unit is effectively implementing the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) policy on over 66,987 hectares, of which more than 45,896 hectares of forest are contracted to 1,537 households and local communities. Photo: Bidoup - Nui Ba National Park.

Creating incentives for better forest protection.

Revenue from the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) policy in Lam Dong province has become an important resource contributing to supporting people living near forests to stabilize their lives, increase their income, and develop sustainable livelihoods. The province has nearly 1,700 forest owners, including households, individuals, and groups of households, who have been allocated land and forests by the state.

According to forest management units, years of experience have shown that areas where people benefit from the forest tend to have higher levels of consensus in forest protection. Funding from the Forest Ecosystem Services (PES) program has contributed to creating a strong link between economic benefits and the responsibility of protecting forest resources. People have increased income. Forest owners have more resources to support forest protection. Forest resources are monitored more regularly. This is the dual benefit that the PES policy is bringing.

According to forest management agencies, years of experience have shown that areas where people benefit from the forest tend to have a higher level of consensus on forest protection. Photo: Pham Hoai.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hai, Director of the Lam Dong Provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund, said that in the coming time, the Fund will continue to review the area eligible for payment, update information on beneficiaries, and strengthen inspection of the management and use of funds to ensure transparency and compliance with regulations. At the same time, the unit will continue to coordinate with forest owners, local authorities, and forest rangers to promote the dissemination of the Forest Ecosystem Services Policy, enhance the responsibility of all parties involved in forest protection, especially in areas with potential risks of violating forestry laws.

From the ancient forests of Bidoup - Nui Ba to the protected and special-use forests throughout the province, the policy of payment for forest environmental services is gradually proving its effectiveness. Not only does it contribute to improving the livelihoods of people in the buffer zones, but this payment also creates motivation for the community to work together to preserve the vast green forests. Because when people truly benefit from the forest, they will also become the most active and persistent forest protectors.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/khi-nguoi-dan-duoc-huong-loi-tu-rung-d814431.html