The Prime Minister makes the exploitation of endangered precious and rare fauna and flora species and those species protected by law in natural protective forests unlawful.

Under Decision No. 17/2015/QD-TTg, on management of protective forests, the exploitation of forest products must not affect the protective function of these forests and must comply with the law on forest protection and development, environmental protection and biodiversity conservation.

The Prime Minister makes the exploitation of endangered precious and rare fauna and flora species and those species protected by law in natural protective forests unlawful__Photo: nguoiduatin.vn

The new regulation states that logging is prohibited in headwaters protective forests, protective forests for wind and sand shielding, water breaking and sea encroachment prevention, and environmental protection.

In protective forests planted with the state budget, only logging of small, dead trees and sustainable exploitation of tree branches and roots and non-timber forest products are permitted, and the minimum density of 600 planted big trees per hectare must be ensured.

Such logging and exploitation are permitted in planted protective forests assigned or leased to individuals that have contracts to protect these forests, provided the exploitation does not exceed 30 percent of the total forest timber reserve and the forests remain in shape.

Protective forest management boards may work with organizations and individuals in organizing eco-tourism, scientific research and education and training activities in the forests, which must comply with the master plan approved by competent state agencies and other regulations on forest protection and development.-