Since the enactment of the Law on Forest Protection and Development in 2004, Điện Biên Province has allocated over 501,000 hectares of land and forests, granting land use rights and issuing certificates for these areas. From 2019 to 2023, nearly 94,000 hectares were managed under various forestry development programmes.
To enhance the livelihoods of ethnic minorities, the province introduced several initiatives, including the Sustainable Forestry Development Programme, projects under the National Target Programme for Ethnic Minority Economic Development, and other government-backed schemes. These efforts were supported by VNĐ1.44 trillion (US$59.9 million) in funding, directed towards activities such as forest planting, non-timber product development, and forest protection.
Despite some successes, Điện Biên leaders highlighted several challenges. They noted that lengthy procedures for converting forest land use and insufficient penalties for forest destruction are hindering progress. Additionally, low levels of financial support for forest protection have not adequately encouraged local participation.

In response, Điện Biên officials have urged central ministries to revise regulations to better suit local conditions. Key proposals include amending the criteria for forest land allocation and expediting the implementation of forest carbon credit mechanisms.

The National Assembly’s Ethnic Council working group acknowledged the challenges faced by Điện Biên and pledged to bring these issues to the attention of central authorities. Their goal is to ensure that policies align with local needs, fostering sustainable livelihoods and long-term forest conservation efforts.