How locals are benefiting from forest protection incentives

ĐBP - The payment for forest environmental services program (PFES) is proving increasingly effective, boosting forest protection resources, raising local incomes, and encouraging community participation in conservation.

Tuần Giáo District, Điện Biên Province currently has over 45,400 hectares of forests, more than half of which qualifies for PFES. Between 2019 and 2023, around 1,000 individual and collective forest owners in Tuần Giáo received nearly VNĐ 92.5 billion from PFES. Additionally, they were provided with 672 PFES handbooks and 157 patrol notebooks to monitor forest areas providing environmental services. In 2024 alone, the district is set to receive over VNĐ 19.2 billion through the program.

PFES helps strengthen local capacity for forest protection and sustainable development.

PFES not only supports contracted households but also finances community infrastructure projects, benefiting entire villages. These investments include building and repairing rural roads, community centers, village headquarters, and schools. Households also use their funds for forest management, farming supplies, production tools, and daily expenses.

Mr. Lò Văn Tý, a member of the community-based forest protection team in Lập Hamlet, Tuần Giáo Town, shared: “Our community is contracted to care for and protect nearly 830 hectares of forest. Over the years, we have successfully prevented wildfires and illegal logging. Thanks to effective conservation, we receive PFES. Over the past three years, we have gotten over VNĐ 300 million annually”.

Residents of Lập Hamlet, Tuần Giáo Town actively take care of their assigned forest area.

In 2024, the provincial forest protection and development fund has disbursed VNĐ 211.4 billion from PFES. Between 2019 and 2023, the total amount paid to forest owners across the province exceeded VNĐ 994.4 billion. The People’s Committee of the province has reallocated undisbursed funds to compensate lower-priced watersheds (such as the Mã River basin and some intra-provincial watersheds), ensuring fairness in payments and encouraging sustainable forest management. This approach has gained widespread support from local communities, organizations, and individuals involved in conservation.

In term of economic impact, PFES provides essential funding for local forest protection programs and offer additional income to participating households. Some forest owners receive significant payments, such as: In Tả Ló San Community, Sen Thượng Commune, Mường Nhé District, each household receives an average of VNĐ 87 million per year,  in Thẩm Táng Community, Pú Xi Commune, Tuần Giáo District, each household receives an average of VNĐ 28 million per year. On average, households participating in forest protection receive nearly VNĐ 2 million per year.

Thanks to PFES, people in Điện Biên Đông District have additional resources to expand household business.

According to Mr. Trần Xuân Tâm, Deputy Director of the provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund, PFES not only links economic benefits with conservation responsibilities but also mobilizes human ressources for regular patrols and protection efforts. As a result, the number of households directly involved in forest protection has steadily increased from over 95,000 households in 2021 to nearly 96,000 households in 2022 and more than 96,000 households in 2023.

In PFES-supported areas, there is strong collaboration between forest owners, contracted protection teams, local authorities, and forest rangers to promote sustainable conservation. This initiative has played a key role in increasing forest coverage and improving ecological balance across the region.

Thu Hằng
Comment

You have 500/500 characters left

Please enter 5 or more characters!!!

Recent news

  • 'Ensuring seedling supply for the reforestation season

    Ensuring seedling supply for the reforestation season

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - The reforestation season in Điện Biên province typically begins in mid-May and lasts until the end of July each year. To meet the demand for seedlings, nurseries and enterprises have been preparing for months, cultivating and nurturing forestry seedlings to ensure high-quality supply for the new planting season.
  • 'Vibrant youth month

    Vibrant youth month

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP -  In response to the 2025 Youth Month, young members of various youth union chapters across the province have launched numerous meaningful and practical activities, projects, and initiatives at the grassroots level. These efforts vividly demonstrate the pioneering spirit, volunteerism, and creativity of Vietnamese youth, echoing President Hồ Chí Minh’s teaching: “Wherever there is a need, there are youth, wherever there is difficulty, there are youth”.
  • 'The sad fate of the Youth Village project

    The sad fate of the Youth Village project

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Tân Quang hamlet was once recognized as the first model Youth Settlement Village in the border commune of Na Tông (Điện Biên district, Điện Biên province), carrying high hopes of bringing a “new breeze” to transform the socio-economic landscape of this challenging region. However, nearly two decades later, both the name and the “traces” of the Youth Settlement Village have all but disappeared.
  • 'Private tutoring in Điện Biên follows regulations

    Private tutoring in Điện Biên follows regulations

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Since the implementation of Circular No.29/2024/TT-BGDĐT issued by the Ministry of Education and Training on private tutoring (Circular 29 in short), many enterprises and individuals in Điện Biên have registered to provide paid tutoring services outside of school settings. These establishments are operating in accordance with regulations, with no reported cases of widespread or unregulated tutoring.
  • 'Countering false and hostile viewpoints ahead of the National Party Congress

    Countering false and hostile viewpoints ahead of the National Party Congress

    NEWS - POLITICS -
    ĐBP - Ahead of each National Party Congress, hostile forces often propagate false viewpoints, misinformation, and spread slanderous accusations aimed at distorting, discrediting the Party, and undermining the State. In response to these schemes, local Party committees and authorities have proactively implemented preventive measures, focusing on disseminating positive and official information while strictly handling violations.
  • 'Điện Biên tries to mitigate disruptions in safe agricultural supply chain

    Điện Biên tries to mitigate disruptions in safe agricultural supply chain

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - To meet consumer demand for clean food and promote sustainable agriculture, the province has encouraged stakeholders to establish safe food supply chains. However, due to high investment costs, stringent processes, and inconsistent supervision, the number of certified supply chains remains limited. Many chains, even after certification, fail to operate effectively and, in some cases, cease operations entirely.
  • 'Food safety first: Protecting consumers’ health

    Food safety first: Protecting consumers’ health

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Promoting public awareness, strengthening inspection and supervision activities, and strictly handling violations have significantly contributed to raising awareness and compliance with food safety and hygiene laws among organizations, individuals, and businesses.
  • 'Tuần Giáo makes efforts to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses

    Tuần Giáo makes efforts to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In an effort to support disadvantaged households facing housing difficulties, ensuring they have stable and secure homes to focus on economic development and achieve sustainable poverty alleviation, Tuần Giáo district, Điện Biên province has been implementing flexible measures to eliminate temporary and dilapidated houses for the poor in the area.
  • 'Effective career guidance: Unlocking the future

    Effective career guidance: Unlocking the future

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP - Career orientation and guidance play a crucial role in helping high school students choose the right career path that aligns with their abilities, strengths, and the labor market’s demands. Recognizing its importance, educational institutions across Điện Biên province have implemented various career counseling initiatives to support students in making informed career decisions.
  • 'Talks on breakthrough science and technology initiatives

    Talks on breakthrough science and technology initiatives

    SOCIAL AFFAIRS -
    ĐBP -  On the morning of March 29, the Điện Biên provincial Department of Science and Technology held a working session with Hanoi University of Science and Technology (HUST) and STEAM for Vietnam to discuss breakthrough science and technology (S&T) initiatives for 2025 and beyond.
  • 'Tủa Chùa women active in start-up movement

    Tủa Chùa women active in start-up movement

    BUSINESS -
    ĐBP - In implementing the project “Women’s start-up period 2017-2025”, the Women’s Union of Tủa Chùa district, Điện Biên province has organized various programs and activities to support and encourage women in starting their own businesses. These efforts have helped to promote the strengths and expertise of union members, enabling women to develop economically.