Decision No. 4143 Village Forest Management Planning.

This Decision establishes the technical standards and procedural steps for developing and implementing forest management plans at the village level across the Lao PDR. It aims to empower local communities to manage forest resources sustainably, ensuring the protection of biodiversity and ecosystems while supporting rural livelihoods. The Decision provides a structured framework for identifying forest categories—such as protection, conservation, and utility forests—within village boundaries to prevent land-use conflicts and illegal logging.
The Decision details the seven-step process for village forest planning, which includes data collection, boundary demarcation, and the drafting of local regulations. It mandates the active participation of village authorities and "Front for National Development" representatives in the consultation process to ensure social consensus. Furthermore, the Decision outlines the requirements for monitoring and evaluation, specifying that plans must be reviewed and approved by District Offices of Agriculture and Forestry to ensure they align with national forestry strategies and the 2019 Forestry Law.