Viet Nam connects technology with forest conservation

The event was organized by the Viet Nam Forestry Administration, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in partnership with SMART Partnership, EarthRanger (Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, USA), and Save Viet Nam’s Wildlife. This was the largest conservation technology forum ever held in Viet Nam, bringing together data, devices, and people in a single ecosystem.

Within the technology exhibition space, interactive displays allowed visitors to experience wildlife monitoring devices, forest fire simulation models, and the national forest management digital map. Additionally, participants could observe live demonstrations of satellite data integration and real-time environmental alerts, illustrating how multi-source information facilitates faster and more accurate decision-making in the field. This was the first time in Viet Nam that multiple advanced solutions were presented in an integrated way, reflecting the strong trend of digital transformation in nature conservation.

Associate Professor Dr Tran Quang Bao, Director General of the Viet Nam Forestry Administration, stated that the Government considers digital transformation a key direction for modernizing the forestry sector and enhancing conservation effectiveness.

He emphasized that Viet Nam aims to have all special-use and protection forests managed through digital platforms using automated monitoring tools by 2030. Data from sensors, satellite imagery, and GPS systems will be integrated into the national command center to provide early warnings of forest fires, illegal logging, and ecological anomalies.

“Hosting ACT Con 2025 in Viet Nam demonstrates our commitment to promoting technology applications in forest management and biodiversity conservation,” he said, adding that this is an opportunity for Viet Nam and its international partners to share experiences and spread innovative ideas.

At the conference, experts introduced a range of technological solutions currently applied in conservation, from the SMART data recording software and EarthRanger visualization system to acoustic sensors, camera traps, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and real-time data dashboards. Delegates also discussed the potential of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predicting poaching activities, mapping animal migration routes, and assessing ecosystem health, signaling a new era of data-driven conservation in Viet Nam. These platforms enable the monitoring of wildlife activity, early detection of illegal intrusions, management of fire risks, and facilitate faster decision-making by rangers in the field.

Cleo Graf, Executive Director for the SMART Partnership, said that conservation technology only becomes truly effective when it reaches the end users. “The conference connects technology developers with those who use it in the field, making learning more practical and scalable,” she noted.

However, the application of technology in Viet Nam’s forest management remains limited. Monitoring data in many protected areas are not yet standardized. Modern equipment often lacks proper maintenance, and many forest rangers have not received thorough training in operating digital systems.

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

Jes Lefcourt, Director of EarthRanger, acknowledged that the gap between technologists and field workers remains a global issue. “This conference allows us to hear directly from those applying technology on the ground, helping us improve our products to better meet practical needs,” he said.

He affirmed that EarthRanger will continue to support Viet Nam in integrating data from various sources to build a unified national monitoring system, thereby enhancing forest management and nature conservation capacity.

As a co-organizer, Save Viet Nam’s Wildlife outlined a long-term goal of establishing a regional conservation technology cooperation network across Southeast Asia, positioning Viet Nam as a central hub thanks to its experience in forest management, wildlife rescue, and habitat restoration.

Nguyen Van Thai, Director of Save Viet Nam’s Wildlife, said the organization is working with partners to develop a shared data center for protected areas, enabling faster information exchange and real-time decision-making support. This will be the foundation for creating Viet Nam’s “digital biodiversity map.”

The Applied Conservation Technology Conference (ACT Con) is an annual international event that promotes experience sharing and innovation in conservation technology. Over the years, ACT Con has become a platform connecting technologists, conservation organizations, and forest rangers from more than 40 countries.

From November 4 to 6, Vietnam will host ACT Con 2025, marking a new milestone in the digital transformation of the forestry sector. Main activities include practical training with SMART and EarthRanger, demonstrations of monitoring devices, UAVs, and acoustic sensors, discussions on data-driven decision-making, and forums featuring the voices of rangers and conservation communities.