Lam Dong Disburses More Than VND 142.7 Billion in Payments for Forest Environmental Services
The Lam Dong provincial people's committee has approved a plan to disburse over 142.7 billion VND (approximately 5.6 million USD) in surplus for Forest Environmental Services Funds.
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The budget is sourced from surplus funds and bank interest accrued by the provincial Forest Protection and Development Fund in 2018 and previous years, before the province's administrative restructuring.
According to the People's Committee of Lam Dong Province, the move aims to implement conclusions from state audit and inspection agencies while ensuring the legitimate rights of forest owners and local households contracted for forest protection.
Under the approved scheme, 137.85 billion VND will be retroactively paid to eligible recipients, including tens of thousands of households and forest owners within the Dong Nai and Serepok river basins. The remaining 4.86 billion VND, currently lacking identified beneficiaries, will be held for further review and subsequent allocation proposals. The payouts cover outstanding balances from 2009, 2012, 2013, and 2018.
The Lam Dong Forest Protection and Development Fund has been directed to coordinate with local authorities to ensure the disbursement is completed within 2026, targeting the correct recipients in compliance with state regulations.
Local forest management boards and state-owned forestry companies have also been urged to fast-track payments to contracted households. Officials state the timely disbursement will reinforce the efficiency of the PFES policy, incentivizing local communities to remain committed to forest management, protection, and sustainable forestry development across the province.