THE POTENTIAL OF PARTICIPATION IN THE REDD+ PROGRAM FOR PEOPLE IN THE BUFFER ZONE OF NATURE RESERVE NAM ET-PHU LOI, HOUA PHAN PROVINCE, LAO PEOPLE’S DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC

Abstract

To explore the potential for participation in REDD+ program for people in the buffer zone of  Nam Et-Phu Loi nature reserve, Houa Phan province, the article surveyed the people's participation needs, analyzed favorable and difficulty factors when implementing REDD+. In this study, the questionare survey method was used to investigated 60 households in 3 communes (Khang Khao, Na Keng and Houy Moun) which located in the Nam Et-Phu Loi Natural Reserve. The number of samples in each commune is 20 households which are selected on the basis of differences in economic condition (good, medium, poor) and livelihoods. The questionare was designed to collect information on living conditions, forest use management, understanding about REDD+ of local residents. The combination of collecting secondary on forest and SWOT methods was used to analys the potential local people for implement REDD+. The results show that the majority of people can be aware of the importance of forests, know the effects of deforestation and have a positive attitude towards participating in the implementation of the REDD+ program to reduce poverty for people. The study area meets the basic conditions to become an area participating in the REDD+ program.