Impacts of the Benefit Sharing Mechanism (BSM) Policy Implementation on Forest Protection and Sustainable Use of Non-timber Products at Bach Ma National Park

This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of the benefit sharing mechanism (BSM) pilot policy on sustainable use of non-timber forest products (NTFPs) and natural resources conservation in co-management forest of Bach Ma National Park. Evaluation methods were route and permanent plot survey, household interview, in-depth interview, village meeting, group discussion and workshop at commune level. Results showed that: (1) the BSM policy had brought favorable conditions for local people in sustainable use and development of the NTFPs, as well as minimised the threats to biodiversity in co-managed forest; (2) the harvest amounts of seven selected NTFPs after two years of the BSM policy implementation were higher than growth rate of every NTFP and the permitted harvest amounts of the benefit sharing plans (BSP); (3) although there was a risk of over-exploitation of the NTFPs, the annual yields in 2013 and 2014 were much lower, but more sustainable than that before the BSM implementation; (4) the forest protection status in the co-management areas was also better than before. Additionally, this study has also defined and recommended that in order to continue the BSM, it is necessary to ensure the sustainable exploitation of NTFPs, as well as implement more enforcement activities inside the co-management forest area.