In 2025, thanks to the collective efforts of 14 businesses,…
Cummins DKSH Vietnam accompanies local communities in sustainable livelihood development
On May 10, 2025, People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature), in collaboration with Cummins DKSH Vietnam, organized a mushroom harvesting activity with women’s groups in Xuan Nha Commune, Van Ho District, Son La Province. The event formed part of the “Regreening Forests” programme, which aims to restore forests while improving sustainable livelihoods for forest-dependent communities.
Earlier this year, PanNature conducted a technical training on composting and straw mushroom cultivation for 16 women in the commune. By utilizing approximately 1.4 tons of rice straw available in their households, the women established small mushroom-growing models either in their yards or on unused swidden fields. After over two months of cultivation, the models began yielding stable harvests, averaging 1 kg per day, which were sold locally at around VND 150,000 per kilogram. Each cultivation cycle produced 15–20 kg, generating an income of VND 2.25 to 3 million. While modest, the earnings are significant for many women in mountainous areas.
The model is well-suited to local conditions, requiring minimal technical expertise, relying on agricultural by-products, and helping to reduce straw burning, thus contributing to environmental protection. More importantly, it enables women to generate additional income at home during off-season periods, enhancing both economic security and gender empowerment.
During the event, representatives from Cummins DKSH Vietnam visited the cultivation sites and participated directly in the harvesting process with local women. The activity fostered a vibrant and collaborative atmosphere, strengthening bonds between community members and private sector representatives sharing a mutual interest in sustainable development and nature conservation.
By taking part in this initiative, Cummins DKSH Vietnam reaffirmed its long-term commitment to supporting “Regreening Forests” and community-based initiatives in the mountainous regions of Northwest Vietnam. The company’s involvement, not only as a financial sponsor but also as an active participant, reflects a meaningful contribution to integrated livelihood and conservation efforts.
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Since 2022, the “Regreening Forests” programme has been initiated by PanNature with the goal of restoring 500 hectares of forest in the transitional area between Hoa Binh and Son La provinces. Alongside forest restoration efforts, the programme places strong emphasis on developing green and sustainable livelihood models for forest-dependent communities—aiming to foster local stewardship in forest protection. Livelihood initiatives such as mushroom cultivation, organic composting, native tree planting, and community-based ecotourism have been gradually introduced, are showing promising results. In the coming period, PanNature will continue to work closely with partners, businesses, and local communities to scale up appropriate models, enhance livelihoods, and contribute effectively to forest protection and biodiversity conservation in the ecologically valuable forest landscapes of Northwest Vietnam. |
Some photos of representatives from Cummins DKSH Vietnam in Xuan Nha Commune, Van Ho District, Son La Province, where they joined women from four villages—Thin, Tun, Chieng Nua, and Chieng Hin—in the mushroom harvesting activity:
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