Decree on Promotion of Tree Planting for Commercialization - no. 247/GO.

This Decree, divided into 4 chapters and consisting of 13 articles, encourages investment in commercial tree plantations, in order to ensure the supply of raw materials and increase forest cover as a contribution to national socio-economic development in line with green policy and sustainability. The Decree applies to individuals, entities and both domestic and foreign organisations, involved in tree planting for commercialisation in Lao PDR and defines the following relevant terms: tree planting; systematic and scattered tree planting; lease or concession of State land for tree planting; native tree species. The Decree requires the activity of tree planting be centralised and comply with the following: laws, national socio-economic development plans, national defence, national security, national land use master plan, forest strategy, forest and forestland use planning. Chapter 2 concerns management and promotion of tree planting and obligations of planters. Chapter 3 concerns awards for good performers and measures against violators. Chapter 4 concerns final provisions: implementation and entry into force.