Aiming for sustainable forestry development, Quang Tri Province has been implementing multiple technical and policy measures to promote the conversion from small timber forests to large timber forests.
Higher Value, Greater Efficiency
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Mr. Nguyen Huu Minh, Deputy Director of Phu Hung Cooperative in Hai Phu Commune, Hai Lang District, proudly shared that since the pilot conversion from small timber forests to large timber forests began in 2015 on a 10-hectare area, the cooperative has now transformed all 170 hectares of its forest into large timber plantations.
Previously, hybrid acacia was harvested after 4–5 years for wood chips, bringing in VND 60–80 million per hectare(equivalent to VND 12–15 million/ha/year). After conversion, trees are thinned in the fifth year (from 1,650 trees/ha down to 900–1,100 trees/ha) and continue to grow until the 9th–10th year before harvesting.
At that stage, trees reach over 20 cm in diameter with an average yield of 180–200 tons/ha. They are sold as sawn or processed timber at around VND 1.4 million per ton, generating VND 25–30 million/ha/year — 1.5 times higher than small timber forests.
“On average, our cooperative harvests 15–20 hectares of large timber forest per year, yielding 3,000–4,000 tons of logs,” said Mr. Minh.
Strong Local Impact and Sustainable Growth
According to Mr. Duong Viet Hai, Vice Chairman of Hai Lang District People’s Committee, the district currently has nearly 19,000 hectares of planted forests. Forest plantation has helped reforest barren land, improve the environment, and generate stable income for farmers.
However, most people still grow fast-growing acacia for wood chips, which brings low value. To unlock greater potential, local authorities have actively encouraged and guided farmers to shift toward large timber forests. Specialized agencies such as the Agriculture and Rural Development Department, Extension Center, and Forest Protection Unit have been building demonstration models using high-quality acacia hybrids.
So far, Quang Tri has developed over 3,146 hectares of large timber forests, and the benefits are clear. Large timber forests supply high-quality wood for furniture, veneer, and flooring production, generating 2–4 times higher yieldand significantly greater economic returns.
“This transition not only reduces harvest frequency and replanting costs but also minimizes soil erosion, better adapts to climate change, and enhances long-term forest sustainability,” said Mr. Hai.
Toward a Sustainable Forestry Future
Mr. Van Ngoc Thang, Deputy Head of the Quang Tri Forest Protection Department, stated that the province currently has 112,000 hectares of production forests, with 7,500–8,000 hectares replanted annually. Despite rapid expansion, most areas are still small timber forests for low-value chipwood production.
Given Vietnam’s ban on natural forest logging and reduced wood imports, it has become necessary to expand large timber plantations to secure raw material for domestic furniture and export industries.
Field results show that profit margins from large timber forests are significantly higher. For instance, small timber acacia harvested at year six yields about VND 60–80 million/ha, while large timber harvested after 10–14 years generates 200–240 m³/ha, sold at VND 1.8–2 million/m³, reaching VND 250 million/ha — with annual profits exceeding VND 20 million/ha/year.
Currently, Quang Tri has over 3,146 hectares of large timber forests, with 6,100 hectares undergoing transformation from small timber plantations.
Policy Support and Public–Private Partnerships
To accelerate progress, the forestry sector is:
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Reviewing and adjusting land-use plans to prioritize sustainable forestry zones.
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Strengthening seed quality management, selecting high-yield acacia varieties adapted to local ecology.
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Encouraging joint investment between enterprises and households through profit-sharing models, where companies provide capital and technical expertise, while farmers contribute land-use rights.
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Integrating intercropping models with medicinal and fruit trees under the canopy to ensure regular income during long growth cycles.
In addition, the government is offering credit support, FSC sustainable forest management certification, and incentives for high-tech wood processing factories to guarantee stable market access for timber producers.
“These coordinated efforts are the foundation for building a sustainable forest economy, creating jobs, and improving livelihoods for rural communities,” emphasized Mr. Thang.