INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT OF THE ECONOMIC, SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF SOME PROJECTS OF CONVERTING DIPTEROCARP FOREST TO RUBBER PLANTATION IN TERRITORY OF DAK LAK PROVINCE, VIETNAM

Abstract

Using actual survey data and a developed system of parameters and indices to assess the economic,
social and environmental impacts for the projects of converting dipterocarp forests to rubber
plantations in the territory of Dak Lak province, results for the absolute and relative indices for
assessing the economic, social and environmental impacts, and an aggregate assessment were
calculated for the 3 selected projects of converting dipterocarp forests to rubber plantations. These
findings showed that the absolute aggregate impact index of Phuoc Hoa Rubber Joint Stock
Company is 48, Phat Dat Private Enterprise is 50 and Duc Tam Co., Ltd is 37; whereas the relative
aggregate index of Phuoc Hoa Rubber Joint Stock Company is 175, Phat Dat Private Enterprise is
179, and Duc Tam Co., Ltd is 134. When compared with the index rating, it shows that the projects
of Phuoc Hoa Rubber Joint Stock Company and Phat Dat Private Enterprise have medium
possitive impacts, the project of Duc Tam Co., Ltd have low possitive impacts. Therefore, it is
recommended that Phuoc Hoa Rubber Joint Stock Company and Phat Dat Private Enterprise
should review whether to continue the projects of converting dipterocarp forest to rubber
plantations in Dak Lak province by reviewing the parameters which have not met targets; while
Duc Tam Co., Ltd should stop their projects of converting dipterocarp forests to rubber plantations.