Understanding the safeguarding role of forest resources and its determinants during the COVID-19 pandemic: Insights from Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia

Studying communities in Viet Nam, Lao PDR and Cambodia through a participatory action research approach featuring policy analysis, focus group discussions and household survey, this research project reveals that reliance on forest resources increased significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic (2019–2022). Forest-derived income rose by over 100 per cent in Viet Nam and 28.7 per cent and 1.68 per cent in Cambodia and Lao PDR, respectively. Key determinants of this increased dependence include poverty status, minority group membership and receipt of pandemic relief. The findings underscore the critical role of forests in safeguarding and sustaining livelihoods and the resilience of forest-dependent communities during crises, informing future policies for sustainable forest management.