Dear Colleagues, Partners, and Valued Donors,

As we reflect on the third quarter of 2024, it’s a great time to celebrate the progress we’ve made together. Thanks to your incredible support, we’ve achieved meaningful milestones in our conservation journey over the past few months.

In this newsletter, you’ll find stories that bring to life the impact of our shared efforts. From sustainable forestry to youth leadership, each accomplishment reflects the power of partnership and our shared dedication to protecting our natural world.

Thank you for being such an essential part of this journey. We’re grateful to have you with us as we work toward a healthier, more sustainable future.

With appreciation and warm regards,

PanNature Team

At the ASEAN Civil Society Conference/ASEAN People's Forum (ACSC/APF) 2024 in Dili, Timor-Leste, PanNature co-organized a workshop titled Empowering Civil Society in Transboundary Water Management in ASEAN. The event, co-organized with NGO Forum on Cambodia (Cambodia) and the Lao Natural Resources and River Network (Laos), brought together experts and advocates to address pressing issues surrounding the region's shared water resources.

The workshop highlighted the complexities of managing major rivers like the Mekong, Salween, and Irrawaddy, which flow across several Southeast Asian countries. Participants explored the threats these water systems face, from dam construction and over-extraction to pollution and climate change. Throughout the discussions, the critical role of civil society organizations (CSOs) in advocating for sustainable water management and fostering community involvement was emphasized.

Key recommendations from the workshop included calls for stronger research to guide solutions, enhanced cross-border cooperation, and the empowerment of non-state actors to promote good governance. The importance of addressing policy gaps, particularly around environmental rights, and building climate resilience—especially in vulnerable regions like the Mekong Delta was also underscored.

The event reaffirmed the need for continued collaboration among ASEAN nations and civil society to ensure sustainable management of our shared water resources.

PanNature recently partnered with Dak Lak Rubber Joint Stock Company (Dakruco) to host a training program at the Phu Xuan and 19/8 plantations, focusing on sustainable rubber production. The program introduced workers and local communities to the European Union's EUDR regulations and the FSC standards, emphasizing the importance of sustainable practices.

During the training, participants explored the economic, environmental, and social aspects of rubber production, with a strong focus on conserving biodiversity within plantations. The discussions also highlighted the need for community involvement in promoting sustainable methods and addressed the challenges of balancing rubber production with ecosystem preservation.

As a result of the program, participants gained a deeper understanding of sustainable rubber development, and local communities expressed their commitment to supporting these practices. The collaboration between PanNature and Đắkruco was further strengthened through this shared effort.

Moving forward, PanNature and Đắkruco will continue working together to implement sustainable rubber production practices that meet international standards, ensuring both environmental health and community well-being.

From September 25-27, 2024, PanNature, in collaboration with local authorities, conducted agroforestry training in Kon Pne Commune, Kbang District, Gia Lai Province, which is part of the Kon Hà Nừng Biosphere Reserve. This initiative, under the Green Livelihoods Alliance (GLA2) project, introduced sustainable farming techniques to six pilot households from Kon Ktonh and Kon Kring villages.

The program trained participants how to arrange crops, space trees, dig planting holes, and care for crops on sloped land—an area where the community faces challenges like erosion, landslides, and soil degradation. The agroforestry model aims to diversify crops while promoting a healthier ecosystem.

One participant, Mr. A Kah from Kon Kring village, shared, "After the training, I learned the right techniques for farming and taking are of trees to ensure better growth."

Looking ahead, PanNature hopes to expand this model to other areas, with ongoing technical support and community involvement being key to long-term success.

As autumn unfolds, the results of our "ReGreening Forest 2024" initiative are beginning to show. In late September, PanNature, together with the Háng Kia - Pà Cò Nature Reserve staff and local forest owners, assessed the survival rates from our June planting event.

In Vân Hồ, survival rates were promising: Michelia tonkinensisi at 86%, Chukrasia tabularis at 91%, and Cinnamomum cassia (Cinnamon) at 65%. Docynia indica also showed 65%, affected by unfavourable conditions in the planting site. We’re committed to refining our methods for future plantings.

At Hang Kia - Pa Co Nature Reserve, results were even more impressive, with Parashorea chinensis at 94.5%, Cinnamomum bejolghota  at 93.2%, and Cinnamomum cassia at 86.7%. Other species also exceeded 80% survival, thanks to favorable soil and well-timed rainfall.

These results are more than numbers, they symbolize hope for the future of Northwest Vietnam’s forests. Each thriving tree brings us closer to a restored and resilient ecosystem.

With support from the Green Livelihoods Alliance, PanNature facilitated the participation of Vietnamese youth in the third Regional Youth Camp organized by the Youth Engagement and Empowerment Hive in Asia (YEEHA). Held in Central Sulawesi, Indonesia, from July 17 to 23, 2024, the camp brought together over 50 young leaders from Southeast Asia, including many from Indigenous communities, to engage in forest and climate action.

Robert Tòng (Tráng A Tòng), a youth representative from Vân Hồ, Sơn La, attended the camp and shared, "I'm grateful to be part of this event and hope to apply what we've learned to help our community." His experience highlights the importance of engaging youth in environmental leadership.

Supporting youth is essential for building sustainable solutions to environmental challenges. As Vietnam faces growing pressures on its forests and climate, empowering young leaders like Robert ensures a more resilient and informed future.

PanNature remains committed to facilitating youth participation in such initiatives, fostering their engagement in environmental conservation efforts.

Want to see more? Watch the camp video: YEEHA Camp Video

In early August, Typhoon Yagi unleashed devastating rains and flooding across Northern Vietnam, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The storm caused severe damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and claimed hundreds of lives.

The toll was heavy: 323 people tragically lost their lives and more than 1,300 homes were destroyed, with tens of thousands more damaged. Agriculture took a significant hit, with nearly 5,000 hectares of rice fields submerged and 39,000 hectares of other crops impacted. The economic damage is staggering, with estimates now exceeding 81,700 billion VND.

PanNature is deeply concerned by the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events like Typhoon Yagi, which may be linked to climate change. In response, we are actively assessing the situation to determine how best to support the affected communities. Our focus is on promoting sustainable recovery practices that not only help in the immediate aftermath but also build resilience to future disasters.

Related Article - Read here

Earth's hidden treasures, like lush forests, wetlands, and vibrant coral reefs, are more than just beautiful—they’re vital to our planet’s health. These natural wonders help combat climate change and sustain ecosystems, but many are under threat from human activities and climate change. The good news is that efforts are underway, including in Vietnam, to protect these incredible places. By preserving these "paradises on Earth," we’re not only safeguarding their beauty but also ensuring a healthier future for our planet.

Curious to learn more? Check out this article: Earth's Paradises

In 2023, Vietnam generated $51.5 million by selling forest carbon credits, benefiting both the environment and local communities. These credits, created when trees absorb carbon dioxide, help mitigate climate change and are sold to parties reducing their carbon footprint. The revenue supports forest owners, local communities, and forest protection projects, benefiting over 70,000 people in six provinces. This initiative creates jobs, incentivizes forest conservation, and aids Vietnam’s climate efforts, though challenges like regulation and forest health monitoring remain.

Read more

On September 25, 2024, the Department of E-commerce and Digital Economy (Ministry of Industry and Trade) issued Official Dispatch No. 1341/TMĐT-QL, instructing e-commerce and social networking platforms to inspect their content and remove products related to wild animals and hunting equipment. This move aims to protect rare species and curb illegal wildlife trade online.

In August 2023, PanNature proposed measures to enhance wildlife protection in online spaces, urging platforms to address issues like earthworm exploitation and remove harmful product listings, including electric fishing gears and animal traps.

Why It Matters: Illegal hunting and trade threaten wildlife with extinction, and rare species are vital for maintaining ecosystem balance. Online platforms play a key role in either facilitating or preventing wildlife trafficking.

For more information, please visit: Here