On 26 January 2026, the government issued a new decree[1] in regard to the forestry and forest ranger sector that represents a significant adjustment to investment policies for forest protection and development, particularly in relation to special-use forests – areas of high value for nature conservation, biodiversity, and scientific research.

Significant Increase in Funding for Special-Use Forest Protection

One of the most prominent changes is Under the new provisions, the level of state support for communities to manage special-use forests has been substantially increased from VND 500,000 to VND 1,000,000 per hectare per year. For [1]of [2], the support level has increased from VND 150,000 to VND 500,000 per hectare per year. In addition, commune People’s Committees managing unallocated or unrented forests can now receive support from the state at the level of VND 300,000 per hectare per year.

The cost for preparation of forest sustainable management plan has also been increased from VND 50,000 to VND 150,000 per hectare. The enhanced funding is expected to provide forest owners with additional resources for patrols, monitoring and enforcement, while easing financial pressures on management units.

Broader Scope of Expenditure for Forest Protection

In addition to increasing funding levels, the new decree significantly expands the range of eligible expenditure items. Beyond contracting forest protection to households, individuals and local communities, funding may now cover:

• Wages for specialised forest protection forces not paid from the state budget and the hiring of forest protection labour;
• Procurement and repair of vehicles, equipment, support tools and protective gear;
• Maintenance and upgrading of forest fire prevention and control infrastructure, forest protection stations and boundary markers;
• Monitoring, investigation and supervision of forest resources and biodiversity; and control of forest pests and diseases;
• Professional training, public awareness raising and community engagement activities;
• Development of fire prevention and control plans, fire drills, reduction of combustible materials and off-hours fire watch during the dry season.

Importantly, the decree supports community-based forest protection teams and strengthens local-level management and supervision. This reflects a community-centred approach that mobilises local participation in safeguarding forest resources.

Also, more state budget is supposed to go to areas at high risk of and forests with , thereby ensuring that financial resources are used effectively and strategically.

Doubling Funding for Assisted Natural Regeneration

Another major amendment concerns funding for assisted natural regeneration within special-use forest planning areas. The support level has been raised from VND 1,000,000 to VND 2,500,000 per hectare per year for a period of six years. For coastal areas, the support level is set at 1.5 times .

For assisted natural regeneration combined with , funding is no longer fixed but is determined in accordance with approved technical and economic norms and cost estimates. The costs for preparing technical designs and cost estimates are based on approved budgets, while the 7% rate for management, inspection and acceptance remains unchanged.

This substantial increase in regeneration funding signals a shift from passive protection to more proactive ecological restoration, particularly as many special-use forests face pressures from climate change and illegal exploitation.

Doubling Livelihood Support for Buffer Zone Communities

Beyond direct forest protection measures, the decree also doubles the level of financial support for livelihood development and improvement of living standards for communities in buffer zones of special-use forests, from VND 50 million to VND 100 million per community per year.

This policy plays a crucial role in reducing pressure on forest resources by creating sustainable alternative livelihoods for local people. Improved living conditions are expected to foster stronger community engagement in forest protection and fire prevention efforts.

Aligning Conservation with Sustainable Development

The decree demonstrates the government’s determination to improve the management, protection and development of special-use forests. Adjustments to funding levels, the expansion of eligible expenditure and strengthened support for buffer zone livelihoods reflect a comprehensive approach that integrates conservation, ecosystem restoration and community development.

As Viet Nam advances the implementation of its international commitments on biodiversity conservation and sustainable development, increased investment in special-use forests carries not only environmental significance but also contributes to long-term ecological security and sustainable livelihoods. The new decree is expected to provide renewed momentum, resources and a more enabling legal framework for the effective and sustainable protection of special-use forests.

[1] The Management Boards of Special-Use Forests and Protection Forests are public service units under the Department of Agriculture and Environment or the Provincial/Commune People’s Committee). Their main functions are to manage, protect, develop, and sustainably use the forest areas assigned to them in accordance with the law. These units carry out nature and ecosystem conservation and environmental protection.

[2] According to Viet Nam’s Forestry Law, forests are classified into three main types based on their primary purposes of use: Special-use forests (for nature and biodiversity conservation), protection forests (for protecting water resources, soil, and preventing natural disasters), and production forests (for timber extraction and economic purposes).