C2. Respect for the knowledge and rights of ethnic minorities and local communities
The Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs (MERA) is responsible for coordinating with other ministries and agencies in planning and implementing programs and plans, special policies and measures related to ethnic minorities and through local authorities and agencies. MERA is also responsible for conducting survey, and researching the socio-economic development situation of ethnic minority groups, compositions, names, customs, and practices of ethnic minorities in Vietnam.[1]
In relation to land use rights, MAE is responsible for chairing and assisting the government in developing national land use plans and submitting them to the government for approval. Department of Land Administration under MAE and provincial DAEs are responsible for consulting and supporting the Minister on state management, land law implementation. PPCs are also responsible for developing provincial land use plans and submitting them to the Prime Minister for approval.[2]
The Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) is responsible for implementing and coordinating with other ministries and localities to implement and monitor the implementation of the program of conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources to 2025, vision to 2030.[3]
In relation to forests, MAE (previous Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – MARD) is responsible for developing the national forestry plan and submitting it to the Prime Minister for approval[4]; conducting consultation, appraisal and ensuring the participation of relevant stakeholders. The Vietnam Administration Forestry (VNFOREST) under MAE is responsible for developing and submitting to the Minister strategies, plans, long-term, medium-term and annual development plans; programs, projects and proposals under the management of the Department; state management and implementing legal regulations in forestry and forest protection.[5]
[1] (Decree No 41/2025/ND-CP on functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of MERA)
[2] Article 69, 72 Law on Land 2024
[3] Decision No 1671/QD-TTg in 2015 approving program of conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources to 2025, vision to 2030
[4] Article 12, Law on Forestry 2017
[5] Decision No 138/QD-BNNMT dated 1st March 2025 regulates on function, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Department of Forestry and Forestry