LESSON LEARNT IN LAOS NATURAL FOREST RESTORATION POLICIES

Laos owns a large natural forest area of ​​14.7 million hectares, accounting for 95% of the country's total forest area. Although there has been an apparent decline in forest area and quality since the 1940s, with the Government's exceptional attention to forest restoration with relevant policies and programs, Laos' forest cover has recorded significant growth, from 49% in 1982 to 58% in 2015 and 62% in 2019. With the quite similar natural conditions and forest developments of Laos and Vietnam, analysing policies and experiences in natural forest restoration of Laos is necessary to draw lessons learned not only for Laos but also for other nearby countries, including Vietnam. The ultimate goal is to develop natural forests sustainably and effectively for both countries.