Decree No. 59/2002 on Sustainable Management of Production Forest Areas.

This Decree, consisting of 17 articles divided into six Chapters, covers the identification, establishment, management and use of Production Forest Areas (PFA) and the key principles for monitoring the implementation of sustainable forest management throughout Lao PDR. This Decree further covers the duties and functions of relevant sectors, local authorities and villagers in participatory management of PFAs. This Decree has the following objectives: enhance and implement provisions of the Forestry Law covering forest areas intended to produce wood and forest products to support national socio-economic development and improve the livelihoods of local communities through sustainable production forest management system; establish principles and procedures to establish PFAs throughout Lao PDR under a sustainable management system; and create a framework for sustainable management of PFAs based on the participation of villagers in forest management planning, management and receipt of revenues. The Decree is divided as follows: General Provisions (I); Establishment of Production Forest Areas (II); Management of Production Forest Areas (III); Revenues and use of Revenues from Production Forest Areas (IV); Monitoring and Implementing Measures (V); Final Provisions (VI).