E.1. Natural forests and biodiversity

The Ministry of Agriculture and Environment (MAE) is the focal agency helping the Government implement state management of forests nationwide; the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security, and People's Committees at all levels are responsible for state management of local forests.

The Vietnam Administration Forestry (VNFOREST) at national level performs the function of advising and assisting MAE in implementing state management of forests; Departments of Agriculture and Environment (DAEs) advise and assist the Provincial People Committees (PPCs) in implementing state management of local forests.

MAE is also responsible for implementing state management of biodiversity. Ministries and ministerial-level agencies, within the scope of their tasks and powers, carry out state management of biodiversity as assigned by the Government. People's Committees at all levels, within the scope of their duties and powers, carry out state management of biodiversity according to the Government's decentralisation policy.