Under the decree, the provision and use of the services must ensure openness, transparency, and accountability, while balancing the interests of the state, forest owners, and relevant stakeholders. Such activities must not affect the international commitments on greenhouse gas emission reductions to which Viet Nam is a party.
The services may be carried out through contracts or via a carbon trading exchange. Service users may make payments directly to service providers or through entrusted payments via the Viet Nam Forest Protection and Development Fund. Payment levels are calculated in Vietnamese dong per tonne of CO2, per tonne of CO2 equivalent, or per forest carbon credit.
Revenue generated from the exchange and transfer of forest carbon credits will be prioritised for forest protection and development, support for community livelihoods, and the development of forest carbon projects and forestry databases, among other purposes.
The decree will take effect from July 1, 2026.
