Promoting Sustainable Rubber: PanNature and Dakruco collaborate on HCV Assessment

From May 19–23, 2025, People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature), in collaboration with Dak Lak Rubber Single-member Private Limited Liability Company (Dakruco), conducted a field survey to assess the presence of High Conservation Values (HCV) in Cu Kpo and Cu M’gar plantations – two areas under consideration for upcoming FSC certification expansion.

This activity is a part of a broader cooperation between PanNature and Dakruco under the GLA2 project, aiming to develop a sustainable rubber production model that integrates nature conservation, community development, and compliance with international standards such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR).

Over five working days in Dak Lak, PanNature’s expert team worked closely with Dakruco staff to conduct community consultations and field investigations across four plantations: Cu Kpo, Cu M’gar, 19/8, and Phu Xuan. The assessment focused on six HCV categories: biodiversity, landscape-level ecosystems, rare ecosystems, critical environmental services, community livelihoods, and cultural-spiritual values associated with forests.

In parallel with the field survey, PanNature held several meetings and group discussions with local authorities, forest rangers, and representatives of nearby villages to gain deeper insights into community–forest relationships, shifts in livelihoods, resource use practices, and perceptions of sustainable development.

Based on the findings, PanNature will prepare a technical report to support Dakruco in adjusting its management practices to ensure that rubber harvesting does not compromise the ecological and cultural values of the area. This aligns with Principle 9 of the FSC certification framework, which emphasizes the protection of High Conservation Values.

A highlight of this field mission was PanNature’s collaboration with Vietnam Television (VTV2) to produce a documentary showcasing Dakruco’s ongoing transition toward “green and sustainable” operations. The documentary aims to portray Dakruco as a pioneering enterprise in the rubber industry, actively reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to forest protection and emissions reduction in the agriculture–forestry sector. It also serves to communicate a broader message on the importance of linking production with social responsibility and natural resource conservation.

In addition to the documentary, VTV2 co-organized a televised roundtable discussion at the 19/8 plantation, featuring Mr. Nguyen Viet Tuong – Chairman of Dakruco’s Board of Directors – and Mr. Nguyen Duc To Luu – Senior Expert from PanNature. The discussion focused on green transition trends in agriculture and forestry, particularly the need to lower the carbon footprint in rubber supply chains to meet emerging requirements such as the EUDR. Both business and technical perspectives were shared, offering a comprehensive view of the vision, challenges, and practical solutions for sustainable development in Vietnam.

Photos from the field trip: