Post by : Shakul

Vietnam has introduced stricter legal measures to tackle illegal forest encroachment, occupation and unauthorized use of forest environments under a newly issued government decree. The government announced Decree No. 146/2026/ND-CP on May 6, 2026, setting out updated administrative penalties in the forestry sector as authorities aim to strengthen forest conservation and environmental protection across the country.

The new decree contains 42 articles covering a wide range of forestry violations including illegal deforestation, forest occupation, forest product transportation, forest fire prevention violations, illegal tourism activities in protected forest areas and the destruction of forest ecosystems. The law applies to both domestic and foreign individuals or organizations operating within Vietnamese territory.

Under the updated regulations, the maximum administrative fine for individuals involved in forestry violations can reach VND 500 million, while organizations may face penalties of up to VND 1 billion. Authorities said the tougher penalties are intended to discourage illegal land grabbing and the misuse of protected forest areas, which continue to threaten biodiversity and environmental sustainability in several regions of Vietnam.

The decree outlines detailed penalties based on the size and type of forest land affected. Small-scale encroachment cases involving production forests, protective forests and special-use forests may result in fines starting from VND 1 million. However, large-scale illegal occupation of forest land can lead to fines ranging from VND 60 million to VND 80 million. In cases involving natural forests, violators may face penalties that are double the normal rates due to the ecological importance of these areas.

Vietnamese authorities also introduced strict rules regarding unauthorized tourism and commercial activities in forests. Organizing tours or trips inside forests without approval from forest owners may result in fines between VND 4 million and VND 6 million. Businesses operating resorts, tourism services or entertainment projects inside protected forest areas without proper authorization may face significantly higher penalties.

The decree specifically targets illegal development projects in special-use forests and environmentally sensitive regions. Authorities warned that investing in ecotourism or recreational activities that do not comply with approved environmental plans could result in fines of up to VND 50 million along with mandatory restoration of damaged forest areas.

Illegal harvesting, processing and cultivation of medicinal plants inside protected forest zones are also included in the crackdown. The government stated that unauthorized exploitation of forest resources damages fragile ecosystems and threatens long-term environmental balance. Violators causing additional forest damage may face further punishment under separate forestry protection laws.

The Vietnamese government emphasized that forest conservation remains a national priority as the country faces growing environmental challenges linked to climate change, biodiversity loss and illegal land use. Officials believe stricter enforcement combined with stronger monitoring systems will help reduce illegal activities and protect important forest ecosystems for future generations.

The new decree will officially take effect on June 25, 2026, replacing earlier forestry penalty regulations issued in 2019 and 2022. Authorities said the updated framework reflects Vietnam’s broader commitment to sustainable environmental management and stronger legal protection for forests and wildlife habitats.

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