Both the reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation program (REDD+) and community-based forest management (CBFM) aim to combat forest degradation and deforestation on various levels. Both approaches include multiple objectives such as carbon sequestration, livelihood improvement and forest tenure reform. New institutions, such as community-forest management boards or REDD+ implementation agencies, are being introduced to achieve sustainable development in the forestry sector. However, the way REDD+ afects local CBFM systems and community livelihoods remains understudied. This study analyzes the efects of REDD+ on CBFM systems in Vietnam. We selected four research communes (sub- district level units) and we conducted household surveys (n=187), focus group dis- cussions (n=4), expert interviews (n=8) and secondary data analysis (n=23). Our fndings show that in one commune REDD+ introduced CBFM and forestland allo- cation to communities in accordance with their customary boundaries. In another commune, REDD+ was implemented in a pre-existing CBFM and institutional land- scape, and the program had little efect on households’ livelihoods. The implemen- tation of CBFM in all four communes led to further consolidation of infuence of formal institutions and a higher level of formalization among involved communities. Based on the results of this study, we propose a novel typology on CBFM systems in a post-REDD+ era. This typology takes the level of formalization, marketiza- tion, globalization and forest dependence of respective households, which make up a community, into account. We present CBFM systems on a spectrum from custom- ary to formal, and we highlight the need to adapt REDD+ and CBFM to individual households’ livelihood trajectories.
