Challenges of the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) program in forest conservation: a case study in Central Vietnam
13/09/21 08:59AM
Hoang Phan Bich Ngoc, Takahiro Fujiwara, Seiji Iwanaga, et al. Journal of Forest Research: 1-10, 2021
Abstract:
In 2010, the Vietnamese government initiated the Payment for Forest
Environmental Services (PFES) program to conserve forests and improve
local livelihoods. While some researches have demonstrated the
effectiveness of PFES, other studies reported inappropriate
implementation and distribution at the initial stage. This study aimed
to examine how PFES was implemented, and explore the challenges of
forest protection efforts faced by the local people under PFES. Thua
Thien Hue province was the first province to adjust
the distribution of payments according to the type and quality of the
forest using the K-coefficient. We conducted in-depth interviews with
relevant staff and officials and organized focus group discussions with
local people in seven payment areas in the province.
The findings showed that the K-coefficient applied in this study was
composed of four elements: forest condition (K1), forest function (K2),
forest origin (K3), and the difficulty of forest protection (K4).
However, forest condition (K1) was the only factor
that could increase the efforts of the local people toward forest
conservation. The capacity of the staff played an essential role in PFES
distribution for local people. Additionally, establishing the relevant
institutions and encouraging participation at
the local level can increase forest conservation effectiveness. However,
there is a lack of regulations for dealing with violations under the
current rules. In conclusion, this study recommends expanding the range
to calculate payouts, thereby increasing remuneration
and motivation for the local people to be involved in forest
conservation.
(Nguồn: New research on development issues in Vietnam-Volume 13-number 2 (2021 August)
