Vietnam - The Netherlands Program planting forests in Dong Nai on a sustainable journey

On July 30, 2023, on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of establishment with the theme "Journey of Sustainability", Vietnam - the Netherlands Program (VNP) in collaboration with Gaia Nature Conservation Site planted 500 trees in Dong Nai Culture and Nature Reservation Site. The program had the participation of nearly 60 students, former students, lecturers and managers of VNP.

Vietnam - the Netherlands Program is a Master's & Doctoral program in cooperation with the University of Economics in Ho Chi Minh City (UEH) and Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands (Top 2% in the world) with the mission of training high-quality human resources in the field of financial economics towards building a sustainable future, besides specialized knowledge in Economics, Finance and analytical tools, VNP's curriculum focuses on integrating knowledge of Environmental Economics, Sustainable development, Circular economy, etc. in subject content. During the past 30 years, this educational motto has been maintained and constantly developed by the VNP team, contributing to the training of generations of talented masters of economics.

In the brilliant weather at the end of July, more than 50 VNP students and lecturers participated in the Dong Nai afforestation program. With a positive and energetic spirit, the VNP team quickly planted 500 indigenous trees, creating the VNP forest with dedication and pride. Cultivated species include Bang Lang, Rosemary, Chieu Lieu, Go honey, Huong, Trac Den, Lim Xet.

In the future, VNP forest will contribute to protecting water security, biodiversity and responding to climate change. Dong Nai forest is a watershed forest that regulates water sources for Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces. Besides, this is home to one of the last wild elephant herds in Vietnam and many rare animals listed as Gaur, Hong Hoang, etc. To ensure the survival rate of the forest reaches 70 -80%, Gaia will conduct care, monitoring and reporting within 4 years.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Trong Hoai, representative of Vietnam - the Netherlands Program - shared: “As the adage says, for 10 years of planting trees, for 100 years of cultivating people, VNP is proud to have completed a quarter of the journey of growing people and contributing to the training of human resources in the economic field, helping Vietnam's economy to be somewhat stronger. Hopefully, the forest VNP planted today will grow green and bring many positive values to the community.”

Ms. Do Thi Thanh Huyen - Founder & Director of Gaia Nature Conservation Site - stated: “It is very special that Gaia is accompanied by VNP in implementing the afforestation program on the occasion of its 30th anniversary. Upon talking with VNP students and lecturers and sharing about the positive changes in the direction of sustainability and creativity of the Vietnamese economy, I feel even more optimistic. At Gaia, we cooperate with many businesses and organizations to implement many CSR and ESG activities listed as afforestation, garbage removal, workshops, seminars to contribute to creating the "green" wave of businesses. "

In the afternoon, the whole group experienced "forest bathing", a restorative therapy called "Shinrin-yoku" by the Japanese. With the guidance of Ms. Huyen Do, the whole group practiced connecting with the forest with all five senses by listening to the rustling sound of the forest, smelling the cool grass and trees, and feeling the rugged solidity of the long-standing tree trunks. A wonderful experience of immersing in nature helps the whole group relax their minds, increase positive energy and love life. Along with forest bathing, the group explored the tropical dry forest and learned about the typical flora and fauna here.

The journey to afforestation in Dong Nai is a special occasion to connect many generations of students once again with the sustainable values that VNP has built over the past 30 years. After the trip, the whole group felt like being recharged with improved health and happier feeling upon connecting with each other, contributing to the beautiful nature of Vietnam.

Additional photos regarding the show: