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Reforestation in Viet Nam for Sustainable Forest Product Use
 Large areas of Viet Nam were deforested by Agent Orange sprayed on them
during the 1961–1971 war and most areas remain affected. Reforestation efforts have not paid attention to water sources, which are also a health hazard from Agent Orange residues.
In Quang Tri Province, a local project to test a community-based approach to restoring forestland and water resources was carried out in two affected communes, Cam Nghia and Cam Thanh, in Cam Lo District by the People’s Committee of Quang Tri Province, under the guidance of the Management Board for Forestry Projects and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment.
Villagers were trained in forest management and development planning. They took part in surveys to learn the relationship between forest plantation types and water sources. Some 190 hectares of degraded land were planted to native tree species known to prosper in other Agent-Orange-affected areas.
The villagers made 5-year forest development and management plans according to their identified needs, so they would have sustainable use of forest products for building, cooking, and other domestic needs. Community regulations on forest protection and development for 26 project villages were approved by the district authorities.
Groundwater sources were tested for poisonous compounds. Simple well-water treatment systems were designed and provided to some institutions and families; training in water management, basically to protect the watersheds, was also provided.
The project has resulted in renewed forestlands and a sense of responsibility among the communes for their management. Improved water quality has reduced health risks. Also, village forestry funds have been set up to help generate jobs for villagers.
The success was due largely to close cooperation between government and villagers. However, in replicating and scaling-up the project in other areas, integration of the forest and water aspects is crucial in view of the close relationship between forest cover, water resources, and water pollution.
 Laboratory testing of water samples |
 Workshop on forest management
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Projects 
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