The Role of Forests in Supporting Sustainable Livelihoods for Indigenous Communities in the Central Highlands, Vietnam

Abstract

This study focuses on analyzing the role of forests in supporting sustainable livelihoods for ethnic minority communities in the Central Highlands of Vietnam, in the context of increasingly severe climate change and environmental degradation. Based on a survey of 350 households in Đắk Lắk, Kon Tum, and Gia Lai, the research clarifies that forests are not only a source of natural resources such as timber, non-timber forest products, and water, but are also closely connected to the beliefs, culture, and livelihoods of local communities. Initiatives such as Payments for Forest Environmental Services (PES), forest protection contracts, and agroforestry models have proven effective in improving incomes and conserving forests. PES provides a stable income of 5–10 million VND per household per year, while forest-based ecotourism and indigenous cultural tourism contribute an additional 15–20 million VND per household per year. However, the study highlights major challenges such as forest degradation due to the expansion of industrial crops, prolonged droughts, soil erosion, and land conflicts arising from free migration and the lack of legal land use rights. The research proposes solutions such as strengthening forest contracting, providing financial and technical support for agroforestry, raising community awareness, and developing sustainable ecotourism. Notably, improving resource management policies and land ownership rights plays a decisive role in ensuring the balance between conservation and economic development. These findings shed light on the relationship between forests and livelihoods, while also providing a scientific basis for guiding sustainable development policies in the Central Highlands.