The Role of Sacred Forests and Traditional Livelihoods in REDD+: Two case studies in Vietnam’s Central Highlands

This study explores the role that may be played by sacred forests in implementing REDD+ programmes, as a way of integrating local people into REDD+ policy, when the central question is: ‘To what extent are sacred forests important for REDD+ implementation, and how are traditional livelihood practices implemented in REDD+?’ Two REDD+ pilot sites in Vietnam’s Central Highlands were chosen to test the hypothesis that sacred forests are traditionally well protected and conserved, and fulfil not only ecological, but also livelihood, social, cultural and spiritual functions. If proven correct, acknowledging and utilizing the role of sacred forests could be one of the many ways in which REDD+ goals can be reconciled with the interests of indigenous communities and the livelihoods of their people.