On June 19, 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment issued Circular No. 16/2025/TT-BNNMT, which provides detailed regulations on the decentralization, delegation, and defining the authority of state management in forestry and forest ranger activities. This Circular aims to enhance the effectiveness of forest management, protection, and sustainable development, while meeting the requirements of the 2017 Forestry Law and related legal documents.

The Circular specifies the authority of central and local agencies in forest management, including forest leasing, land-use change, and the establishment and adjustment of special-use and protective forests. It encourages forest owners, including households, individuals, and communities, to develop and implement sustainable forest management plans for up to 10 years. Additionally, it outlines the responsibilities of local governments, forest rangers, and forest owners in forest fire prevention and control, including mobilizing forces and equipment when necessary. The Circular also requires project owners changing the land use of forests to carry out reforestation or contribute to the Forest Protection and Development Fund. The area for reforestation must not be less than the area of forest converted.

The Circular contributes to environmental protection by reducing deforestation and forest degradation while promoting sustainable forest development. By clarifying the decentralization and delegation of responsibilities, it strengthens the accountability of managing authorities and forest owners. The Circular also encourages the participation of people and communities in forest protection and development, especially households and individuals.

Circular No. 16/2025/TT-BNNMT from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment is an important document that helps improve the legal system for forest management and protection. Effective implementation of the Circular will bring long-term benefits to the environment and socio-economic development