Memecylon spp.

Reforesting “Bare Hills” in Vietnam: Social and Environmental Consequences of the 5 Million Hectare Reforestation Program

Background

Large-scale rehabilitation and reforestation of Vietnam has been promoted by the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, but unexpected outcomes have, in some cases, harmed local communities. Within this case study from northern Vietnam, lands classified as "barren hills" actually contained a number of economically-important nontimber products which local communities and individuals, particularly poor households and women, were reliant on. These nontimber products included fuelwood, medicines, construction material, food, and pasture.