In Son La province, the Forest Protection and Development Fund is actively utilizing payments from forest environmental services (DVMTR) to boost local livelihoods. This initiative not only aims to increase income for residents but also to reduce poverty and link economic benefits with forest conservation efforts.

Over the years, the Fund has implemented a system of payments through bank accounts to ensure transparency and security in financial transactions. As of 2026, more than 39,000 forest owners in the province have received payments totaling approximately 237.3 billion VND, achieving nearly 100% of the planned target.

However, the challenge remains in ensuring that these funds effectively contribute to economic development. The Fund's strategy is to encourage residents to invest in sustainable practices such as agroforestry and livestock farming under the forest canopy, rather than merely using the funds for immediate consumption.

According to Le Manh Thang, Deputy Director of the Fund, since 2019, various cashless payment methods have been piloted to facilitate access for forest owners in remote areas. Despite some initial resistance due to limited banking infrastructure and digital literacy, most forest owners have gradually adapted to this new payment method.

The Fund has also collaborated with local authorities to establish guidelines for the effective management and utilization of DVMTR funds. By 2021, a plan was developed to create and replicate community regulations for managing these payments, resulting in over 1,000 community guidelines that enhance the efficiency of fund usage.

This approach has led to positive changes, with communities becoming more judicious in their spending, thus ensuring that the DVMTR payments serve as a sustainable resource for both forest protection and livelihood development.