Biodiversity loss is a major problem in terms of loss of genetic and ecosystem services and more specifically
via impacts on the livelihoods, food security and health of the poor. This study modeled forest management
strategies that balance economic gains and biodiversity conservation benefits in planted tropical forests. A
forest-level model was developed that maximized the net present value (NPV) from selling timber and
carbon sequestration while maintaining a given level of biodiversity (as per the population density of birds).
The model was applied to Eucalyptus urophylla planted forests in Yen Bai Province, Vietnam. It was found that
the inclusion of biodiversity conservation in the model induces a longer optimal rotation age compared to the
period that maximizes the joint value from timber and carbon sequestration (from 8 to 10.9 years). The average
NPV when considering timber values plus carbon sequestration was 13 million Vietnamese Dong (VND) ha−1
(765 USD ha−1), and timber, carbon sequestration and biodiversity values were 11 million VND (676 USD)
ha−1. Given this differential, governments in such tropical countries may need to consider additional incentives
to forest owners if they are to encourage maximizing biodiversity and its associated benefits. The results also have
some implications for implementing the climate control measure of “Reducing Emissions from Deforestation
and Forest Degradation-plus (REDD+)” in developing countries, i.e., payment for carbon sequestration and
biodiversity benefits in planted forests