Against the backdrop of increasingly complex climate change and the pressing need for nature conservation, Vietnam’s forestry sector faces formidable challenges. Effectively managing vast forestlands, monitoring forest health, and swiftly responding to threats such as illegal logging, forest fires, and pest outbreaks are complex undertakings.

To overcome these hurdles, the adoption of technology in forest management has become an undeniable necessity. In this context, SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool) emerges as a pioneering technological solution, injecting fresh momentum into forest management and conservation efforts across Vietnam.

The Center for Technology and Nature Conservation (CTNC) is a leading unit in applying technology in the field of Conservation and Forestry. CTNC staff have participated in SMART training for many units, including: domestic and international non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, National Park Management Boards, Nature Reserves, and forest owners who are businesses, cooperatives, community patrol teams, etc.

SMART – the “key” for forest managers in the digital era

SMART is a modern information system specifically designed to support forest management and protection. This tool allows users to collect, store, analyze, and share data about forests efficiently. Through the use of SMART, forest managers can easily monitor forest conditions and detect early problems such as illegal logging, forest fires, and pest outbreaks, thereby making timely and accurate management decisions.

Recognizing the importance of SMART, the Center for Technology and Nature Conservation (CTNC)—a reputable non-governmental organization in Vietnam—organized a training course on the SMART technology solution for staff of FOBIC Agro-Forestry Co., Ltd. in Tân Uyên District, Lai Châu Province. The training took place from February 16 to February 22, 2025, led by a professional team of experts. It was conducted with the aim of equipping FOBIC’s entire team with the key knowledge and skills to:

1. Proficiently use the SMART system in daily forest management
2. Improve the effectiveness of monitoring and protecting the allocated forest area
3. Contribute to biodiversity conservation and sustainable forestry development in Vietnam

Figure: Expert Phung Ngoc Khanh (Director-CTNC) providing technical guidance on SMART

Figure: Expert Hoàng Văn Minh (Head of Conservation at CTNC) providing technical guidance on SMART

Practice and real-world application

Over the course of seven days, the SMART training provided participants with the knowledge, skills, and techniques necessary to become proficient in the features of SMART, including SMART Mobile, SMART Connect, and SMART Desktop. Trainees also learned how to collect field data, input it into the system, analyze the data, and generate automated reports. Thanks to this training, FOBIC can apply SMART in a variety of forest management activities, delivering practical benefits.

Specifically, SMART helps to monitor and effectively manage 2,700 hectares of large timber plantations, track tree growth, and detect early issues such as pest infestations or illegal logging. In addition, implementing SMART enables FOBIC to monitor and manage valuable medicinal plant species in their forest area, thereby contributing to biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of medicinal resources. Furthermore, this tool helps optimize data management and personnel processes, automate reports, reduce errors, and save time and costs.

Figure: FOBIC trainees with two CTNC experts (Mr. Hoang Van Minh in the brown jacket, second from the left, and Specialist Nguyen Thi Thu Ha in the pink and white shirt, sixth in the photo)

Mr. P.V. Nguyễn, a officer in FOBIC, shared: “Previously, monitoring the condition of large forested areas was very arduous and time-consuming. After the SMART training course, I believe our work will become much more efficient and easier.”

The SMART training course in Lai Châu not only enhanced the expertise of FOBIC’s staff but also opened up opportunities for the practical application of modern technology in forest management in Vietnam. This marks an important step forward, contributing to nature conservation and sustainable development, moving towards a greener future for the country.

The success of the SMART training course at FOBIC does not end with the improved capacity of a single organization. It is clear evidence that Vietnam’s forestry sector is experiencing a strong transformation—ready to embrace and master modern technology. With advanced tools like SMART, we have every reason to believe in a future where Vietnam’s forests are managed more intelligently, efficiently, and sustainably than ever before. A green future is wide open, awaiting the cooperation and contributions of us all.

Figure: Trainees practicing using SMART Mobile to collect field data on-site