Amended Law on Forestry was approved by National Assembly (NA)

The newly draft Amended Law on Forestry was approved by National Assembly (NA) during the 7th Ordinary Session last week (on 14 June 2019).

During the session, the NA members raised questions and comments about this newly draft amended Law on Forestry, especially about the Forest Use rights, the participatory of local people to use and protect Conservation Forest Area. As well as the issue of granted forestland to investors for development projects:

Key points raised by NA members were:

  • NA member for Khammuan province, Mr Somchay Phetsinuan said it was essential to register and manage the use of chainsaws as part of efforts to crack down on illegal logging.
  • NA member for Xayaboury province, Mr Bounthay Sithep called for all sectors to take part in the conservation of forests. 
  • NA member for Luang Prabang province, Ms Siliphone Souphanthong said the amendment of the law should make it clear which types of forests can be converted to other land classifications and which cannot.
  • Lawmakers expressed concerns about forest areas under the management of districts and villages as local authorities have previously sold forests to investors in exchange for development projects.

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Bounsong InsideLaos
http://insidelaos.com/2019/06/14/9204/