Viet Nam
Policies to Promote Environmentally Sustainable Practices
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Vietnam has implemented several policies to promote environmentally sustainable practices in rubber cultivation, particularly aimed at preventing deforestation. The government issued Notice No. 191/TB-VPCP in 2016, which prohibits the conversion of natural forest land into industrial plantations and mandates sustainable forest restoration in the Central Highlands. Additionally, Decision No. 419/QD-TTg focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and promoting sustainable agriculture that does not lead to deforestation. The Vietnam Rubber Group (VRG) has also established guidelines to ensure that rubber plantations do not encroach upon protected areas or natural heritage sites.
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The country has designated specific regions for rubber cultivation, as outlined in Decision 750/QD-TTg, which identifies suitable areas while restricting rubber planting in locations with unsuitable ecological conditions. To further enhance sustainability, Vietnam has adopted the Decision No. 432/QD-TTg, which encourages sustainable agricultural practices and minimizes the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has also taken steps to promote integrated pest management, encouraging the use of bio-fertilizers and reducing reliance on harmful agricultural chemicals.
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Furthermore, Vietnam aims to promote biodiversity in rubber holdings through various initiatives. Policies encourage intercropping with legumes and other crops, enhancing soil health and agricultural resilience. The government has established regulations supporting the sustainable management of rubberwood, which not only contributes to reducing pressure on forest timber but also adds economic value to rubber cultivation. The Forest Law No. 16/2017 emphasizes the importance of planted forests, and various action plans are in place to increase the value of timber and timber products derived from rubber plantations, thereby supporting both economic growth and environmental sustainability.
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Policies to Promote Socially Sustainable Practices
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Vietnam has implemented several policies to promote socially sustainable practices in rubber cultivation, focusing on poverty alleviation and improving the quality of life for socially backward communities. The Decision No. 419/QD-TTg aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while enhancing forest management and carbon stocks by 2030. It integrates sustainable agricultural practices into national strategies, fostering international support and access to carbon credit markets. Additionally, Decree No. 32/2018 mandates state investment in rubber and coffee cultivation in economically disadvantaged areas, while regional programs provide financial support for transitioning from annual to perennial crops, such as rubber.
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To rehabilitate tribal communities and discourage shifting cultivation, the government has enacted various support measures. The Decision No. 33/2007/QD-TTg provides residential and productive land to ethnic minorities, along with financial allowances for sedentary cultivation. Decision No. 1342/QD-TTg focuses on guiding agricultural practices for these communities, encouraging the adoption of modern farming techniques to stabilize their livelihoods. Additional support policies, such as Decision No. 2085/QD-TTg, aim to facilitate land access for production and include financial assistance for sedentary households, ensuring a sustainable transition to permanent agriculture.
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Vietnam also emphasizes women's empowerment in the rubber sector through the Labor Code No. 10/2012 and related decrees that enhance working conditions for female workers. Policies ensure equitable rights, health care, and protection during pregnancy. Furthermore, the government has established regulations to safeguard labor welfare in hazardous conditions, classifying rubber sector jobs as dangerous and mandating higher wages for such roles. The Law on Occupational Safety and Health outlines strict prohibitions against unsafe practices in the workplace, ensuring that workers are protected from health hazards in rubber processing facilities.