The Status of Area and Distribution of Natural Evergreen Broadleaf Forests Classified as Poor Production Forests in Northeast Vietnam

Abstract

This research evaluates the current status of area and distribution of natural evergreen broadleaf forests classified as poor production forests across Northeast Vietnam based on 2023 national forest data. Mounting pressures on natural forest resources-including overexploitation of timber, land-use conversion, and the accelerating impacts of climate change-pose existential threats to the sustainability of forest ecosystems and regional biodiversity. The study employed comprehensive data collection and analysis methods across 12 (8 currently) provinces, examining forest area and condition, plot size classification, and forest management entities. Our findings reveal that natural forests occupy 2,271,361 hectares of Northeast Vietnam's total forest area, within which poor production natural evergreen broadleaf forests account for 12.24% (489,104.55 hectares), a proportion dramatically exceeding that of rich and medium forests combined (<0.5%). Small plots (<1 hectare) constitute over 55.93% of all forest plots, creating formidable challenges for strategic planning and coordinated management. Additionally, nearly 50% of poor forest areas are managed by households and individuals whose capacity for investment and protection remains constrained by limited resources. Communal People's Committees oversee 35% of the forest area but confront significant challenges regarding resources and technical capacity. These findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced investment in forest monitoring technologies, strengthened management strategies, and implementation of silvicultural measures to restore poor forest areas. Programmes supporting sustainable management practices for households, individuals, and local authorities must be prioritised to ensure the sustainable development of forest resources across Northeast Vietnam.