In a bid to combat illegal forest activities, Vietnam has implemented tougher legal measures via the newly enacted Decree No. 146/2026/ND-CP, announced on May 6, 2026. This decree aims to reinforce forest conservation and elevate environmental safeguarding across the nation.

The recently issued decree outlines 42 articles addressing a wide spectrum of forestry violations, such as unauthorized deforestation, unlawful occupation, forest product trafficking, and breaches in preventing forest fires, as well as unauthorized tourism in designated protected areas.

The new regulations impose severe fines, with individuals facing penalties up to VND 500 million, while organizations could incur fines reaching VND 1 billion. The heightened penalties are designed to deter illegal land appropriation and ensure the safeguarding of critical forest areas, which are vital for biodiversity and ecological stability throughout Vietnam.

Penalties are described in detail based on the size and nature of the affected forest lands. Minor violations involving production and protective forests could see fines starting at VND 1 million, while substantial illegal occupations of forest areas could lead to fines from VND 60 million to VND 80 million. For natural forest infringements, offenders may face penalties double the usual amounts due to the ecological significance of these regions.

Furthermore, the decree imposes stringent regulations on unauthorized tourism and commercial activities within forests. Organizing tours without proper consent could result in fines ranging from VND 4 million to VND 6 million, while unlicensed resorts, tourism services, or entertainment ventures in protected forest regions might incur significantly higher penalties.

Particular focus is directed at illicit developmental initiatives within sensitive areas and special-use forests. Officials cautioned that engaging in ecotourism or recreational activities without adhering to approved environmental schemes could lead to fines as much as VND 50 million, alongside mandatory remediation of any damage inflicted on forest areas.

The crackdown will also cover the unauthorized harvesting and processing of medicinal plants in protected zones, as the government underscores that unchecked resource exploitation poses risks to vulnerable ecosystems and threatens the long-term ecological balance. Offenders causing significant forest deterioration may face additional punitive measures under existing forestry conservation laws.

The Vietnamese government has reiterated that forest conservation is of utmost national importance amid escalating environmental issues linked to climate change and biodiversity depletion. Officials assert that enhanced enforcement, coupled with more robust monitoring systems, will mitigate illegal activities and preserve essential forest ecosystems for generations to come.

This new decree is set to take effect on June 25, 2026, and will supersede previous forestry penalty regulations from 2019 and 2022. Authorities indicate that this updated framework reflects Vietnam's broader dedication to sustainable environmental governance and reinforced legal protections for forests and wildlife habitats.