INTRODUCTION
Vietnam has been significantly affected by the adverse impacts of global climate change, with forests—especially coastal protection forests—playing a vital role in mitigation and adaptation efforts Sustainable management of coastal protection forests involves planting, protection, and rational use of renewable resources to reduce the effects of wind, storms, and waves, while safeguarding livelihoods, regulating climate and water, limiting saltwater intrusion and coastal erosion, and supporting biodiversity, ecotourism, and marine habitats Recognizing the importance of forests for environmental protection and engaging local communities has led the Vietnamese government to implement policies over the past two decades encouraging community participation in forest management and protection Despite continuous increases in forest coverage since 1990, the quality of forests, including coastal protection forests in Cà Mau province, has sharply declined due to factors such as insufficient community involvement caused by inadequate incentive policies and mechanisms.
Ca Mau is Vietnam’s southernmost province, renowned for the iconic Ca Mau Cape Situated between latitudes 8°30’ and 9°10’ North and longitudes 104°08’ and 105°05’ East, this province uniquely borders the sea on three sides, with the East Sea to the east and the Gulf of Thailand to the west and south Covering a total land area of 533,133 hectares, Ca Mau is a vital coastal region with rich marine biodiversity and stunning natural landscapes.
Ca Mau province, with 8 districts and one provincial city, features significant forest areas primarily located in the Northwest (flooded brackish land) and Southeast (flooded salty land) The coastal protection forest extends 254 kilometers from Tieu Dua Canal in the Gulf of Thailand to Ganh Hao estuary in the East Sea, making it one of the two provinces with the largest forest coverage in the Mekong Delta Despite its extensive forests, Ca Mau is one of Vietnam’s most climate-vulnerable provinces, heavily impacted by rising sea levels By the end of 2014, the province’s coastal protection forests covered 36,483 hectares—accounting for 22.2% of its total forest area—and are classified as crucial protection forests Management and protection of these forests are conducted mainly by Protection Forest Management Boards (PFMBs), local organizations responsible for these tasks Notably, the Dam Doi, Dat Mui, and Nhung Mien PFMBs oversee over 50% of the total coastal protection forest, with approximately 85% of local households in these areas engaged in forest protection contracts with the PFMBs, highlighting the community’s integral role in conservation efforts.
Vietnam's National Assembly and government have implemented comprehensive laws and policies on environmental protection, land ownership, and benefit-sharing to define the rights and obligations of the state, ministries, communities, and individuals The 2014 Law on Environmental Protection establishes regulatory frameworks for environmental activities, including policies, measures, and resource allocation, while outlining the responsibilities of agencies, organizations, households, and individuals in safeguarding the environment.
The 2013 Land Law in Vietnam clarifies land ownership, management regimes, and the responsibilities of the State as the representative of the population, ensuring unified land management across the country To promote sustainable use and benefit sharing, the government has issued several decisions, including Decision No 186, which allows forest owners—households and individuals—to intercrop agricultural crops and medicinal plants in protective forests without compromising forest protection capabilities, with up to 40% of non-forested land allocated for integrated agriculture-aquaculture activities Decision No 178 stipulates that households and individuals allocated forest land can selectively harvest timber at a limited intensity—no more than 20%—and must adhere to regulations, with profits distributed such that 85-90% of exploited products go to the land users after taxes, and the remaining share is returned to the State Additionally, Decision No 17 defines the duties of Protection Forest Management Boards in forest protection and co-management efforts, reinforcing sustainable forest management in Vietnam.
Under current state regulations, households, individuals, and rural communities can access long-term and sustainable benefits from forest products and environmental services, provided they comply with legal guidelines Those who lease or are allocated protection forests are permitted to invest in and harvest all obtained products after paying applicable taxes Furthermore, Protected Forest Management Boards (PFMBs) and individuals with permanent protection forest leases, as stipulated in Article 18 of the regulation, are entitled to the full range of agriculture and fishery products derived from these forests (Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2015).
This article examines how policies effectively empower local communities involved in forest protection through contracting procedures with PFMBs, the actual forest owners and active partners The study focuses on the significant forest areas in Dam Doi, Dat Mui, and Nhung Mien PFMBs, highlighting the participation of local people in these conservation efforts within the specified timeframe.
This study evaluates the level of satisfaction among local residents regarding incentive policies implemented for coastal forest management in Dam Doi, Dat Mui, and Nhung Mien Protection Forest Management Boards, Ca Mau Province The research aims to assess how effectively these policies meet the needs and expectations of the community, fostering sustainable forest conservation By analyzing local perceptions and feedback, the study provides valuable insights into the impact of incentive programs on community engagement in forest protection efforts The findings contribute to optimizing policy strategies to enhance the collaboration between authorities and local populations for the sustainable management of coastal forests.
GOAL AND (SPECIFIC) OBJECTIVES
Goal
Fact finding and providing concrete recommendations to the existing incentive policies to encourage local forest-dependent people for active participation in coastal forest protection in Ca Mau province.
Specific objectives
- Reviewing the most relevant existing policies related to the incentives to encourage local people in coastal protection forest management
- Conducting field visit to consult with relevant stakeholders to find the level of satisfactory of the local people on incentive policies
- Identifying problems and gaps in the current incentive policies
To enhance local engagement in forest protection and development in Ca Mau province, it is crucial to evaluate and optimize current incentive policies Implementing targeted financial rewards, such as grants or tax benefits, can motivate local communities to actively participate in conservation efforts Additionally, increasing awareness through education programs and involving local stakeholders in decision-making processes can foster a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility Introducing sustainable livelihood options that align with forest conservation goals can also reduce reliance on harmful practices Regular policy reviews and feedback mechanisms ensure that incentives remain effective and responsive to community needs, ultimately fostering a collaborative approach to preserving Ca Mau's vital forest ecosystems.
METHODOLOGY
Data collection method
Review current relevant policies, published documents and studies related to forest management and development activities of the region, including:
- Incentive policies related to coastal protection forest
- Related action plans/programmes/projects, such as UN-REDD Programme, Mangrove Forest Management Project, Provincial REDD+ Action Plan of Ca Mau
- Annual reports of local authorities on the situation of forest protection and development of Ca Mau
3.1.2 Field visit, semi-structure interview, questionnaires and stakeholder consultation
To conduct the study, the researcher will visit the study area to perform interviews and distribute questionnaires to 100 stakeholders, including key groups categorized into three main sectors The survey aims to gather insights on the impact of incentive policies on residents’ lives and forest protection efforts Additionally, field observations and photographs will complement the data collection process, providing a comprehensive understanding of the situation.
- Local government staff (Provincial DARD, District Forest Protection Service, and Commune People Committee);
- PFMBs representatives as the forest owners;
A semi-structured interview was conducted with local residents living within and around the protected coastal forest to assess their satisfaction with current incentive policies designed to encourage community participation in forest conservation efforts The feedback gathered provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of these policies and highlights areas for potential improvement to foster greater community engagement in coastal forest protection.
A semi-structured interview questionnaire will be developed to identify local residents’ primary livelihoods, income sources, and benefits related to incentive policies, as well as to pinpoint gaps in existing policies The study will involve 30 stakeholders, including 24 local households actively participating in forest protection activities, 3 local government representatives from commune and village levels, and 3 PFMB representatives.
Stakeholder consultation is essential for gaining a comprehensive understanding of the current situation, involving key parties such as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) of Ca Mau and the Forest Protection Sub-Department of Ca Mau.
The survey and semi-structure interviews will use multi-level, participatory approach, taking into account the diversity of ethnic minorities, ages, gender, and position in the society.
Data analysis
After data collection, the information is compiled for analysis using statistical software such as Microsoft Excel This tool transforms qualitative data gathered from field visits, stakeholder consultations, and interviews into quantitative data, enabling a comprehensive assessment of public satisfaction with incentive policies Harnessing Excel’s capabilities ensures accurate data analysis, supporting informed decision-making and policy improvements.
The interview and field visit results were systematically organized in Microsoft Excel based on key criteria, including households' access to forest land, their average annual income per capita, ability to access capital and scientific services, awareness of the importance of forests, and dependence on forests for livelihood This data analysis helped determine the proportion of households that agreed or disagreed with the incentive policy, providing insights into local community satisfaction and demand These findings form the basis for developing targeted recommendations and solutions to address existing challenges related to forest management and community engagement.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
People’s satisfactory on incentive policies
Several incentive policies promote sustainable forest management, including Decision No 186, which promulgates the Forest Management Regulation; Decision No 178, outlining the rights and obligations of households and individuals allocated, leased, or contracted with forest land; and Decision No 17, which establishes the Protection Forest Management Regulation.
This study evaluates public satisfaction with Decision No 186 by analyzing various factors such as households' access to forest land, their average annual income per capita, ability to access capital and scientific services, awareness of forest conservation importance, and reliance on forest resources for their livelihoods.
For the other two policies, which have minor controversy in the local community, only general assessment was needed
4.1.1 People’s satisfactory on Decision No 186
4.1.1.1 People’s satisfactory on Decision No 186 based on access to forest land area of households
The allocation of forest land area to each household by PFMBs for protection contracting is a key factor influencing community satisfaction with incentive policies Our study analyzed forest land allocation data alongside residents' agreement levels on proposed ratios between shrimp production areas and protected mangroves to gain a clear understanding of the situation Results show significant variation in land allocation across different PFMBs, sub-regions within PFMBs, and individual communities, which can impact residents' income and consequently influence their awareness, opinions, and decision-making regarding conservation efforts.
This study assesses household satisfaction with incentive policies based on allocated forest land area by categorizing land sizes into three classes: up to 4 hectares, more than 4 to 8 hectares, and over 8 hectares The analysis examines households' agreement or disagreement regarding the proportion of forest land permitted for shrimp production, adhering to the current policy ratio of 40% for shrimp farming and 60% for mangrove protection The findings, including the percentages of agreement and disagreement across different land size categories, are detailed in Table 1 and illustrated in Chart 1, based on data collected from the interviewed households.
Table 4.1 Number and percentage of household’s opinion on the satisfactory to forest land access for shrimp production purpose regarding access to forest land area of each household
Approximately 40% of the total forest land area is allocated for shrimp production, while 60% is dedicated to mangrove protection This allocation directly influences local households' access to forest resources, impacting their livelihoods and conservation efforts Ensuring a balanced distribution between productive use and ecological preservation is crucial for sustainable community development.
People with smaller land areas are more likely to disapprove of the policy allocating 40% of total forest land for shrimp production, citing concerns over limited income and market vulnerability Smaller landholders, who cannot achieve high profits with only 40% of land dedicated to aquaculture, are more affected by market fluctuations, such as the severe drought in Southern Vietnam earlier this year that devastated crops (Nguyen Dien Tu Uyen, 2016) Conversely, farmers with larger landholdings are more supportive, with 70.59% of those with over 8 hectares in agreement, compared to 43.14% of households with 4-8 hectares, and only about 7% of people owning less than 4 hectares This difference highlights how land size influences perceptions of the aquaculture policy's feasibility and benefits.
4.1.1.2 People’s satisfactory on Decision No 186 based on income
Average household income per person annually is a key indicator of residents' satisfaction, reflecting the economic factors influencing decision-making This metric varies significantly due to differences in household income levels and household size The author categorizes households into two groups: those earning less than 20 million VND and those earning more than 20 million VND per year The findings are presented in the accompanying table and chart, providing a clear comparison of income distribution among households.
Table 4.2 Number and percentage of household’s opinion regarding average income per person per year of each household
Figure 4.2 The level of satisfactory of local households regarding average income per person per year of each household
There are notable differences in the level of agreement among local households regarding the current policy Low-income households largely oppose the policy, with only 25% supporting it and 75% disagreeing In contrast, households with higher incomes are more favorable, with approximately 56.41% of those earning over 20 million dong per person per year believing the policy is appropriate Additionally, households facing significant economic hardships tend to advocate for a larger land area for aquacultural production than the existing 40%, indicating income levels influence perceptions and demands related to land use.
4.1.1.3 People’s satisfactory on Decision No 186 based on ability to access capital
Access to capital is essential for small businesses seeking loans or investment funds to support their growth In the case study of Dat Mui, Dam Doi, and Nhung Mien PFMBs in Ca Mau, responses were categorized into “yes” or “no,” indicating approval or disapproval of the policy The accompanying table and chart illustrate these results, reflecting the varying levels of support among stakeholders.
Table 4.3 Number and percentage of household’s opinion regarding ability to access to capital
Figure 4.3 The level of satisfactory of local households regarding their ability to access capital
The data reveals a significant disparity between households with access to capital and those without Among households with capital, only 38.89% agreed with the policy, while 61.11% disagreed, highlighting a tendency towards skepticism Conversely, for households lacking access to capital, 61.02% supported the policy, and only 38.98% opposed, indicating a different perspective driven by resource limitations This contrast underscores the importance of access to capital in shaping attitudes toward economic policies and reflects the ongoing human demand for increased financial opportunity Access to capital enables local people to expand their production and improve their economic prospects.
Many aquaculture operators require larger areas for expansion, but those without economic support or access to loans often see little need to grow, as they lack the necessary funds to do so.
4.1.1.4 People’s satisfactory on Decision No 186 based on ability to access to scientific and technical services
Scientific and technical services at the study site include diverse programs organized by national governments and international organizations A notable example is the 2014 “Ecological Shrimp Farming Program,” led by the Netherlands Development Organization (SNV) and co-implemented by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) These initiatives aim to increase local community awareness and improve livelihoods while promoting sustainable aquaculture practices that prioritize environmental and ecological preservation.
Table 4.4 Number and percentage of household’s opinion regarding ability to access to scientific and technical services
Figure 4.4 The level of satisfactory of local households regarding their ability to access to scientific and technical services
The table and chart highlight the relationship between household access to scientific and technical services and opinions on the incentive policy Results show that 80.56% of households who agreed with the policy had interacted with these services, demonstrating their influence on decision-making Conversely, approximately 86.44% of those who disagreed had not participated in any related programs or classes, indicating limited exposure to such services.
4.1.1.5 People’s satisfactory on Decision No 186 based on their awareness of the importance of mangroves
Public awareness of the vital ecological and economic roles of mangroves influences support for sustainable policies As people recognize the importance of mangroves, they tend to advocate for a balanced approach to aquaculture and forest conservation, ideally maintaining a ratio closer to the sustainable 40-60 split The survey results, summarized in the table and chart below, highlight this growing awareness and its potential impact on policy support.
Table 4.5 Number and percentage of household’s opinion regarding their awareness on the importance of mangroves
Figure 4.5 The level of satisfactory of local households regarding their awareness on the importance of mangroves
Most households that supported the policy demonstrated high awareness of the importance of mangroves, with 86.11% expressing favor, whereas 94.92% of those with a negative attitude had low awareness of the vital vegetation for their income and livelihood This disparity suggests that lack of awareness led many to overlook that the 40-60 ratio in the policy might represent the most sustainable balance for both local economic development and environmental protection.
17 goes higher, then aquacultural activities will slowly be affected because the wetland and shade level needed are lost
4.1.1.6 People’s satisfactory on Decision No 186 based on their living dependence on forests
Proposing some recommendations to improve the situation and the policy
Based on the analysis of the local community's satisfaction levels, there is no need to revise existing policies; however, to encourage greater community involvement in forest protection, the following recommendations are proposed.
Revise the possibility of present policies, especially those stated in Decision No 178 Incentive and policies on incentive should be derived from:
- A combination of state-enacted laws and customary laws,
- The relationship between local communities and forests,
- And the management and usage of forest culture of those communities
4.2.1.2 Establishment of a strong multi-sector coordination mechanism
A multi-sector coordination mechanism is essential to strengthen linkages among stakeholders throughout the planning, implementation, and monitoring of forestry land use plans, ensuring a balanced approach between conservation and development Active involvement of relevant sectors—including land use planning, environmental protection, and aquaculture—is crucial for effective outcomes Key departments such as the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), Department of Planning and Investment (DPI), Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DONRE), and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), along with other social-political entities, should participate actively to promote cohesive and sustainable land management strategies.
Collaboration among 21 organizations, including Women’s Union, Farmer’s Union, Youth Union, and Veteran Union, should be strengthened through a clear division of roles under the direct leadership of the Provincial People’s Committee to achieve sustainable development goals amidst climate change Additionally, it is crucial to develop a detailed master plan, allocate sufficient resources, and focus on land use planning to ensure alignment between the province’s development strategies and the actual needs of local communities.
Conduct a comprehensive review and resolve all cases of land encroachment and conflicts Establish a multi-sector team to develop sustainable solutions for persistent local disputes, ensuring long-term peace and stability.
4.2.1.3 Review of right and benefits of local people in forest protection and develop co- management modalities
To sustain incentives for local communities to participate in forest protection, current policies allocate 40% of land for aquaculture and reserve 60% for forestry; however, there is a pressing need to review and enhance the rights and benefits assigned to local people Revising existing policies or developing new ones is essential to address existing gaps and bolster co-management approaches, supporting ongoing reforms in the forestry sector.
Develop a comprehensive co-management policy proposal tailored for the province, ensuring effective implementation and stakeholder collaboration Conduct regular monitoring and reporting to evaluate the outcomes of the co-management approach, identifying successes and areas for improvement Provide actionable recommendations for refining the policy, with particular emphasis on the management of Protected Fish and Marine Biodiversity (PFMBs), to enhance sustainability and community engagement.
4.2.1.4 Enforcement of forest laws and regulations
Establishing and strengthening a multi-sector inspection board is essential for effective oversight of aquaculture and forest resources This specialized team should include forest rangers, police officers, cadastral officials, aquaculture specialists, and representatives from mass organizations Their primary responsibilities will involve conducting comprehensive inspections and monitoring activities related to the breeding, harvesting, and trading of aquaculture products and forest resources, ensuring sustainable management and compliance with regulations.
This article addresses 22 products and highlights efforts to combat environmental deterioration Key focus areas include tackling violations such as illegal timber cutting, unauthorized forest land encroachment, and the conversion of forests and forest land for aquaculture and other land use purposes These initiatives aim to promote sustainable forest management and protect vital ecological resources.
We focus on updating and disseminating key legal documents related to land and forest management, including the recently amended Environment Protection Law 2014 and Land Law 2013 Our efforts also involve reviewing existing legal frameworks and providing targeted recommendations to address regulatory gaps, ensuring comprehensive and effective legal support for sustainable land and forest management.
Review the fine scheme and propose recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of such policies
Study and recommend specific policies on capacity building policies to forest rangers and forest development task-forces
Recommend policies to support the development of appropriate practices and models, scaling up demonstrating cases (individual, communities, and agencies) on forest protection and development
This study aims to identify and recommend effective solutions for integrating new technology into the management and monitoring of natural resources, including land and forests Additionally, it focuses on providing essential equipment, facilities, and tools to empower local authorities responsible for forest management and protection Implementing innovative technological solutions will enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of natural resource conservation efforts Supporting local forces with modern tools and infrastructure is crucial for sustainable forest management and environmental preservation.
4.2.1.5 Empower forest owners authority and accountability
This review aims to clarify the rights and responsibilities of forest owners and managers, including local communities, in the sustainable management and utilization of natural resources It identifies existing issues, weaknesses in current policies, and proposes effective solutions to address these gaps By outlining clear roles and responsibilities, the review supports improved governance and promotes balanced conservation and utilization of forest resources Enhancing policy clarity ensures that all stakeholders can collaborate effectively for sustainable forest management, aligning with environmental conservation goals and community interests.
Organize communication and awareness raising events for communities to support forest owners to fulfill their tasks and functions, through specific agreements of collaborations, especially with protection forest management boards
4.2.1.6 Policies to support livelihood improvement linked with forest protection
Revise and develop new policies for forest environmental services, including REDD+, through a democratic, transparent, and fair process Ensure that these policies focus on quality-based payments to promote sustainable forest management and enhance the conservation of forest ecosystems.
We recommend revising policies to enhance democracy, transparency, and equality in forest protection contracting, such as including provisions that contracts must specify the involvement of spouses’ names Additionally, policies should promote tree planting initiatives and the development of sustainable plantations It is crucial to establish a well-planned market network for aquaculture products, connected to market demand and management capacity Furthermore, benefits sharing policies for forest protection and management should be strengthened to ensure that communities directly involved in these activities receive adequate rights and benefits, especially under co-management arrangements.
Develop sustainable livelihood projects for communities; give priority to aquaculture and forestry development projects, projects using alternative livelihood improvement solutions to reduce pressures on mangroves
4.2.2.1 Renovate aquacultural methods, increase productivity and quality of shrimp
Providing comprehensive market demand information on aquaculture products, especially shrimp for export, is essential for local communities Implementing projects that incorporate science and technology can transform traditional aquaculture practices, enhancing shrimp productivity and quality Key focus areas include reducing antibiotic residues and limiting growth-enhancement feeds to improve breeding conditions, thereby safeguarding the main livelihood of local people.
Reviewing topographic, soil, and hydrographic features is essential for developing effective reclamation and restoration plans for unused formal shrimp production lands Implementing these plans can significantly increase yield, recover land lost to other uses, and support the growing demand for shrimp Proper assessment and targeted interventions are key to revitalizing aquaculture areas and ensuring sustainable production growth.
4.2.3 R-D solutions
For forest protection and management
Develop strategic plans to enhance research efforts and implement advanced technologies in forest inventory, planning, and monitoring Continually identify and update comprehensive information on forests and forest lands, with a focus on critical protection zones Regularly monitor changes in forest resources and land use to enable timely interventions and sustainable management solutions.
Promote the introduction, dissemination, and application of participatory forest monitoring tools to enhance active local engagement, increase accountability, transparency, and democratic decision-making in forest and land allocation processes This approach aims to ensure cost-effective and feasible management, with a primary focus on forest areas handed over by forest owners to local communities under contracting agreements for protection and sustainable use.
For improving the aquacultural production
Enhancing research and development of alternative shrimp seedlings is essential to ensure their quality from officially recognized sources, leading to higher economic profits compared to current options Utilizing these superior seedlings allows local communities to maintain or increase their income without expanding production areas, thereby reducing the need to convert mangroves into shrimp farms This approach promotes sustainable aquaculture by combining improved seedling quality with environmental conservation.
Social and cultural solutions
Collect and edit communication documents to enhance forest protection
People's Committees at all levels should guide media outlets, mass organizations, and vocational groups to organize awareness campaigns highlighting the vital role of mangroves in environmental protection and sustainable development These efforts are essential in educating communities about the importance of mangroves, especially in the context of climate change Promoting community awareness about mangrove conservation can significantly contribute to climate resilience and ecological sustainability.
4.2.4.2 Ensure active participation of local people and stakeholders
Collaborate with competent partners to introduce good practices and experiences in participatory forest planning and monitoring
People Committees at all levels should collaborate closely with social-political organizations like the Women’s Union, Youth Union, and Farmer’s Union to enhance land use planning and forest protection monitoring This partnership is essential to promote gender equality and ensure the full participation of all stakeholders, particularly local communities and ethnic minorities, regardless of gender.
CONCLUSION 26 REFERENCES
In Ca Mau province, specifically in Dam Doi, Dat Mui, and Nhung Mien PFMBs, a comprehensive study involved interviews with local households, PFMB representatives, and government officials to assess community satisfaction with incentive policies The research focused on evaluating perceptions of the policy outlined in Decision No 186, which permits 40% of allocated forest land for shrimp farming while safeguarding the remaining 60% for protection The analysis considered several key criteria identified as influential in residents' decision-making processes, providing valuable insights into the policy’s effectiveness and community acceptance.
Households with larger forest land areas tend to have a more favorable attitude towards the policy, while those with smaller landholdings show decreasing agreement As household land size decreases, their support declines due to reduced available space for productive use, highlighting the impact of land size on perceptions of forest land policies.
Many households with an average income per person per year below 20 million are dissatisfied with the current policy, likely because they feel it does not generate sufficient benefits for them In contrast, the majority of households earning more than 20 million per person annually express satisfaction, believing that the policy positively impacts their income and financial well-being.
Analysis of household access to capital reveals an inverse relationship: the more capital households have, the less satisfied they are with existing policies This may be because higher capital levels lead them to desire more land conversion into aquaculture ponds to expand production, highlighting a gap between capacity and policy support.
The study found that improved access to scientific and technical services significantly influences household decision-making in aquaculture These services enhance farming methods by enabling households to rely less on traditional production areas, leading to more efficient and modern aquaculture practices.
The household’s awareness of the importance of forests and their reliance on them positively impact local communities, fostering support for existing policies Increased awareness and dependence on forests encourage community endorsement of current policies An assessment of policies outlined in Decision No 178 and Decision No 17 showed a high level of satisfaction among local residents, indicating that further analysis may not be necessary.
Based on the analysis of local residents' satisfaction levels, there is no immediate need to revise existing policies However, the author recommends several strategies across policy, institutional, economic development, research and development, and social-cultural domains to enhance community involvement in forest protection Implementing these recommendations can foster greater active participation of the local community in sustainable forest management efforts.
1 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ca Mau, 2014 Forest Inventory Results of Ca Mau forest in 2015
2 Department of Agriculture and Rural Development of Ca Mau, 2016 Draft Action Plan
“Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions Through Efforts Deforestation and Forest
3 Degradation Mitigation, Sustainable Management of Forest Resources, Conservation and Enhancement of Forest Carbon Reserves.” of Ca Mau Province
4 National Assembly of Vietnam, 2014 Laws of Environmental Protection No
5 National Assembly of Vietnam, 2013 Land Law No 45/2013/QH13 Hanoi, November 29, 2013
6 Nguyen Dieu Tu Uyen, 2016 Drought in Vietnam Holds Back Growth as Farming Takes Knock Bloomberg Asia Edition, June 28, 2016
7 Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2006 Decision No 186/2006/QD-TTg on “Promulgation of Forest Management Regulation”
8 Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2001 Decision No 178/2001/ QD-TTg on “Rights and Obligations of Households and Individuals Allocated, Leased and/or Contracted with Forest and Forest Land”
9 Prime Minister of Vietnam, 2015 Decision No 17/2015/QD-TTg on “Promulgation of Protection Forest Management Regulation”
10 Schmidt-Thome, P.; Nguyen, H.; Pham, L.; Jarva, J.; Nuottimaki, K., 2015 Climate Change Adaptation Measures in Vietnam: Developement and Implementation
SpringerBriefs in Earth Sciences, ISSN: 2191-5369.
APPENDIX 01: Semi-structure and Survey questionnaires
SEMI-STRUCTURE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR HOUSEHOLDS
1 What do you do for living?
2 Apart from the main job, what other source of income can you get?
3 Do you get any income from the forest?
4 Do you have any forest contract?
5 Do you have any kind of aquaculture pond?
6 What is your opinion about the incentive policies? (namely the 40/60 policy)
7 What do you get from incentive policies?
8 What do you think that is still lacking in these policies?
SEMI-STRUCTURE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR COMMUNE PEOPLE’S COMMITEE
1 What is the population of your commune/village?
2 What is the total land area of your commune/village?
3 What is the forest/mangroves area?
4 What are the people’s main sources of income?
5 Which incentive policies are being implemented here? The date of each one of them?
6 Is the 40/60 policy being implement to full effect here?
7 How has the people’s livelihood changed since these policies were started?
SEMI-STRUCTURE QUESTIONNAIRE FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF
1 What is the number of staff in your PMB?
2 What is the total forest/mangrove area allocated to your PMB?
3 Do you have lots of forest contract given to the local people?
4 What are the benefits that the people and the PMB get after incentive policies’ implementation?
5 What are the disadvantages of these policies in forest protection and management efforts?
SURVEY QUESTIONAIRE FOR LOCAL HOUSEHOLDS
Position in the family (head/member):
Position in the village (Chief, Deputy chief, Secretary, Deputy secretary, etc.):
2 Information about the household/community:
- The number of members in the household:
- The number of male/female:
Language of communication: fluent or not fluent in Vietnamese (Interview indentifies by himself):
Plantation forest area: Natural forest allocated area:
Agriculture land blue book (Yes/No), area (ha):
Forest land blue book (Yes/No), area (ha):
Other land blue book (Yes/No), area (ha):
3 Information relating to forest resources:
Logging from mangroves before (yes/no): At present (yes/no):
The dependence of the household on forest resources (a lot, little):
The participation of the household in logging operations and forest management?
The use of forest land and forest resources?
Is there any aquaculture area conversed from mangrove area? If yes, how many ha:
Have you ever seen the phenomenon of mangroves lost due to illegal logging, hydroelectricity, road building, mineral mining or other reasons ( please specify )
? If yes, so what are the effects on community? ( Suggest, interview):
Have you ever involved in training courses ( forestry technique and other fields) ( Yes/ No)
Class Name ( if participate ), duration:
4 Demand for using woods and NTFPs ( High-Low)
Have you harvested timber / fuel wood from mangroves before ( Yes/No):
Timber/ fuel wood is for selling or using in your family?
How many m3 timber did you sell per year in average before?
How many m3 timber did you need for use per year on average before?:
Where is the logging areas regularly?
Is forest in the village enough ?
Forest harvesting procedures ( Selling/ using)?
Instruments, vehicles used for the extraction and transport of timber:
Custom/demand for using non-timber forest product
Using purpose ( Selling/ home using/ both) :
NTFP type ( honey, animal, treatment, medicinal plants
5 Local forest protection situation ( Ask and take-note )
Forest fire situation ( Last 5 years)
Illegal logging situation ( last 5 years)
6 Environment effects comparing the past with the present ( Soil erosion, water source, climate, etc Ask and take-note):
7 Satisfactory with the incentive policy:
Are you allocated with forest land (Yes/No)?
Are you satisfied with incentive policies (Yes/ No) ?
SURVEY QUESTIONAIRE FOR COMMUNE PEOPLE’S COMMITEE
REPRESENTATIVES AND VILLAGE HEADS Information about the interviewee:
1 Basic information about welfare of the people, economy, society related to village/commune/district:
Number of inhabitants/ households in village/commune/district
Total village/commune Total village/commune having forest ( natural, plantation forest) :
Number of poor households/ proportion% (The government 's poverty line) in village/commune/district) :
The rate of population growth in the last 5 years of the district / village / commune :
Agricultural crops area and productivity, market price:
Live stock situation: species, quantity, provided for household life or sold in the market? Price …
Months that are hard time for agriculture and forestry production?
What occupations do people need for livelihood in village/commune/district? The income structure ( Estimating %) ?
Are there any livelihood related to forest resources? If yes, what is it the percentage in income structure ?
Infrastructure ( Interview and observe, take photo): electricity, clean water, health service, education, market, road ( Favorable degree and difficulty for economy development in local as well as forest production activities)
VIEWPOINTS OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY ON THE CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION, THE INCENTIVE POLICIES IN THE AREA, AND ON LOCAL PEOPLE’S SATISFACTORY OF THOSE POLICIES:
SURVEY QUESTIONAIRE FOR REPRESENTATIVES OF PROTECTION FOREST
2 Forest resources and forestry activities of the unit
The total area of existing natural forests ha: in which: Protection: ha Special use: ha Production: ha
The area of planted forests ,common tree species and the market value
Protection: ha Special use: ha Production: ha
In recent years, local programs and projects spanning forestry and other sectors have significantly contributed to regional development Key initiatives include [Project Name], focusing on [main activity content], with an expenditure of [size] funded by [donors such as the Vietnamese government, international organizations, or foreign governments], implemented over [duration] These projects have yielded positive outcomes, fostering economic growth and enhancing forest protection efforts The successful implementation of these initiatives has strengthened local livelihoods, promoted sustainable resource management, and contributed to the long-term ecological health of the region.
Are there any allocated forest for community, household in district/commune to manage and protect?
3 Forest management situation of the unit a Is there natural forest exploitation in the unit?
Exterior illegal exploitation activity to forest of the unit
Information about area, exploitation size if it is present: b Are there any hydroelectricity plant, irrigation system that has effect on forest area?
Information about area, size if it is present: c Conversion of natural forest area to aquaculture?
Information on area, place, converted plant species if it is present: d Lost natural forest because of building road, electric line, residential construction
Information about area, size if it is present: e Lost forest area because of natural disaster ( flood, fire, pest)
Information about area, size if it is present:
VIEWPOINTS OF THE LOCAL AUTHORITY ON THE CAUSES OF DEFORESTATION AND FOREST DEGRADATION, THE INCENTIVE POLICIES IN THE AREA, AND ON LOCAL PEOPLE’S SATISFACTORY OF THOSE POLICIES:
APPENDIX 02: Data on local household’s basic information and opinion
Access to scientific and technical services
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree 70-30 Yes Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No High
Not agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree 60-40 Yes High No High
Not agree Agree Agree 70-30 Yes Low No High
9 Nguyen Gia Nhung 2.9 55 13 Not Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low Yes Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low Yes Low
Mui 3.2 58 17 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 70-30 Yes Low No High
Not agree 50-50 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low Yes Low
Not agree Agree Agree 50-50 Yes Low Yes Low
Not agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 70-30 No Low No Low
Mui 4 52 26 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 70-30 No Low No Low
Mien 4.5 46 12 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 50-50 Yes High No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree No No High Yes High
Mien 4.8 49 10.7 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low Yes Low
Mien 5 47 14 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree No No High Yes High
Mui 5.1 45 15 Agree Agree Agree No No Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Mien 5.2 45 12.6 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Doi 5.4 45 23 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Mien 5.5 48 25.7 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Not agree No Yes Low Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Mien 5.9 45 25 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Not agree 60-40 Yes Low Yes High
Mui 6 43 15.2 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes High No Low
Mien 6.2 45 10 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Mien 6.4 44 13 Agree Agree Agree No No High No High
Not agree Agree Agree 50-50 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Not agree 60-40 No Low No Low
Not agree No Yes High Yes Low
Mui 6.7 43 19 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes Low
Mui 6.8 41 15 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 50-50 Yes Low No Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low Yes Low
Mui 7.2 42 27 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes Low
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No High
Mui 7.4 41 25 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 50-50 Yes Low No Low
Not agree No Yes High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Doi 7.9 41 23 Agree Agree Agree No No Low Yes High
Mui 8 43 25 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 No Low No High
Not agree No No High Yes High
Doi 8.8 36 22 Agree Agree Agree No No High No High
Not agree Agree Agree 60-40 Yes Low No Low
Mui 9.2 37 28 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Mui 9.3 42 30 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes Low
Doi 9.3 35 28.4 Agree Agree Agree No Yes Low No Low
Doi 9.8 43 37.5 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 50-50 No Low No High
Not agree 50-50 Yes Low No Low
Doi 10.6 39 30 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High Yes High
Not agree Agree Agree 50-50 Yes Low No Low
Doi 11.7 40 38 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
Mui 11.7 38 36 Agree Agree Agree No Yes High Yes High
Doi 12.4 35 40 Agree Agree Agree No No Low No Low
Not agree No Yes High Yes High
Doi 13.7 34 47 Agree Agree Agree No No High Yes High
APPENDIX 03: Map of study area and photo taken from field-visit.