A model for restoring forests and improving livelihoods in Lao PDR

This policy brief describes how production-driven partnerships between forest communities and the private sector, with government support, can improve livelihoods and economic development while restoring forest landscapes. It addresses the lack of effective, self-sustaining models for community livelihood development based on the sustainable trade of forest resources.

The policy brief draws on experiences in Bokeo and Xayaboury provinces, where RECOFTC has facilitated partnership agreements between groups of teak-growing smallholders and private sawmills.

With local government support, the project has incentivized tree planting, promoted sustainable forest management, increased incomes and improved the supplies of raw materials, including legal timber for the private sector.

FLOURISH is an innovative forest landscape initiative that uses market forces combined with community forestry to combat climate change, restore degraded forests and improve the well-being of forest communities. RECOFTC launched FLOURISH in Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam in 2018. Learn more about FLOURISH www.recoftc.org/projects/flourish