Factors influencing the increase of forest cover in Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos

Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos, experienced a significant increase in forest cover from 12.8% in the early 2000s to 32.8% by 2010, an annual growth of 2.8%. This recovery is attributed to socioeconomic development, which reduced rural poverty and shifted agricultural practices toward market-oriented production. The study, comparing Luang Prabang with Huaphanh Province (where forest cover declined), used qualitative and comparative analysis of secondary data. It found that economic growth, urbanization, and improved infrastructure led to decreased subsistence farming, allowing vegetation to regenerate on abandoned lands. This challenges traditional forest transition theory by demonstrating rapid recovery over a short period.

Bin, K. S., & Alounsavath, O. (2016). Factors influencing the increase of forest cover in Luang Prabang Province, Northern Laos. Forest Science and Technology, 12(2), 98–103. https://doi.org/10.1080/21580103.2015.1075437