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VIETNAM ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES GRADUATE ACADEMY OF SOCIAL SCIENCES NGUYEN NGOC HUY EXPLOITATION OF FOREST PLANT RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LAO CAI PROVINCE Major: Development Economics Major code: 9.31.01.05 SUMMARY OF DOCTORAL THESIS IN ECONOMICS HA NOI – 2022 The thesis was completed at Graduate Academy of Social Sciences Supervisors: Dr Tran Ngoc Ngoan Dr Nguyen Thang Reviewer 1: Prof Dr Do Duc Binh Reviewer 2: Assoc Prof Dr Hoang Van Hai Reviewer 3: Assoc Prof Dr Nguyen Xuan Dung The thesis was defended in the meeting of the Academy level evaluating thesis council at Graduate Academy of Social Sciences Str, Thanh Xuân, Ha Noi At , date month year The dissertation may be found at: - Graduate Academy of Social Science Library - Vietnam National Library ( No.477 Nguyen Trai AUTHOR’S PUBLICATIONS RELATING TO THE DISSERTATION Nguyễn Ngọc Huy (2020), “Vai trò tài nguyên thực vật rừng sinh kế hộ gia đình nơng thơn tỉnh Lào Cai”, Tạp chí Nghiên cứu kinh tế, số 12/2020 (511), tr.79-87 Nguyễn Ngọc Huy (2020), “Khai thác tài nguyên thực vật rừng vấn đề đặt phát triển bền vững tỉnh Lào Cai”, Tạp chí Thông tin khoa học xã hội, số 10/2020, tr.52-59 Nguyễn Ngọc Huy (2020), “Tác động chuyển dịch cấu tới suất lao động tỉnh Lào Cai”, Tạp chí Phát triển bền vững vùng, Quyền 10, số (9/2020), tr.71-79 INTRODUCTION Rationale Forests are one of the important resources for human life Forests provides valuable trees, medicinal plants, etc., for people Due to socio-economic benefits, exploitation of forest resources has attracted more and more attention from people Forest resources are being destroyed day by day, hour by hour, and as a result, the regeneration and natural balance of forests are almost gone The exploitation of forest resources, including forest plant resources, poses challenges to sustainable development Exploitation of forest plant resources affects ecosystem balance, biodiversity, stability and soil fertility, and also has influence on the ability to limit floods, prevent soil erosion and conserve surface and groundwater resources From an economic perspective, the exploitation of forest plant resources poses risks and challenges of the “resource curse” Lao Cai is a province with rich and diverse forest plant resources Forest plants in the province have their position, role and importance in socio-economic development for Lao Cai In the period 2010-2020, the agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors contribute about 15.8% of GRDP in Lao Cai Province; in this area, forestry accounts for 11.9% In the forestry sector, logging and non-timber forest products account for the largest proportion with 57.32% The forestry sector in Lao Cai Province attracts and creates jobs for about 20,000 workers Forest resources play an important role in socio-economic development of Lao Cai Province, so in recent times, the exploitation of forest resources, especially forest plant resources, cutting and deforestation, has been a major concern Lao Cai Province promoted forest protection and development, with promotion of afforestation, so the forest area in Lao Cai increased from 327,755 (in 2010) to 354,063 (in 2019), and the forest cover increased respectively from 51.3% to 55.63% Although the forest area and forest cover ratio have increased, the quality of the forest is not high and the biodiversity of natural forests has been reduced Notably, the exploitation of forest plant resources is causing threats to the goal of sustainable development in all three aspects: economic, social and environmental The rational and effective exploitation of forest plant resources and promotion of specific economic resources of mountainous provinces with fragmented terrain such as Lao Cai are difficult problems to find a solution for all sectors, especially the economic sector Faced with such problems as mentioned above, up to now, many options have been proposed and many development models have been applied However, in Lao Cai Province, the proposed and applied solutions have low replicability and have not yet brought high economic efficiency, or in the process of applying models, stages of distribution, marketing and promotion have not been paid attention, thereby affecting the economic efficiency of the exploitation of forest plant resources In the coming period, in the whole country in general and in Lao Cai Province in particular, forest resources will face new contexts The requirements for sustainable development, protection of natural resources and the environment are associated with international economic integration commitments Advances in science and technology are creating new ways of socio-economic development and management of natural resources, including forest resources Climate change also poses challenges to the exploitation of forest plant resources Restructuring and renovating the economic growth model at the national level and in Lao Cai Province require exploitation of forest plant resources in association with sustainable development goals Considering the above, the title “Exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province” was selected as the official thesis title The thesis focused on analyzing and evaluating the current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province in order to provide a more realistic and comprehensive picture for appropriate solutions Research objectives of the thesis The thesis aimed to analyze, evaluate the current situation and propose solutions to exploit forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province Research object and scope of the thesis 3.1 Research object The thesis examined how the exploitation of forest plant resources affects and serves sustainable economic, social and environmental development in Lao Cai Province 3.2 Research scope Temporal scope: The thesis focused on studying the situation of exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province in the period 20112020 and proposing solutions to 2025, with a vision to 2035 Spatial scope: The thesis focused on analyzing, assessing the current situation and proposing solutions on exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province Scope of content: The thesis did not consider the sustainability of the exploitation of forest plant resources or the sustainability of the activities of the exploitation of forest plant resources The thesis focused on clarifying the current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development goals in Lao Cai Province, including three pillars: economic, social, and environmental Approach and research methods of the thesis The thesis employed the following approaches: Approach to sustainable development; systematic approach; value chain approach The research methods used include: Analysis and synthesis; statistical analysis; comparison; policy analysis, SWOT analysis; multivariate regression analysis New scientific findings of the thesis The thesis theoretically clarified the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development, evaluation criteria and factors affecting the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development; and the exploitation of forest plant resources and its impact on sustainable development in Lao Cai Province Theoretical and practical significance of the thesis The thesis has theoretical and practical significance as follows: - The thesis contributes to the theories of exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development The theoretical contribution of the thesis is to provide an approach to exploiting forest plant resources to protect forest plant resources and to serve the goals of sustainable development - The published studies have hardly examined the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province The thesis has contributed to clarify the current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources and its impact on sustainable development in Lao Cai Province - The thesis also contributes to clarifying and providing scientific arguments on the current situation of exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province The thesis has made practical contributions with the provision of data, quantitative analysis from the survey results on the current situation of exploiting forest plant resources in Lao Cai Province These contributions serve the research and management of policy-making agencies at all levels Structure of the thesis In addition to the introduction, conclusion, list of references, appendices, the thesis is presented in chapters as follows: Chapter 1: Literature review on exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development Chapter 2: Theoretical basis and practical experience on exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development Chapter 3: Current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province Chapter 4: Solutions for exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province Chapter LITERATURE REVIEW ON EXPLOITATION OF FOREST PLANT RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT 1.1 Review of International Literature 1.1.1 Studies on sustainable development related to forest resources and forest plant resources 1.1.1.1 Studies on resource capital, forest resources and plant resources in economic growth The studies of Hussain et al (2019), Schure et al (2014) and Zulu et al (2013) discuss the role of forest resources and forest plant resources in income generation, job and capital creation to invest in education, health care and other economic activities 1.1.1.2 Studies on forest resources and forest plant resources for sustainable development The authors Dresner (2008), Bell and Morse (2008) discuss sustainable development, obstacles and prospects for sustainable development The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) conducts researches on economic tools in resource extraction and environmental protection Manuel and Tan (2015) and Budhathoki (2013) examine the exploitation and conservation of natural resources in order to sustainably serve natural resources and the environment 1.1.2 Studies suggesting approaches to exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development 1.1.2.1 Studies on issues related to forest resources, exploitation of forest resources and forest plant resources for sustainable development Hussain et al (2019), Zulu et al (2013), Schure et al (2014), FAO (2006), Kaimowitz (2002), Wunder (2001), Inoni (2009), study the impacts of exploitation of forest plant resources on the lives and livelihoods of forest-dependent people 1.1.2.2 Studies on the organization of production, exploitation and development of forest resources, forest plant resources for sustainable development The studies of Lawrence et al (2007), World Bank (2009), Sofia (2003), Sally et al (2007) point out that the organization of production, exploitation and development of forest resources, forest plant resources for sustainable development must be associated with people’s livelihoods, and at the same time attach people’s responsibilities for forest protection and development 1.1.2.3 Studies on approaches and models to exploit forest plant resources for sustainable development Lundgren and Raintree (1982), FAO (2013), Rodrigues et al (2015), Acharya et al (2009) propose an agroforestry development approach to exploit forest plant resources for sustainable development Chou (2018), Ticktin (2015), Mayers and Vermeulen (2002) propose an approach in exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development, that is, the development of non-timber forest products along with harvesting should be combined with planting non-timber forest products to enrich forest resources 1.1.3 Studies on impacts and factors affecting the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development 1.1.3.1 Studies on impacts of forest plant resource exploitation on sustainable development The studies by Hussain et al (2019), Schure et al (2014), Zulu et al (2013) refer to forest plant resources as a source of capital and income generation, employment for economic development FAO (2006) and Heltberg (2001) analyze the role and contribution of exploitation of forest plant resources to poverty reduction Hall et al (2012) discusses the impact of exploitation of forest plant resources on sustainability in terms of natural resources and the environment 1.1.3.2 Studies on factors affecting the exploitation of forest plant resources The study by Camm et al (2002) examines natural conditions affecting the exploitation of forest plant resources Teruel and Kuroda (2005) analyze and evaluate the conditions of the infrastructure at the place of exploitation and its impact on the exploitation of forest plant resources Chen et al (2016) discusses the role and impact of science and technology on plant varieties on the planting and development of forest trees and non-timber forest products 1.2 Review of the domestic literature 1.2.1 Studies on forests and forest plant resources 1.2.1.1 Studies on the value and role of forests and forest plant resources The studies by Nguyen Ba Ngai (2016), Vo Thi Phuong Nhung (2016), Nguyen Van Vu (2019) analyze and evaluate the role of forests and forest plant resources 1.2.1.2 Studies on approaches in forest management and exploitation, and sustainable exploitation of forest plant resources The study by Ha Sy Dong (2016) provides a theoretical framework and approaches for sustainable forest management The study by Nguyen Quang Tan, Nguyen Van Chinh and Vu Thu Hanh (2008) provides a framework and approaches in forest governance and exploitation of forest plant resources 1.2.2 Studies on mechanisms, policies and tools to protect and develop forests and forest plant resources 1.2.2.1 Studies on mechanisms, policies and organizational models for forest protection and development, including forest plant resources The studies by FSSP (2013), Nguyen Thanh Huyen (2012), Bach Xuan Hoa (2014) and Pham Thi Thuy (2014) analyze and evaluate legislation on forest resource protection 1.2.2.2 Studies on tools for managing forest resources and forest plant resources The study by Vu Thi Bich Thuan (2015) assesses the participation of stakeholders in special-use forest management The study by Le Quang Duc (2018) explains the role of the state in the development of medicinal plants The studies by Cao Thi Ly (2008) and Ha Cong Tuan (2006) discuss the improvement of state management tools in the exploitation of forest plant resources in particular The studies by Pham Quoc Doanh (2016), Vu Dung (2006), Nguyen Quang Tan et al (2017), Bao Huy (2009) examine the community forest allocation and community forest management to contribute to forest protection and development 1.2.3 Studies on the exploitation of forest plant resources related to sustainable development 1.2.3.1 Studies on current situation of exploitation and development of forest plant resources The study by Le Van Khoa and Pham Quang Tu (2014) examines the current situation of forest exploitation in the Central Highlands The studies by Le Van Thanh et al (2011), Pham Duy Long and Nguyen Thi Thuy Nga (2012), Do Van Tuan (2013), Do Hoan Son (2012), Le Ngoc Anh (2012) investigate the current situation of exploitation and cultivation of some NTFPs 1.2.3.2 Studies on exploitation of forest plant resources associated with sustainable livelihoods The studies by Le Thu Quynh (2013), Dang Van Thanh (2009), Le Trong Cuc and Terry (2012), Duong Quynh Phuong (2007), Nguyen Xuan Thiep (2016) refer to the current situation of livelihoods of forest-dependent people and its impact on the exploitation of forest plant resources 1.2.3.3 Studies on exploitation, processing and consumption of forest products along the value chain The studies by Nguyen Manh Dung (2017), Tran Van Thang et al (2011), Do Phu Tran Tinh (2012), Nguyen Ton Quyen (2014), Hoang Quang Phong (2012) investigate the current situation of exploitation, processing and consumption of forest products, including NTFPs 1.2.3.4 Studies on forest environmental services to generate revenue for forest protection and development The studies by Vu Thi Hien and Luong Thi Truong (2010), Le Trong Toan (2014) show evidence with the benefits of forest environmental services not only in generating revenue but also playing a role in the fight against climate change associated with the role of people, especially ethnic minorities, communities living in and near forests 1.2.4 Studies related to exploitation and development of forest plant resources in Lao Cai Province 1.2.4.1 Studies on the suitability of natural conditions and economic efficiency for the cultivation and development of some non-timber forest products in Lao Cai Province The studies by Nguyen Ba Hoat (2008), Tran Anh Tuan and Truong Ngoc Kiem (2017), Phuong Thuy (2018), Lao Cai Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (2010), Nguyen Duy Thinh (2013) investigate natural conditions and potentials and advantages for planting and developing a number of non-timber forest products in Lao Cai Province 1.2.4.2 Studies on socio-economic and natural and environmental issues related to forest plant resources in Lao Cai Province The studies by CIRUM (2011), Bui Duy Chien (2018), Nguyen Hung Manh (2014) provide issues of indigenous knowledge related to forests, indigenous knowledge in the exploitation of forest land and the role of customary law in protection of forest resources 1.2.5 Studies related to sustainable development in Lao Cai Province 1.2.5.1 Studies on socio-economic issues related to sustainable development in Lao Cai Province The studies by Nguyen Truong Giang (2013), Giang Thi Dung (2014), Pham Ngoc Thang (2016) examine the current situation of socio-economic development and sustainable development in Lao Cai Province 1.2.5.2 Studies on the current situation of natural resources and the environment related to sustainable development in Lao Cai Province - Environmental and resource sustainability Exploiting natural resources for sustainable development in terms of resources environment is the rational exploitation and effective use of forest plant resources At the same time, the exploitation aims to prevent, control and overcome pollution and environmental degradation, improve environmental quality, protect and develop forests, and conserve biodiversity - Social sustainability Exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development, in terms of society, firstly serves the following goals: + Improving income and reducing poverty + Creating jobs + Obtaining equity and equality: equality in access to opportunities and enjoyment of development achievements and results 2.1.2 Theories, methods and models of exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development 2.1.2.1 Theory of forest evolution The theory of forest evolution reflects changes in forest area and forest cover over time The theory of forest evolution can explain the relationship between forests and the level and long-term sustainability of socio-economic development 2.1.2.2 Exploitation of forest plant resources associated with sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent people Exploitation of plant resources for sustainable development should be associated with sustainable livelihoods for local people living in or near forests, and sustainable livelihoods for them can follow the following approaches: - Development of agroforestry: This method aims to increase and diversify sources of income, take short to grow long to maintain forest plant resources to maturity or when it brings economic efficiency exploit - Development of non-timber forest products and commercialization: To increase income sources and benefits from environmental resources - Promotion of development of forest services: Payment for forest environmental services is a financial mechanism in which the beneficiaries of forest services are responsible for paying to the providers of forest environmental services Providers of forest environmental services benefit economically from providing such services 2.1.2.3 Approach to exploiting forest plant resources along the value chain 10 Forestry is considered as a socio-economic sector, whereby forestry development is approached along the forestry value chain with activities: forest development, use, business, processing and trading of forest products 2.1.2.4 Contents and methods of management and exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development - Management methods and models Managing the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development, like forest resource management, requires the participation of many actors - Management and control of conflicts and disputes in the process of exploiting forest plant resources + Management to limit overlaps and conflicts between regulations related to the management and exploitation of forest plant resources + Identification of forest owners and scope of ownership + Sharing of benefits: Harmonizing benefits between the state - businesses - local communities and dividing benefits among local people 2.1.3 Evaluation criteria for exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development 2.1.3.1 Economic criteria a) Criteria at the micro level (general assessment at provincial level) - Contribution to the economy (the proportion in the GRDP structure) - Productivity of natural resources (production value obtained per hectare of forest area) b) Criteria at micro level (at household level) - Criteria for household income and employment 2.1.3.2 Criteria on natural resources and environment a) Criteria at the micro level - Rate of forest cover - Impact on the ecological environment b) Criteria at the micro level - Environmental effects of the exploitation and planting of forest plant resources 2.1.3.3 Social criteria a) Criteria at the micro level - Contribution to income improvement and poverty reduction b) Criteria at the micro level - Contribution to job creation and household living conditions 11 - Participation and distribution of benefits along the value chain of forest plant resource exploitation 2.1.4 Factors affecting the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development 2.1.4.1 Factors at the micro level - Natural condition - Social and economic conditions - Policy mechanisms - Production input resources +) Science and technology +) Human resources and quality of human resources +) Social investment - The capacity of each actor and the links among the actors involved in the exploitation of forest plant resources - Models and ways of organizing production for exploitation of forest plant resources 2.1.4.2 Factors at the micro level - Factors affecting the dependence on forest resources of households - Research model of household’s dependence on forest plant resources 2.2 Practical experience in exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development 2.2.1 International experience 2.2.1.1 Finland’s experience in forest exploitation for sustainable development Finland’s experience in exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development: exploitation associated with restoration and replenishment to enrich forest plant resources 2.2.1.2 Indonesia’s experience in forest plant resource exploitation management Indonesia’s experience is the selection of sustainable forest management (SFM) models 2.2.1.3 Thailand’s experience in NTFP exploitation Thailand has had successes in the exploitation of NTFPs, which is a lesson in organizing the management and exploitation of NTFPs for sustainable development 2.2.2 Experience of some localities in Vietnam 2.2.2.1 Experience of Bac Giang Province in sustainable exploitation 12 The thesis studied Bac Giang’s experience in exploiting forest plant resources, promoting afforestation and limiting exploitation, shifting from natural exploitation to plantation forest exploitation 2.2.2.2 Experience of Gia Lai Province in the exploitation of non-timber forest products The thesis studied experience of Gia Lai Province in the exploitation of nontimber forest products, exploitation associated with commercialization 2.2.2.3 Experience of some provinces regarding exploitation models associated with crop production, income enhancement and effective forest protection - Implement the policy of land allocation and forest allocation to protect and develop forests and serve the development of forest economy - Implement forest co-management for people to protect forests and develop forest economy 2.2.3 Lessons learned for Lao Cai Province 2.2.3.1 Lessons learned from the studied countries Lessons from international experience can be drawn as follows: - Exploitation of forest plant resources should first pay attention to the development of forest certificates to participate in the international market and exploit forest plant resources in a value chain approach, promote processing of exploited products to enhance added value - Exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development should be associated with appropriate models and methods of management and exploitation of forest plant resources - Exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development and exploitation of non-timber forest products are quite important This exploitation is not only from nature but also focuses on planting to replace, i.e., planting nontimber forest products In particular, the exploitation of NTFPs is associated with the value chain and commercialization of NTFPs 2.2.3.2 Lessons learned from the studied provinces Lessons learned from some provinces in Vietnam for Lao Cai include: - Exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development should be approached in a way that promotes afforestation and limits exploitation, and shifts from natural exploitation to plantation forest exploitation - Exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development should be associated with sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent people in order to limit overexploitation of forest plant resources, especially types available from nature 13 - It is necessary to promote and well organize the implementation of land and forest allocation, in other words, clearly define the subjects and management responsibilities for forest plant resources in order to make the forest have a clear owner who will enjoy the benefits from the forest, and mobilize the participation of local communities where there are forests in forest protection and development Chapter CURRENT SITUATION OF EXPLOITATION OF FOREST PLANT RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LAO CAI PROVINCE 3.1 Natural and socio-economic characteristics of Lao Cai Province affecting the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development 3.1.1 Characteristics of natural conditions 3.1.2 Socio-economic characteristics of Lao Cai Province 3.2 Current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources in Lao Cai Province 3.2.1 Policies of the Central Government and Lao Cai Province related to the exploitation of forest plant resources The guidelines and policies of the Central Government - Switch from state-based forestry development to non-state-based forestry - Switch from mainly exploitation to forest protection and development - Policies to support the development of forestry and forest product processing industries - Promote forest economic development and participate in value chains - Implement policies on payment for forest environmental services - Implement the restructuring of the forestry sector in the period 2014-2020 The guidelines and policies of Lao Cai Province - Implement the reorganization of agricultural and forestry farms in the province - Make plans on development of agriculture and forestry in Lao Cai Province - Conduct agricultural restructuring in Lao Cai Province - Orient on application of high technology in agricultural and forestry production - Policies to support agricultural and forestry development in Lao Cai Province 3.2.2 Current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources in terms of changes in scale and structure of forested area and forest area in Lao Cai Province Changes in forest land area and forest area in Lao Cai Province 14 The area of forest land with forest tends to increase The structure of forested land has shifted towards reducing the area of protection forests and increasing the area of special-use forests Although there is an increase in forest area, deforestation, encroachment, and deforestation of natural forests are still happening, and the quality of forests is decreasing Entities participating in the management and exploitation of forested land The exploitation of forested land has shifted in the direction that the area of the state organizations gradually decreases, while that of the non-state sector increases, especially households and individuals 3.2.3 Current situation of exploitation by type - timber and non-timber forest products The production of timber and non-timber forest products in Lao Cai Province is relatively large, of which the average timber production is 134,392 m3 The output in Lao Cai is mainly from plantation timber Output of most non-timber forest products increases The exploitation of NTFPs is mainly from nature, which is endowed, even destructive The exploitation and processing of NTFPs in Lao Cai Province has not yet developed commensurate with its potential 3.3 Current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources in Lao Cai Province from field surveys at some locations 3.3.1 Exploitation of forest plant resources for some natural products Socio-economic characteristics of surveyed households on exploitation of forest plant resources Exploitation decision making process Management of the competent authorities for the exploitation of forest plant resources is the main factor Community participation in planning and decisionmaking processes also plays an important role in the exploitation and protection of forest plant resources Types of forest plant resources and exploitation output The harvested forest plant resources are firewood, non-timber forest products for food, food, bamboo, bamboo shoots, and medicinal plants Exploitation method Exploitation of forest plant resources still relies heavily on available resources from nature and less attention is paid to the exploitation of species for human cultivation Processing and consumption 15 The processing of forest plant resource products is still at a simple, rudimentary level and mainly consists of preliminary processing of raw products for sale to the market Non-timber forest products are mainly sold freely to the market Factors affecting the exploitation The thesis employed a regression model to study the factors affecting the dependence on forest resources of households The results showed that selling price, income, land area, household size and education level are the factors affecting the exploitation output 3.3.2 Some models of exploitation of forest plant resources towards sustainable development in Lao Cai Province Agroforestry development model The agroforestry model brings economic and ecological efficiency However, the development of this type of economy is largely spontaneous Non-timber forest product development model Non-timber forest products are grown in many places in Lao Cai Province with an increasing area Non-timber forest products have higher economic value than other crops, however, the consumption market is unstable and dominated by traders 3.4 The results of exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province 3.4.1 Economical sustainability a) Criteria at the macro level - Contribution to the economy of Lao Cai Province (proportion in GRDP structure) The forestry sector of Lao Cai Province has potential for development, but the production value accounts for a modest proportion in the structure of the agriculture, forestry and fishery sectors and tends to decrease - Productivity of natural resources (production value obtained per hectare of forest area) The productivity of forest resources in Lao Cai Province is increasing but still low b) Criteria at the micro level - Contribution of forest plant resources exploitation to household’s economy Exploitation of forest plant resources makes an important contribution to household income, however, income from this activity tends to be lower than from other activities 16 3.4.2 Environmental and resource sustainability a) Criteria at the macro level - Rate of forest cover The rate of forest cover increases from 51.3% (in 2010) to 56.07% (in 2020) Although the rate of forest cover has increased, the problem is the quality of the forest (the density of the forest area tends to decrease) The rate of forest cover in Lao Cai Province in recent years mainly depends on the newly planted area - Impact on the ecological environment Exploitation of forest plant resources, especially non-timber forest products, without planning affects many natural ecosystems such as vegetation b) Criteria at the micro level - Environmental criteria from the planting and care of non-timber forest products Cultivation of non-timber forest products tends to have less environmental impact than agricultural crops 3.4.3 Social sustainability a) Criteria at the macro level - Contribution to poverty reduction Districts with larger forest areas and higher forest density have lower poverty densities The contribution of forest plant resources exploitation to poverty reduction is still limited The income of forest people is still low and unstable - Distribution of benefits from payment for forest environmental services The amount of money distributed among forest owners is not proportional to the forest area The problem of mismatch between payment area and payment amount also occurs between districts b) Criteria at the micro level - Participation and benefit sharing in the value chain of forest plant resources Those who directly exploit forest plant resources tend to benefit less than traders 3.5 General assessment of exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province 3.5.1 The results achieved Firstly, in terms of forest plant resources and natural resources and environment - Restructuring of forest types in a positive direction, increasing the proportion of forested land and the proportion of production forests - Regarding natural resources - environment, the rate of forest cover increased The planting and protection of a number of forest plant resources have been paid attention 17 Secondly, in terms of the economy - The production value of the forestry sector increased at a good rate - Exploitation of forest plant resources made an important contribution to household income Thirdly, in terms of the society Exploiting forest plant resources is a source of livelihood and job creation for a part of farmers who depend on forests 3.5.2 Limitations and weaknesses Firstly, in terms of forest plant resources and natural resources and environment - Although the forest area and forest cover rate have increased, the quality of the forest is not high, and the biodiversity of natural forests has been reduced - The exploitation of forest plant resources is mainly based on available natural exploitation, with little attention to conservation, planting and development Secondly, in terms of the economy - The contribution of the forestry sector to the economy of Lao Cai Province is low and tends to decrease The proportion of logging and forest products tends to decrease, but still accounts for the largest share in the forestry industry - Resource productivity tends to increase, but the value obtained per unit area is not high, the added value of the product is still low - Sustainable models (models of agroforestry and non-timber forest products) show an economic role, but the number of models is still modest, and there have not been many models of large-scale timber plantations intensification Thirdly, in terms of the society - The contribution of forest plant resources exploitation to poverty reduction is still limited The income of people who directly depend on forest resources is still low - There has not been an effective and good handling of the relationship of interests between the actors involved in the exploitation of forest plant resources, or in other words, there is inequality between the actors 3.5.3 Causes of limitations and weaknesses The limitations and weaknesses are due to many reasons, but mainly due to the following issues 3.5.3.1 Causes at the macro level a) Difficulties and challenges due to the natural conditions of Lao Cai Province b) The physical and technical facilities and infrastructure in service of the exploitation of forest plant resources are weak and inconsistent c) Causes of mechanisms, policies and methods to organize the implementation 18 d) Science and technology have not really “paved the way”, created resilience and changed the mode and economic efficiency of exploitation of forest plant resources e) The capacity of relevant actors is limited and weak f) Sustainable models face many barriers, and the production and business organization of exploitation of forest plant resources is not coherent and does not follow the value chain 3.5.3.2 Causes at the micro level a) Household size b) Education level of the household c) Household’s income and living standard Chapter SOLUTIONS FOR EXPLOITATION OF FOREST PLANT RESOURCES FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT IN LAO CAI PROVINCE 4.1 International and domestic context to 2025, vision to 2035 4.1.1 International context 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Increasing demand for forest environmental services Economic integration with requirements on origin and food safety and hygiene Scientific and technological advances, industrial revolution 4.0 The demand for wood and non-timber forest products in the world tends to increase 4.1.2 Context in the country and in Lao Cai Province Vietnam’s commitments to the international community Restructuring and renewing the growth model Socio-economic development goals of Lao Cai Province Disasters and climate change 4.1.3 Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province The thesis analyzed the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges 4.2 Viewpoints and orientations for exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province 4.2.1 The State’s viewpoints on exploitation of forest plant resources 4.2.1.1 Viewpoints on management, exploitation and use of resources, protection of environmental resources for sustainable development 4.2.1.2 Orientations related to the exploitation of forest plant resources 4.2.2 The author’s viewpoints on exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province 4.2.2.1 Viewpoints 19 a) General viewpoints Firstly, exploitation of forest plant resources must be consistent with the orientation and planning of socio-economic development and forestry development of Lao Cai Province Secondly, exploitation of forest plant and natural resources should be mainly shifted from natural exploitation to plantation-based exploitation, ensuring the ability to regenerate Thirdly, exploitation of forest plant resources contributes increasingly to economic growth, poverty reduction and protection of the ecological environment Fourthly, policies for the development and exploitation of forest plant resources must follow the market mechanism and be consistent with the commitment to international economic integration Fifthly, exploitation, protection and development of forest plant resources are based mainly on science and technology Sixthly, there are many actors involved in the management and exploitation of forest plant resources b) Viewpoints towards forest plant resources as planted forest timbers Firstly, exploitation of forest plant resources as planted forest timbers needs to be harmonized with different types of trees, associated with the goal of watershed protection and biodiversity assurance; rational exploitation and use of forests, linking exploitation with forest protection, conservation and development Secondly, shift mainly from growing small trees, fast growing trees, short business cycle to growing large and long-term trees Thirdly, exploitation of forest plant resources as planted forest timbers should be ensured and harmonized between economic, social and environmental sustainability Fourthly, the main actor of exploitation of forest plant resources as planted forest timbers is enterprises c) Viewpoints on forest plant resources as non-timber forest products Firstly, exploitation of forest plant resources as non-timber forest products is the main activity in exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development Secondly, development of models of exploitation of forest plant resources should be associated with sustainable livelihoods (agroforestry, planting of non-timber forest products) Thirdly, the main actors involved in the exploitation of NTFPs are households and individuals Fourthly, exploitation of forest plant resources as non-timber forest follows the value chain approach, which promotes the participation of ethnic minorities and harmonizes the interests of actors involved in the value chain 4.2.2.2 Orientation to exploit forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province Regarding the economic aspect Increasing the contribution and role of exploitation of forest plant resources to the local economy, increasing the productivity of planted forests and natural resources 20 Regarding the environmental aspect Exploiting forest plant resources with the motto of forest protection, nature conservation and biodiversity Regarding the social aspect Improving livelihoods of forest people through diversifying activities of exploiting forest plant resources Creating jobs and raising incomes mainly through non-timber forest product processing activities and forest environmental services 4.3 Solutions to exploit forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province to 2025, vision to 2035 4.3.1 Bases for proposing solutions 4.3.2 Proposed solutions 4.3.2.1 Solutions at the macro level a) Invest in infrastructure to create conditions for the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development Including: Invest in infrastructure development for forest protection and development Invest in infrastructure construction for socio-economic development b) Solutions on mechanisms and policies - Regarding the closure of forests: The closure of natural forests does not mean complete closure, here it should be understood with the goal of banning the logging of natural forests, not the exploitation of non-timber forest products However, the exploitation of NTFPs needs to be sustainable (within the limit of the renewable capacity of NTFPs) - Regarding the policy on management and exploitation of forest plant resources Supplement, complete and concretize legal documents on forest management, protection, development and use Strengthen decentralization of state management of forests to authorities at district and commune levels Develop community-based forest and plant resource management models to reduce the burden of state management Land policy Renovate the method of land and forest allocation in the direction of capacitybased allocation of land for effective management and use in order to increase added value and resource productivity Mechanism of payment for forest environmental services Conduct forest valuation as the basis for payment for forest environmental services The valuation should be based on ecological and environmental values Credit policy Develop a mechanism for forest owners to access and borrow long-term loans in line with the forest tree business cycle Policies to attract economic sectors 21 Lao Cai needs to create conditions and improve the investment environment to attract investment capital, especially in the fields of afforestation for industrial raw materials, forest product processing and technology transfer Policy on application of high technology to production and exploitation of forest plant resources Create conditions for forest owners and garden owners to mortgage properties on land to mobilize for investment in high-tech application in production and exploitation of forest plant resources c) Strengthen research and transfer of science and technology on exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development - There is a need to coordinate efforts in the field of research that aim to support improvements in the quality and productivity of forest plant resources and have long-term viability This requires research institutes and related service providers to better coordinate with each other and invest more appropriately in research on forest resources and forestry science - Research activities, science and technology transfer on exploitation of forest plant resources must meet the requirements of production and market, and at the same time involve the participation of forest owners and enterprises - Identify private sector investment, especially foreign investment, as a new technology transfer channel d) Capacity building for stakeholders involved in the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development Capacity building for state managers at all levels, businesses, communities and households involved in the exploitation of forest plant resources is one of the important factors to serve sustainable development in Lao Cai Province e) Development of sustainable livelihood models, linking production with processing and consumption of forest plant resource products - Develop models of agroforestry in economic afforestation The development of these types of models requires synchronous policies to support the transformation of farming methods and crop structures in order to improve land use efficiency Formulate policies to solve outputs for people to improve their lives, ensure stable incomes in association with the main and longterm goal of protecting forests and forest plant resources - Develop non-timber forest products The development of non-timber forest products needs to follow two types: concentrated and scattered Concentrated development of production forests for the cultivation of non-timber forest products Where there are no conditions to develop concentrated non-timber forest products, the authorities in Lao Cai Province need to create conditions and support for people to plant scattered trees, making the most of the land fund for the cultivation of non-timber forest products to avoid waste 4.3.2.2 Solutions at the micro level a) Household size and labor and employment issues 22 - Implement population-family planning to have a suitable size and structure of the population as well as create non-agricultural jobs for households in order to limit their dependence on forest resources - Settle production land for households through land allocation and forest allocation to households b) Education level, quality of human resources of the household - Finalize and organize the effective implementation of policies to support education for ethnic minorities - Improve policies on vocational training and agricultural extension work for households exploiting forest plant resources c) Household income and living standards - Support to promote productivity and efficiency of forest plant resource exploitation - Develop agroforestry models and develop non-timber forest products CONCLUSION The thesis has systematized and explained the theoretical basis and practical experience on exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development In which, the thesis has systematized and clarified the concepts of sustainable development, forest plant resources, exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development; proposed criteria for evaluation and analysis of factors affecting the exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development; studied international and domestic experience in exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development and drew lessons for Lao Cai Province The thesis has analyzed and evaluated the current situation of exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province The analysis and evaluation revealed the following basic issues: - Policies related to the exploitation of forest plant resources have gradually changed from being mainly exploited to planting, tending, repairing and developing forest resources; step by step shifting from state-based forestry development to nonstate-based forestry - Forest types have been restructured in a positive direction, and the proportion of forested land and production forests has increased Although the forest area has increased, the productivity and quality of forests are still low, mainly small wood products The structure of forest trees is still monotonous, the productivity of planted forests is not high, and the efficiency of forest production and business is still low The processing and commercialization of forest products still have many limitations and weaknesses The production organization is not tight, and there is a lack of 23 cohesion between the stages of afforestation, processing and consumption of forest products Wood processing and non-timber forest products have not been developed commensurate with the potential; small and medium-sized processing establishments not have modern equipment and technology systems; products are still raw materials; and sources of materials are not stable The competitiveness of timber and non-timber forest products is still limited in terms of quality and output - The contribution of the forestry sector to the province’s economy is low and tends to decrease Logging and forest products still account for the largest proportion in the forestry sector The growth of the forestry sector has increased but is not really sustainable Productivity of resources and added value of products are still low, and in many places, the value of products sold to the market is not enough to cover the costs for exploitation, operation and transportation - The contribution of forest plant resource exploitation to poverty reduction is still limited The income of people who directly depend on forest resources is still low, even not enough for them to live by forestry Distribution of economic benefits from forest exploitation is not fair and there is a risk of being unsustainable - On the basis of analysis of international and domestic contexts in the coming time, the thesis has proposed some viewpoints, orientations and key solutions on exploitation of forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province 24 ... change 4.1.3 Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and challenges for exploiting forest plant resources for sustainable development in Lao Cai Province The thesis analyzed the strengths, weaknesses,... exploitation of forest plant resources is mainly based on available natural exploitation, with little attention to conservation, planting and development Secondly, in terms of the economy - The contribution... etc., for people Due to socio-economic benefits, exploitation of forest resources has attracted more and more attention from people Forest resources are being destroyed day by day, hour by hour,