. Although forest cover declined 3.6 percent between 2005 and 2015, Lao PDR still has among the highest forest cover percentage … of countries in the region, and the value of timber and non-timber forest products is 10,740 US Dollars per capita …. Inefficiencies, including overuse, under-budgeting, and unsustainable and unscientific management, have led to a reduction in forest …

economic stress. While forest products directly benefit vulnerable rural communities, ecosystem services from forests support … important job and livelihood opportunities in rural areas in Lao PDR that can be expanded. This country forest note provides an … upstream analysis of the status of forests as well as investments and policies relevant to the forest sector in the Lao People …