Expression of Interest

As a result of the growing timber needs of the booming timber industry and Vietnam’s forest protection measures, deforestation is shifting to neighbouring forest‐rich countries, particularly Laos. This cross‐border leakage is a challenge for REDD‐Readiness in Vietnam. While Laos is considered one of the richest southeastern Asian countries in terms of forest resources, it also has one of the highest deforestation rates. Deforestation accounts for approximately 70% of the national GHG emissions. The objectives of the project are thus to reduce GHG emissions that stem from forest degradation and loss through improved protected areas management for 4 protected areas and two ecological corridors in Southern Laos and Central Vietnam and to address the “leakage” caused by transborder trade of illegally cut timber from Laos to Vietnam through Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade instruments.

1) To reduce GHG emissions that stem from forest degradation and loss through improved protected areas management in 4 protected areas and 2 ecological corridors of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos. 2) To address the “leakage” caused by transborder trade of illegally cut timber from Laos to Vietnam through Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade instruments.