ASSESSMENT OF SOCIO-ECONOMIC EFFICIENCY AND LIVELIHOOD IMPACTS OF THE FSC FOREST PLANTATION MODEL IN BINH DINH: A STUDY OF 350 HOUSEHOLDS IN 5 KEY DISTRICTS

Abstract

This study evaluates the socio-economic effectiveness and livelihood impacts of the FSC-certified afforestation model in Binh Dinh province, based on a survey of 350 households across five key districts. The results indicate that the FSC model delivers superior economic performance, with profits reaching 88.8 million VND/ha per 7-year cycle, 62% higher than conventional plantations, thanks to higher timber prices and diversified income sources. Socially, the model contributes to poverty reduction, lowering the poverty rate from 12.3% to 7.1%, creates an additional 2.3 jobs/ha/year, and enhances the role of female labor. Notably, FSC forests also exhibit positive environmental impacts, with the biodiversity index increasing by 42.5% and canopy coverage reaching 85.2%. The study proposes solutions such as subsidizing certification costs, technical training, and developing value chains to scale up the model, affirming that FSC is a sustainable solution for local forestry development