In the context of increasingly evident climate change and the urgent need for sustainable development, the province is strongly shifting its mindset from mere forest protection to developing a forest economy linked to livelihoods, aiming for green growth.

The year 2025 recorded significant progress as new planting, zoning for regeneration, and forest protection were implemented synchronously. The dissemination of forestry laws and forest fire prevention and fighting was promoted, turning citizens into the primary subjects of forest protection right from the grassroots level.

More importantly, the mindset of keeping the forest to survive is gradually replacing the idea of keeping the forest out of obligation, creating a transformation from awareness to action. Forest quality is placed at the forefront, with processes such as supplementary planting, care, and vegetation clearing carried out according to correct techniques. This helps the forest grow stably, enhancing its capacity for water retention, erosion control, and climate regulation. To date, the total forest area in the province has reached 434,436 hectares, an increase of 8,057.45 hectares compared to 2024, achieving a coverage rate of 45.5%. These are not just numbers but an important foundation for the green development strategy and climate change adaptation.

However, the greatest value of the forest does not stop at the environment, as Điện Biên clearly determines that the forest must be able to support the people. Based on this orientation, many livelihood models attached to the forest have been formed and are gradually proving their effectiveness. In the eastern region, models of planting medicinal herbs under the forest canopy, such as cardamom, amomum, and star anise, have been stably maintained. By taking advantage of natural coverage, these plants grow well with low investment costs, perfectly suiting the farming conditions of the highlands. This is a nature-compliant direction that both protects the forest and increases income.

Concurrently, macadamia and coffee are emerging as key crops on forestry land. In areas such as Tuần Giáo, Quài Tở, Mường Ảng, Pu Nhi, and Nà Hỳ, many farming households have boldly transitioned to form large-scale production areas. By 2026, the macadamia area is estimated to reach about 14,860 hectares, while coffee will reach approximately 13,133 hectares. These figures show enormous development room, opening up opportunities to form a sustainable agricultural and forestry value chain.

Notably, these livelihood models are no longer small-scale but are situated within a long-term vision for the 2026-2030 period, where the forest economy, non-timber forest products, and forest environment services are identified as the pillars. Reality proves that when livelihoods are secured, people will proactively protect the forest, serving as a dual key to both preserve the forest and develop the economy. To realize this goal, Điện Biên is focusing on several key solutions. First is the restructuring of crops and the strong development of non-timber forest products, especially medicinal plants under the forest canopy, which is an appropriate direction that causes minimal impact on the ecosystem but yields high economic value.

Alongside this, the province is promoting economic afforestation and expanding the area of macadamia, coffee, and tea to gradually form concentrated raw material areas. More importantly, development must not stop at planting but must be linked to deep processing. The wood and forest product processing industry is identified as a pillar to enhance added value, moving toward a circular economy and reducing reliance on raw exports.

Another key policy is the payment for forest environment services, a mechanism that creates a stable source of income and helps people stay attached to the forest long-term. When those who protect the forest benefit directly, the forest will be protected better and more sustainably. Looking toward the vision for 2045, Điện Biên aims to build the forest economy into a spearhead economic sector. This means the forest is not only an ecological shield but also an economic pillar for the highlands, especially for ethnic minorities.

With great potential in forestry land, high coverage, and proper orientation, Điện Biên is gradually realizing the goal of protecting the forest while developing the economy sustainably. On the mountain slopes today, every newly planted forest not only retains soil and water but also sows the seeds of hope for a green future where humans and nature develop harmoniously and sustainably.