ABSTRACT

In 2010, the Vietnamese government initiated the Payment for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) program to conserve forests and improve local livelihoods. While some researches have demonstrated the effectiveness of PFES, other studies reported inappropriate implementation and distribution at the initial stage. This study aimed to examine how PFES was implemented, and explore the challenges of forest protection efforts faced by the local people under PFES. Thua Thien Hue province was the first province to adjust the distribution of payments according to the type and quality of the forest using the K-coefficient. We conducted in-depth interviews with relevant staff and officials and organized focus group discussions with local people in seven payment areas in the province. The findings showed that the K-coefficient applied in this study was composed of four elements: forest condition (K1), forest function (K2), forest origin (K3), and the difficulty of forest protection (K4). However, forest condition (K1) was the only factor that could increase the efforts of the local people toward forest conservation. The capacity of the staff played an essential role in PFES distribution for local people. Additionally, establishing the relevant institutions and encouraging participation at the local level can increase forest conservation effectiveness. However, there is a lack of regulations for dealing with violations under the current rules. In conclusion, this study recommends expanding the range to calculate payouts, thereby increasing remuneration and motivation for the local people to be involved in forest conservation.

摘要

2010 年，越南政府启动了森林环境服务付费（PFES）计划，以保护森林和改善当地生计。虽然一些研究证明了 PFES 的有效性，但其他研究报告了在初始阶段实施和分配不当。本研究旨在探讨 PFES 是如何实施的，并探讨 PFES 下当地人在森林保护工作中面临的挑战。承天顺化省是第一个根据森林类型和质量使用 K 系数调整支付分配的省份。我们深入采访了相关工作人员和官员，并在全省七个支付领域组织了当地群众座谈会。研究结果表明，本研究中应用的 K 系数由四个要素组成：森林条件 (K1)、森林功能 (K2)、森林起源 (K3) 和森林保护难度 (K4)。然而，森林状况（K1）是唯一可以增加当地人民对森林保护的努力的因素。工作人员的能力在向当地人分发 PFES 方面发挥了重要作用。此外，建立相关机构并鼓励地方层面的参与可以提高森林保护的有效性。但是，目前的规则缺乏处理违规行为的规定。总之，本研究建议扩大计算支出的范围，从而增加当地人民参与森林保护的报酬和动力。