**2.1 Study site**

Dinh Hoa is a district of the Thai Nguyen province in Northern Vietnam where forest land represents 68,7 % of the total area in 2005, with 33,0 % of it being classified as planted forest (Data provided by the Agriculture and Rural Development Department of Dinh Hoa). The high forest cover, combined with a high population density (189 habitants / km²) results in high pressure on the forest resources.

All Vietnamese forest use types are represented in the district: special use forest (8 728 ha, 24 % of the forest area), protection forest (7050 ha, 20 % of the forest area) and production forest (20 009 ha, 56 % of the forest area) (The Prime Minister, 2008).

Following the law on forest protection and development of December 3rd 2004 (The President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Tran Duc Luong, 2004) and by declaration of the department of policy and rural development (FAO and RECOFTC, 2000), the objectives of the forest use types / categories are defined as followed:

**Special-use forest** is predominantly related to the conservation of nature, scientific research and protection of landscapes and historical / cultural relics. Management boards directly manage these forests. Contracts are made on long-term basis with households for ecological restoration, afforestation and protection. Households are entitled to collect dead wood for self consumption.

**Protection forest** mainly fulfils protection purposes as to protect water sources and land, to prevent erosion and desertification, restrict natural calamities and regulate the local climate. Management boards make contracts with households, communities, individuals or organizations to protect and regenerate forestland. Contracted stakeholders possess some restricted utilization rights.

**Production forest** is managed mainly for the production and trading of timber and nontimber forest products. It includes natural and planted production forests.
