In Lam Dong Province, 45 businesses previously approved to lease forest environments for tourism purposes have yet to secure leases. The provincial People's Committee is now considering rescinding these policies.

Policy review following delays in forest leasing

The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD) in Lam Dong recently submitted a report proposing actions to address cases where companies were approved to prepare documentation for leasing forest environments for eco-tourism, resorts, and recreational activities.

Among the 45 companies that applied, 10 were granted preliminary approval by the Provincial People’s Committee. The remaining 35 were permitted to compile documentation under DARD’s guidance.

However, none of these companies have been able to finalize forest leases. According to DARD, one reason is that state-owned forest management units in the designated areas have not yet approved sustainable forest management plans.

Regulatory changes hinder progress

Another significant obstacle lies in the shift from older regulations under Decree 156/2018 to new rules introduced by Decree 91/2024. Policies laid out by the provincial government allowing forest environment leasing are now inconsistent with the updated legal framework.

Adding to the complications, the Provincial People’s Committee revoked Decision 603/2021 on October 18. This decision, which temporarily allowed forest leasing for tourism activities, was rendered obsolete as it was based on outdated regulations under Decree 156/2018.

DARD has completed transferring data and maps of protection forests, special-use forests, and production forests in Lam Dong. The Department of Natural Resources and Environment is now collaborating with DARD to reassess forest boundaries, areas, and jurisdiction.

These steps aim to facilitate official approvals for land allocation and leasing while issuing land-use certificates to forest management units. Once this process is complete, sustainable forest management plans will be finalized and submitted for approval.

The Lam Dong Department of Justice has stated that revoking the policies related to forest environment leasing is legally justified. However, it recommended that DARD conduct a thorough review of relevant regulations and the current situation.

This review would help assess the potential legal implications of rescinding these policies before making formal recommendations to the Provincial People’s Committee.

Anh Phuong