The land ownership and management system in the Vietnamese forest sector is undergoing major changes under the National Forest Strategy of ‘socialization of the forest sector'. A major objective of the socialization process is to reduce poverty in communities dependent on forest land for their livelihoods. Households will be given greater access to the forest resources, which will open up more livelihood opportunities, and tenure over some of the forest lands for production and protection.
A North - South partnership between TBI Viet Nam, Hue University of Agriculture and Forestry (HUAF), and IDS/Utrecht University (IDS/UU) has contributed to the institutional strengthening of HUAF and created a dynamic network of participants in various fields and disciplines. The project objective was enhancement of HUAF capacity for participatory socio-economic research, focusing on methodologies related to livelihood development and integrated natural resource management.
Scaphium macropodum is a valuable multipurpose tree species in Vietnam which produces fruits used for tonic and medicinal beverages, as well as light timber. It was once very abundant in the natural forests of Bach Ma National Park, Thua Thien Hue province, and southward to Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai province. Due to improper management practices and overharvesting, the species is now endangered and urgently needs an adequate, integrated solution for sustainable use, conservation, and increased growth. Finding and implementing a solution to this problem also effectively works towards the goals of the National Forestry Strategy (NFS) of Vietnam for the period 2006-2020.