To enhance the contribution of forests to hunger elimination, poverty alleviation, environmental services, and livelihood improvement in Vietnam.

Increase and diversify forest products by planting non-timber forest product (NTFP) species in forests.

Increase the long-term economic value of natural forests through timber composition improvement.

Enhance local capacity for the production of market-oriented forest products.

Improve ecological services, including carbon sequestration, catchment and soil protection, and biodiversity conservation, by minimizing forest degradation and implementing sustainable forest management.

Strengthen institutional capacity and improve farmers’ understanding of forest restoration, management, and NTFP processing.

1. NTFP Pilot Models:

Establish 50 hectares of pilot models for planting NTFP species in forests. Plant 500 clumps of bamboo species along stand borders and hill bases.

Increase local farmers’ income from harvesting NTFPs.

2. Forest Restoration:

Develop 50 hectares of pilot models for forest restoration through improvement thinning and enrichment planting with high-value timber species.

3. Educational Materials and Mechanisms:

Develop and distribute technical handbooks and leaflets on restoration silviculture techniques, NTFP and high-value timber species cultivation, forest protection, and NTFP processing.

Create village regulations for forest protection and forest product benefit-sharing mechanisms.

Establish village forestry development funds.

4. Capacity Building:

Conduct training courses and study tours on restoration silviculture techniques, NTFP and high-value timber species cultivation, forest protection, and NTFP processing.

Ensure high-quality training for villagers involved in the project and nearby communities.

The project successfully demonstrated capacity building for forest restoration and sustainable forest management in Vietnam, directly benefiting local farmers and communities. Pilot models were established to restore degraded forests using native timber species and NTFPs, achieving over 80% high-value species compared to untreated forests. Mixed-species plantations combined short-term NTFPs and long-term native timber species, enhancing both economic and ecological benefits. For instance, Dianella ensifolia generated $1,500 in Que village and $1,000 in Sinh Tan village, with longer-rotation species showing future income potential. The project also enhanced the capacity of local forest institutions, forest owners, and communities through training, study tours, and participatory activities, improving awareness and skills in sustainable forest management. Published materials, including handbooks and posters, helped disseminate project outcomes, aiming to positively influence forestry policies and practices in Vietnam.