Gains and Losses: Devolution of Forestry Land and Natural Forest

This study examines forest devolution policy and its interpretation in practice. The research is based on a study in two communities in the North Central Coast of Vietnam. It explores the influences of forest devolution on the distribution of endowments and entitlements and the effects on the livelihoods of different socio-economic groups. The empirical observations are discussed in relation to theoretical and conceptual frameworks drawn from policy analysis, environmental entitlement analysis and property rights.