Vietnam connects technology with forest conservation practices

More than 400 domestic and foreign experts attended the ACT Con 2025 Conference, aiming to connect technology developers with field conservation forces.

The event was organized by the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection ( Ministry of Agriculture and Environment ) in coordination with SMART Partnership, EarthRanger (Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, USA), and Save Vietnam Wildlife (SVW). This is the largest conservation technology forum ever held in Vietnam, where data, devices and people are connected in the same ecosystem.

Delegates attending the opening session of ACT Con 2025 on the morning of November 4. Photo: Department of Foreign Affairs.

Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Quang Bao, Director of the Department of Forestry and Forest Protection, said that the Government considers digital transformation a key direction to modernize the forestry sector and improve conservation efficiency.

“Hosting ACT Con 2025 in Vietnam is a testament to the commitment to promoting the application of technology in forest management and biodiversity conservation practices,” he said, adding that this is an opportunity for Vietnam and international partners to share experiences and spread innovative initiatives.

At the conference, experts introduced many technological solutions being applied in conservation, from SMART data recording software, EarthRanger visualization system, to acoustic sensors, camera traps, drones, and real-time data dashboards.

These platforms enable wildlife activity monitoring, early detection of illegal encroachment, forest fire risk management and support faster decision-making by rangers in the field.

Cleo Graf, CEO of SMART Partnership, said that conservation technology is only truly effective when it reaches the end users. “The conference connects developers and users of conservation technology, making learning practical and replicable,” she said.

However, the reality in Vietnam shows that the application of technology in forest management is still limited. Monitoring data in many protected areas is not standardized. Modern equipment lacks maintenance. Many rangers have not received in-depth training in operating digital systems.

According to experts, the biggest challenge lies not only in technological infrastructure but also in coordination between management agencies, developers and field forces.

Jes Lefcourt, Director of EarthRanger, acknowledged that the gap between technologists and field workers remains a global problem. “This conference allows us to hear directly from those who are applying technology in the field, thereby perfecting the product to better suit real-world needs,” he shared.

As a co-organizer, Save Vietnam's Wildlife (SVW) aims for a long-term goal of building a conservation technology cooperation network in Southeast Asia, in which Vietnam can play a central role thanks to its experience in forest management, rescue and habitat restoration.

The Applied Technology in Forest Management and Nature Conservation Conference (ACT Con) is an annual international event that promotes experience sharing and technological innovation in the field of conservation. Over the years, ACT Con has become a forum connecting technology developers, conservation organizations and rangers in more than 40 countries.

From November 4-6, Vietnam will host ACT Con 2025, marking a new step forward in the digital transformation of the forestry sector. Main activities include: hands-on training with SMART and EarthRanger; demonstration of monitoring equipment, UAVs, acoustic sensors; discussion on data for decision-making and a forum for the voices of forest rangers and the conservation community.

Source: https://nongnghiepmoitruong.vn/viet-nam-ket-noi-cong-nghe-voi-thuc-tien-bao-ton-rung-d782326.html