Let’s watch the memorable and emotional footage of the recent Connecting Event.
Business with Biodiversity conservation and Environmental sustainability, Da Nang on 25th, June 2022.
One again, we would like to express our heartfelt thank-you to everyone for participation; and see you in the next events.
http://www.facebook.com/greenvietcenter/videos/722363342689504
To join hands for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection, please visit the link: https://vietnamconservation.org
On March 25th, in Da Nang, the GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre (GreenViet, Vietnam), in collaboration with the Gustav-Stresemann Institute (GSI, Germany), organized business and civil society organizations in a variety of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection activities.
The activities form part of the “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection. There were 86 participants at the event, including representatives of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam, international experts at FAU Erlangen-Nuremberg University (Germany), 18 representatives of the business sector, 39 representatives of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), 7 representatives of Danang authority, and 5 representatives of press agencies. The event achieved its goal of connecting businesses with CSOs toward biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental protection.
At the event, experts and guests shared and discussed corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG), in the context of biodiversity conservation and environmental protection. The event also offered businesses opportunities to to discuss ideas for implementing CSR practices and the value that these activities bring.
Conservation and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” project, which is led by GreenViet and supported by GSI, and co-funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Nguyen Dinh Phuc, Vice President of the Union of Science and Technology Associations of Da Nang city said: “Currently, many businesses are more interested in using their CSR fund to finance CSOs to implement environmental protection projects. However, there are still some difficulties in coordination between the two partners. This networking event helped businesses and CSOs find common values and long-term companionship in the present as well as in the future.”
At the event, delegates from the businesses and CSOs had the opportunity to hear from Mr. Jesús Lavĩna, Deputy Head of Cooperation at EUD on the goals of prioritizing and funding Vietnam’s CSOs (especially those in the Central and Central Highlands) for the period 2021-2027 towards the EU Green Deal. Through the event, the EUD affirmed their desire and orientation in promoting cooperation between businesses and CSOs in Vietnam and facilitated this cooperation. The presence and encouragement of EUD at the event created a positive effect and motivation for the business sector to continue accompanying other CSOs.
The Talk Show, “Joining hands for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability” took place in a lively atmosphere, with the participation of special speakers such as Mr. Jesús Lavĩna, Deputy Head of Cooperation (EUD); Ms. Luu Thi Thu Hang, Senior Director of Brand and Marketing at Dai-ichi Life Insurance company; Ms. Do Thi Bich Thuy, Director of Quang Binh Women’s Union; and Prof. Dr. Markus Beckmann, FAU University Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany).
The discussion shared and clarified the following issues: (1) Strategy and orientation of the enterprise in the cooperation relationship with CSOs. Barriers and ways to remove barriers in this cooperation (2) The cooperation between enterprises and social organizations in practicing CSR towards a sustainable environment is a “Triple Win” strategy – bringing value to both businesses, CSOs and the community (3) Authorities, communities, and donors (such as EUDs) are prioritizing and facilitating to promote and strengthening this partnership, opening a belief that this cooperation will develop in the future.
In order for the Conservation Fund project to be successful, the business sector’s contribution is indispensable. This is also an opportunity for the community to appreciate, recognize and thank businesses for their contributions to social organizations that have implemented projects on environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Da Nang city and the Central Highlands.
At the event, the signing ceremony formalizing the cooperation between GreenViet and the following businesses took place:
The event was a great success, closing with many emotions of the festival connecting biodiversity conservation and sustainable environment.
In the afternoon of the same day, businesses and CSOs were able to visit Sub-grantees in the city. Da Nang is being funded by the Conservation Fund.
On March 18th, 2023, GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre (GreenViet), in collaboration with the Youth Union of University of Technology and the Vietnam National University (University of Technology-VNU-HCM) co-founded a tree planting ceremony on the campus of the University of Technology (Di An Campus, Binh Duong). Funded by Sony Electronics, more than 150 people took part, including 100 students and more than 30 staff from Sony Electronics Co Ltd, GreenViet, and School Management Boards.
This is just one of the activities in response to the Youth Month Launch Ceremony of 2023, at the University of Technology – VNU-HCM. It coincides with the 92nd anniversary of the founding of Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union (March 26th, 1931 – March 26th, 2023).
Mr. Arai Satoru, Director of Operation of Sony Electronics Vietnam said: “Sony Electronics Vietnam has been implementing programs, events, and seminars in the fields of education, social welfare, and environment in recent years in order to contribute a part to the responsibility for society and towards sustainable development.
Social responsibility of enterprise is a very necessary and important contribution, so we are very pleased to cooperate with the University of Technology – VNU-HCM and GreenViet to plant trees with the aim of protecting the environment. Thus, tree planting activity is going to provide an opportunity to engage Sony members and contribute to more achievements in the endeavor of corporate social responsibility”.
On March 18th, 2023, the units coordinated to plant 200 trees in various locations, including: Cam Lai, Lat Hoa, Dau Rai, Sao Den, Giang Huong, Lim Xet, and Scorpion Water, as well as at the new parking lot near H1 Building and square area of University of Technology – VNU-HCM. A total of 500 urban trees were funded this time, under the program “One Million Trees in Cities”. The program is implemented by GreenViet and is funded through financial resources mobilized by the Conservation Fund Project for CSOs working in the fields of Biodiversity conservation and Environmental Sustainability.
The “One Million Trees in Cities” program, implemented by GreenViet, is a tree planting program that becomes more meaningful when there is a joint implementation of the communities of the businesses around the country. Environmental awareness becomes easy to implement and brings practical value to not only individuals and businesses but also society in general.
Following the successful “Business with Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Sustainability” event in June 2022, GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre (GreenViet) organized another completely free networking event in March 2023. In collaboration with GSI Institute (Germany), the event formed a part of the project’s “Conservation Fund”.
The Networking Event — “Businesses and Civil Society Organizations in Biodiversity Conservation and Environmental Protection” — aimed to connect people and offered businesses an opportunity to share their values and ideas when accompanying social organizations through CSR activities. Throughout the event, participants gained access to “idea banks” from social organizations.
At the same time, it was an opportunity for Social Organizations, who directly carry out biodiversity conservation and environmental protection activities, to approach and connect with some of the country’s large-scale businesses.
What’s interesting about the event?
Businesses and CSOs had the chance to visit small projects in Da Nang, that are being funded by the Conservation Fund. Some of the key topics discussed were:
There was also a Talk Show, “Joining hands for biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability”. In which, Jesús Lavina, Deputy Head of Cooperation (EUD), the representative of Dai-ichi company (business), and the representative of civil society organizations (CSOs) in the Central region discussed sustainability and biodiversity conservation.
Candid sharing by businesses, social organizations, experts and sponsors brings many interesting insights on the topic of sustainability and biodiversity conservation from those operating and accompanying projects in the field. What’s more, it offers multidimensional perspectives that individuals can take back to their own organizations From here, CSOs can develop appropriate plans and strategies for their own projects
In addition, the event offers project implementers time to reflect on the journey that the Conservation Fund Project has gone through, from its achievements and lessons learned.
The project, “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” (in short, the “Conservation Fund” project), is led by GreenViet (Vietnam), co-funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam, and supported by the Gustav-Stresemann-Institut (GSI, Germany). This project aims to establish the Vietnam Wildlife Conservation Fund to mobilize funding sources and increase the capacity of local CSOs focusing on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection initiatives in Central and Central Highland, Vietnam.
The aim of the “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” project is to establish and operate a sustainable fund called “the Vietnam Wildlife Conservation Fund”. The project has been implemented by the GreenViet Centre (Vietnam) and Gustav-Stresemann-Institut (GSI, Germany), and was co-funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam (EUD). During the procedure to establish the Fund, the GreenViet Centre used a temporary bank account to receive the funds from businesses and the community. Read about the Decision to set up the temporary bank account here
GreenViet officially announced the Conservation Fund’s on September 26th, 2022. The financial resources raised from the temporary Conservation Fund will be used to fund biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability activities in Vietnam. GreenViet will act as the bridge between the temporary Conservation Fund and the initiatives being funded. The fund will be used by social organizations involved in biodiversity conservation and sustainable environmental protection, especially in the Central and Western regions of Vietnam. The Conservation Fund will be used to provide financial security to these initiatives, as well as promote and ensure they are effective long term.
Details of the regulations are below:
REGULATION
Funding of temporary “conservation fund” account
According to the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam;
According to the decision on using the account to receive temporary funding for the “Conservation Fund” which belong to the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” , on November 30, 2021;
According to the actual situation in the process of working with sponsors and partners in the process of sponsoring and implementing activities.
The temporary “Conservation Fund” Account Management Board, the Director of GreenViet Centre promulgates the funding Regulations for the temporary “Conservation Fund” account as follows:
Article 1. Organizations, and individuals receiving funding from the temporary “Conservation Fund” account:
Article 2. Funding form of the Temporary “Conservation Fund” account:
– To sponsorship by cash when raise cash;
-To sponsorship in-kind when raise in- kind;
-All grants must be approved by the temporary “Conservation Fund” account holder, the temporary “Conservation Fund” account management Board, and the GreenViet Centre Director.
Article 3. Regulations on funding of the Temporary “Conservation Fund” Account:
– To sponsor for organizations and individuals eligible in article No.1 in accordance with the contract signed by GreenViet Center with the sponsor.
– In-kind grants are approved by the temporary “Conservation Fund” account management Board, the Director of GreenViet Centre.
-Organizations and individuals receiving grants have been shown in the contract between the sponsor and the temporary “Conservation Fund” account through the GreenViet Centre on behalf of the organization, or selected by the sponsor in order to do this that only needs to send the implementation plan to the temporary “Conservation Fund” account management board and the Director of GreenViet Centre for approval.
– Organizations and individuals receiving grant from the temporary “Conservation Fund” account that have not been shown in the sponsorship contract between the sponsor and the temporary “Conservation Fund” account through the representative GreenViet Centre signing, when sponsoring and receiving funding that it is necessary to comply with the following provisions:
+ If a grant does not exceed VND 50 million, the call for grant will not be announced on the project’s communication channels, and GreenViet Centre. Therefore, the temporary “Conservation Fund” account management board, Director of GreenViet Centre appoint to implement;
+If a grant is over VND 50 million to VND 100 million, the grant will be announced on the project’s communication channels, and GreenViet Centre.Therefore, the temporary “Conservation Fund” account Management Board, Director of GreenViet Center decided to choose;
+ If a gant is over 100 million VND to less than 500 million VND, the grant will be announced on the project’s communication channels, and GreenViet Centre’s channels. Therefore, establishing a Board/Council to select 3 people. Beside, there are specific evaluation criteria for selection. The composition of the Board/Board shall be selected by the Management Board of the Temporary “Conservation Fund” Account, the Director of GreenViet Center;
+ If grants are 500 million or more, the grants will be announced on the project’s communication channels, and GreenViet Centre’s channels. Accordingly, a Board/Council to choose from 05-07 people is established. There are specific evaluation criteria for selection. The composition of the Board or Council shall be selected by the management board of the temporary “Conservation Fund” account, the Director of GreenViet Centre;
+If 06 grants shown in the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam ” will announce the grants on the project’s communication channels, and GreenViet Centre’s channels. Accordingly, to establish a Board or a Council to choose from 03-05 people. There are specific evaluation criteria for selection. The composition of the Board/Board is decided by the Management Board of the Temporary “Conservation Fund” Account, the Director of GreenViet Centre.
– In case, If there are some other regulations related to funding from the “Conservation Fund” account, which are temporarily not included in these Regulations, but shown in the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” shall comply with those regulations.
Article 4. Principles of revenue and expenditure of the temporary “Conservation fund” account:
-– To comply with the Decision on using the account to receive temporary funding for the “Conservation Fund” on November 30, 2021 which belongs to the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam”;
– To comply with the Contract signed with the sponsor;
– To comply with GreenViet’s financial management regulations and Vietnamese laws.
Article 5. Effect:
The Regulations take effect from the date of promulgation until replaced by another Regulation.
The conservation fund project management board, the temporary “Conservation Fund” account management board; the GreenViet Centre; and related parties are responsible for the implementation of this Regulation./.
The Management of the temporary Conservation Fund account
GreenViet Centre’s Director
The workshop introduced to the project was held on February 10th, 2023 with participation of representatives of the parties which signed a commitment to implement a project of Sa Sam native conservation model of women’s organisation in Hai Ninh commune, Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh province. This project is implemented by the Quang Binh Women Development Fund (QBWDF) in the period from January to September 2023 which aimed to contribute to the restoration of Sa Sam native tree, and protect the biodiversity and sustainable environment in Hai Ninh commune, Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh province.
Participating in the workshop were representatives of nearly 100 delegates who come from provincial and local agencies, such as the Department of Health, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Foreign Affairs, the Farmers’ Union, the Veterans’ Association, and the Youth Union. Provincial leaders, representatives of leaders of Quang Ninh District People’s Committees, representatives of leaders of Hai Ninh Commune People’s Committees, etc.
At the workshop, the representative of the Quang Binh Women Development FUND (QBWDF) signed a committee with relevant parties in order to implement a project about this building model. It included the Hai Ninh Commune People’s Committee which had a role in implementing activities; the An Nong Joint Stock Company which distributed and advertised the model’s products, and provided technical experts to support the project.
Accordingly, the project of Sa Sam native conservation model of women’s organisation funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam from the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” (in short, the “Conservation Fund” project) and Conservation Fund project is implemented by GreenViet (Vietnam), and Gustav-Stresemann-Institut (GSI, Germany).
More information about the project:
It is known that Sa Sam is both a precious medicinal herb in nature and a clean vegetable with high nutritional value. In addition, the scientific name of the Sa Sam tree is Lacunae Sarmentosa (sand ginseng or spinach) which is a native tree that grows naturally on sandy coastal areas of Quang Binh. According to statistics, there have been more than 1,485 articles as well as scientific research on the value of the Vietnamese Sa Sam tree. In particular, the tree has medicinal ingredients such as sapiens, polyphenols, and flavonoids which have anti-cancer abilities, strengthen the cardiovascular system, reduce complications from diabetes and diseases related to the respiratory tract.
QBWF is a local social organization which has many years of experience in activities. It included engaging communities, supporting women in economic development, addressing environmental issues and climate change adaptation as well as stabilizing the life of local people. According to a quick survey and assessment quickly of the demand of local women, the Foundation of this model was born with the desire to create opportunities for local people participating directly in activities to biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability. The project is going to seed collection at local which purposed to build a nursery on an area with 200m2, provide technical guidance and plant a pilot in a household over 800m2, combine with output market exploration, hold a workshop to share pilot results, learn from experience in order to expand the planting area to over 1,500m2 which multiplied it by 2,500m2 in the next crop. Finally, to combine the instruction on harvesting techniques and producing which created the model sustainability. The benefits of the project toward at least 1,000 people which accounted for 70% are women, 30% are men.
On November 27th, more than 500 runners participated in the GreenRace 2022, a running race that allowed runners to compete wherever they like and at any time. The GreenRace was part of a fundraising project to expand 30ha of forest for the Gray-shanked Douc Langur, plant 20,000 trees in cities, and to help 1,000 disadvantaged children experience the beauty of Son Tra’s nature in a sightseeing tour.
Before participating in the run, students and runners downloaded the UpRace application on their smartphones and registered to participate in the GreenRace event. Runners then recorded their performances for each run using a mobile device (phone, watch with GPS function). For every kilometer run, participants needed to contribute at least 1,000 VND in sponsorship to the fund.
At the opening ceremony, the students ran together for 2 km around Youth Park.
Ms Nguyen Thanh Hong Phat (student of Dong A University) and her friends registered to participate in this run. Hong Phat said: “I saw this event on Facebook and that I could contribute money to social activities, so I signed up to join. After this day, I will keep on running every day to get my ‘race’ to as many kilometers as possible.”
The run event ran from November to December 2022. Runners choose a running location for themselves, one that suits their individual circumstance. The only requirements were, a must complete a minimum of 12 days, with a total distance of at least 60 km.
The funds raised will be used for three primary purposes: firstly, to expand 30ha forest for a Gray-shanked Douc Langur population in Tam My Tay commune (Nui Thanh district, Quang Nam province); secondly, to plant 20,000 more trees in big cities, which will contribute to the “Million Trees in Cities (MTIC)” program; and to give 1,000 disadvantaged children a chance to experience an educational journey on the nature of Son Tra (Da Nang city).
The GreenRace Run program for students in Da Nang city in the school year 2022-2023 ws organized by the GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre (GreenViet) and coordinated by the Vietnamese Student Association in Da Nang city.
The GreenRace 2022 is a real-life running race based on the UpRace model, belonging to the UpRace project developed by VNG company, in the fundraising campaign “For a Green Vietnam”. This fundraising campaign is a part of the Conservation Fund project by GreenViet (Vietnam) – the lead, and Gustav-Stresemann-Institut (GSI, Germany) and co-funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam.
REGULATIONS of GREENRACE 2022 RUN FOR PLANET- RUN FOR HEALTH
Describe
The GreenRace was a mass-participation fun run, organized by GreenViet Biodiversity Conservation Centre. The goal was to raise funds for the Conservation Fund Project, specifically to “Establish a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam”.
The GreenRace was a free event open to everyone with access to the internet and the UpRace platform. Participants took part by running at any time and location of their choice, and recording their run on a mobile device. The aim was to collectively accumulate as many kilometers as possible.
DATES:
HOW TO REGISTER
Step 1: Download UpRace app on Play Store or Apple Store
Step 2: Open UpRace app or on website UpRace.org
Step 3: Sign up
3.1 Click Register and fill in the information
Password
Name
3.2. Click Continue
3.3. Update personal information, avatar and click Confirm
Step 1: Open UpRace application, select Events tab
Step 2: Find the GreenRace event and click “Join”
2.1: Enter the event, click Select group
2.2: Find group and press Select
HOW TO COMPETE BETWEEN TEAMS
HOW RUNNERS COMPETE
The runners record their own achievements during each of their runs by using mobile devices (phones, watches with GPS function…).
When the following conditions are ensured:
First of all, runners’ completion was recorded on UpRace accounts within 72 hours of the start of the race and no later than the last day of the event. Secondly, the map run must express clearly, no sign of big error due to the signal error of the mobile GPS. In addition, the runs entered by manual input, or shared by others, or credited to various accounts will not be recognized properly.
Besides, runs with overlapping times due to simultaneous measurement on multiple apps will only be recorded as a run; and in the following order of priority: Garmin -> Strava -> UpRace. Moreover, there is a minimum distance requirement of 1 km. The maximum distance is unlimited.
Definitely, runners are pressed to pause their racing while running for the purpose of rest and distribution of strength. It is obvious that there is an Average Moving Pace in 1 km of completion time with a maximum speed of 4:00 minutes per km and a minimum delay of 15:00 minutes per km. At last, there is an average travel speed of all ranges 1km (split) fast maximum 3:30 minutes/km.
4.To complete the race: A runner will be certified as completing the race when the following two conditions are met simultaneously:
1.1 Collective award
1.2 Individual award: The top five runners with the most total kilometers and at least 12 valid running days
2.1 Collective award: To apply to teams such as schools, in provinces/cities that have signed a cooperation agreement with GreenViet through the GreenRace Run.
2.2 Individual prize (5 prizes for 1 province/city): For runners who are the Top 1 of the 5 Teams with the most kilometers running in the province/city
All runners participating in the GreenRace run will receive a digital certificate of participation in the event (to be sent to the registered email address) when the following two conditions are met simultaneously:
+ Have at least 12 valid running days.
+ Have a total running distance of at least 60 km.
VII) Fundraising for the community
Rights of the Organizing Committee
Rights of the Green Race Organizing Committee: Firstly, they have the sole discretion to decide whether a team and runners are eligible to compete. They also have the right to stop individuals/teams competing and to cancel the results of Team(s) and/or runners in the event of detecting cheating or non-compliance with the rules. The Organizing Committee also has the right to arbitrate claims.
Additionally, the organizers have plans to prevent and detect fraud (if any), and call on runners to show the highest spirit of fair play and self-discipline. Finally, if any cheating is detected, runners will be disqualified from the competition and will not be recognized for the entire achievement.
The Green Race Organizing Committee
On August 25th-26th, 2022, GreenViet and GSI Institute to organize a training on project & Financial Management for Sub-Grantees from the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” – the Conservation Fund Project
The second funding package for social organizations is a component of the Conservation Fund project in providing sub-grants to CSOs who have the best initiatives in the field of biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability.The source of sub-grant is taken from the Conservation Fund project managed by GreenViet and co-funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam
Participants attended the training course were representatives of Da Nang Union of Science and Technology Associations; GreenViet centre; GSI Institute; Green Hero Youth Club;Fund for supportịng women development in Quang Binh province; Center for Rural Development in Central Vietnam (CRD); The Phuc Trach Community Communication Group; Center for children and development (CCD).
The purpose of the training program was not only helping Sub-grantees effectively manage and implement the project in both technical and financial terms, but also enhancing the capacity of the sub-grantees, social organizations and clubs and groups. Besides, participating in the training course gave Sub-grantees the opportunity to connect with the Conservation Fund Project, the GreenViet centre, and the GSI Institute. Thanks to that, they were able to get information about the Conservation Fund Project and link their small-project’s target to the target of the Conservation Fund Project. The training was also the chance for CSOs in connection with each other for a common purpose.
The training course was held for two days.
On the first day, the project management training included general guidelines as well as important hints in managing projects funded by the European Union (EU) including (1)implementation plan and project reporting judgment; Instructions for completing the project report form, principles of communication and image promotion in the project.
On the second day, the financial management training included regulations and forms related to project financial management in accordance with the provisions of the Law of Vietnam along with the regulations of the GreenViet and the European Union’s..
In this training course, the organizers also offered lessons learned in the first sponsorship package so that sub-grantees can gain basic knowledge and not make mistakes during the project implementation
The 5 Sub-grantees participating in this training course excellently passed the call for proposals as well as through a process of evaluating proposals from experienced experts by GreenViet, GSI in collaboration with Vietnam Business for Environment (VB4E).
Throughout the two days of training, the Sub-grantees actively participated in discussions and raised difficult issues about project implementation to be answered by experts. Besides, the Project Management Board had the chance to listen to the thoughts and aspirations of the Sub-grantees.
Ms. Vo Thi My Hong (Fund for supportịng women development in Quang Binh province:) shared: Immediately after the results of the proposal submission, the training course was organized in a timely manner so that the Sub-grantees could quickly access the process, how to implement small projects in accordance with the requirements of the Conservation Fund project (Project). Besides, the Sub-grantees also have the opportunity to learn more about the Project as well as connect and exchange with each other.
Training course on project management and financial management for Sub-grantees is an activity the project “Establishing a funding foundation for biodiversity protection and environmental sustainability in Danang City, Vietnam” (in short, the “Conservation Fund” project) – This project is conducted by GreenViet Centre (Vietnam) and Gustav-Stresemann-Institut (GSI, Germany) and co-funded by the Delegation of the European Union to Vietnam. It aims to establish the Vietnam Wildlife Conservation Fund to mobilize funding sources and increase the capacity of local CSOs focusing on biodiversity conservation and environmental protection initiatives in Central and Central Highland, Vietnam.
On July 19th 2022, the European Union Delegation to Vietnam (EUD) and the Conservation Fund Project Management Board (CFPMB) had a field trip to the Center for Community Research and Development (CCRD) in Hue city. CCRD is one of four organisations received financial support from the Conservation Fund project in the 1st funding package with the project “Strengthen partnership in promoting the development of ecological public space models in Hue City (including extended areas) in order to raise awareness and community engagement for biodiversity conservation and environmental protection”
In the morning of July 19, EUD and CFPMB had a short meeting with the CCRD management team to better understand the organisation, the projects and goals that CCRD is implementing as well as their aspirations in conducting environmental projects.
A Workshop was held in the afternoon, “How to operate, manage and maintain ecological public space at the Cultural House Hall of Huong Vinh Ward, Hue City” coordinated by CCRD and Organized by the Women’s Union.
Regarding the participants attending the workshop, there are: the EUD; GreenViet; Gustav-Stresemann Institut (GSI, Germany); Think Playgrounds Enterprise (TPG); Representatives Hue City Women’s Union; Representatives from 03 ecological public space models; 12 Representatives representing 12 “cultural green spots” and other guests.
The training session’s purpose is to facilitate participants better understand ecological public spaces as well as improve their capacity in the construction and management of public space models.
The content of workshop includes three main topics:
Mr. Cao Nguyen – Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee: Hopefully public space models will be deployed effectively to implement the city’s cultural green spots according to the proposed resolution. In addition, the models are going to receive further donations from sponsors.
Mr. Le Thanh (Representative of the EUD) said:: “As you may already know, the European Union (EU) is the leading international partner in Green Transition. In 2020, the EU adopted the EU Green Deal, which is a group of policy initiatives to turn the EU into the first climate-neutral continent in the world by 2050. With such spirit, the EU commits to help partner-governments in their green transition processes as well.
To complement this macro policy, the EU also has a number of specific strategies to materialize our Green objectives. Here, I would like to refer to the EU Biodiversity Strategy and the Farm to Fork Strategy. The first one aims to protect the environment and to restore the global ecosystems, while the second promotes a fair; safe; and environment-friendly food system.
One of the roles of EU Delegation around the world is to assist in the implementation of EU policies and strategies in agreement with partner countries, including Vietnam. Through ODA programs and projects, we have been helping non-State-actors, including social associations and community-based initiatives, so that they could contribute effectively to the implementation of government’s policies at grassroots level. At the same time, our programs and projects open the opportunities for people’s voices at different levels to be heard by relevant agencies.”
The training course was very lively with discussion by the delegates. Here, they also have the opportunity to present advantages and disadvantages during the implementation of the model. Therefore, the representative of the City Women’s Union shared: The model was born with the efforts of the whole community, but the facilities will be damaged and the question is how can the models always be beautiful over time. time. Moreover, the cooperation of sponsors is very necessary as a spiritual and material motivation for those who perform.
Mr. Phan Tu Hai- Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Huong Phong said: The model is still a place to entertain residents here. Currently, the most difficult thing is the operation of the model, which means that there has not been a consensus between the authorities and people on issues such as what to plant or what to raise. Besides, the problem of demand stimulation and reciprocity is limited. Huong Phong commune, which has a green spot of more than 1000m2, organizes cleaning once a month, asking for a replacement tree when the tree dies.
At the end of the training program, guests and delegates participated in planting trees around the cultural house of Huong Vinh ward.
Up to now, the Conservation Fund project has gone 2/3 of the way with many meaningful activities for the community. In addition to CCRD (Hue city), the EUD and the CFPMB also visited the C&E and DIM Club (Da Nang city). The trip has been considered as the close attention and survey of the actual situation from the EUD sponsor and the Project Management Board to the Sub-grantees receiving the fu