Dear Partners and Supporters,

We are pleased to share highlights from PanNature's activities during the first quarter of 2026. This period marked several important milestones for the organization, including our 20th anniversary celebration and the launch of new initiatives in the Central Highlands. The quarter also saw continued progress in community-based conservation, forest restoration, and grassroots support programs across Vietnam. We remain grateful for your partnership and support as we work together to protect Vietnam's natural heritage.

PanNature organized a dialogue bringing together researchers, conservation experts, policymakers, and civil society representatives to reflect on long-term changes in Vietnam’s natural environment. The discussion explored how forests, biodiversity, and ecosystems have changed over time, while highlighting growing pressures from development, infrastructure expansion, resource exploitation, and climate change. Participants emphasized the need to better integrate conservation into development planning and to strengthen collaboration among communities, experts, and decision-makers to safeguard Vietnam’s natural heritage for the future.

PanNature convened local organizations, researchers, and conservation practitioners to showcase grassroots biodiversity protection efforts across Vietnam. Groups supported through the Grassroots Conservation Grant Program shared community-based initiatives ranging from species and habitat protection to sustainable livelihood models linked to conservation. The event highlighted the importance of supporting small, locally led efforts in biodiversity-rich areas where resources remain limited, while also strengthening connections and collaboration among grassroots practitioners.

PanNature marked its 20th anniversary with government representatives, partners, donors, and staff from across two decades of work. The celebration was a moment to reflect on the organization’s journey since 2006, recognize the contributions of those who have supported its growth, and reaffirm a long-term commitment to protecting Vietnam’s nature. Looking ahead, PanNature emphasized the importance of continued collaboration with communities and partners to build a more sustainable future for both people and nature.

PanNature is inviting businesses, organizations, and individuals to join the Forest Restoration Program 2026, which aims to restore degraded forest landscapes and strengthen biodiversity conservation in ecologically important areas. Building on experience from previous years, the program will focus on planting native species and supporting natural regeneration in priority sites across the Northwest and Central Highlands, including areas vulnerable to climate-related disasters. These landscapes are not only biodiversity hotspots but also vital to local livelihoods and cultural identity. Through this initiative, PanNature hopes to expand long-term partnerships for nature-based solutions that benefit both ecosystems and communities.

On January 24–25, 2026, PanNature and local partners hosted a community festival in Lung Xa – Ta De village, Vân Hồ, Sơn La, combining Lunar New Year celebrations with messages on forest and wildlife protection. Through cultural performances, traditional games, and community activities, the event highlighted the close links between local culture, livelihoods, and nature conservation. It also helped strengthen connections among communities, local authorities, and conservation partners working to protect forests in Vân Hồ.

In late 2025, PanNature launched the Grassroots Conservation Grant Program to support small, locally led organizations working on biodiversity conservation across Vietnam. The five-year initiative provides targeted financial and technical support for practical, community-based conservation solutions, recognizing that local groups often have the strongest knowledge of the ecosystems they protect. In its first year, the program received 34 proposals from across the country, reflecting growing interest and capacity for grassroots conservation in Vietnam.

Regular forest patrols in Van Ho, Son La, supported by PanNature in collaboration with local forest rangers and community protection teams, continue to strengthen biodiversity conservation in critical limestone forest habitat. These patrols help protect the critically endangered Northern White-cheeked Gibbon, one of Vietnam’s rarest primates. Recent monitoring brought encouraging news, with patrol teams observing a newborn gibbon in one local group - an important sign that the population is still reproducing and that conservation efforts in the area are making a difference.

On March 11, 2026, PanNature carried out field surveys and meetings in Ia Hiao Commune, Gia Lai, as part of early preparation for the GLAD Project. Working with local authorities, the team assessed potential planting sites and discussed initial plans for landscape tree planting and agroforestry development in 2026. The visit marked an important first step toward implementing activities that will help restore degraded landscapes, improve environmental quality, and strengthen community resilience in the years ahead.

On February 4, 2026, PanNature donated 500 trees to Van Ho Regional General Hospital in Sơn La to help create a greener and healthier community space. Funded through contributions from the Vietnamese public via the Thien Nguyen - a local crowdfunding platform, the trees were planted across the hospital grounds and surrounding areas to provide shade, improve air quality, and enhance the environment for patients, medical staff, and visitors. The activity reflects PanNature’s commitment to linking ecological restoration with community well-being.

PanNature has opened a new office in Gia Lai Province, marking an important step in expanding its long-term conservation work in the Central Highlands. The office will support implementation of the GLAD Project and serve as a hub for collaboration with local authorities, communities, and partners on sustainable landscape management, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based solutions. It reflects PanNature’s growing commitment to the region, where ecologically important landscapes face increasing development pressures.

PanNature welcomes several new team members across Hanoi, Van Ho, and Gia Lai offices, strengthening organizational capacity for conservation and sustainable development work.

At the Hanoi office, Ms. Vu Viet Anh joins as Communications and Policy Officer. She holds a double major in Marketing and Financial Management from La Trobe University and brings over two years of NGO experience coordinating communication initiatives. At PanNature, she edits and develops the organization's communication and policy publications.

At the Van Ho office, Mr. Lau A Thanh joins as Field Assistant. He holds a Business Administration degree from the National Economic and Technical College and served as Youth Union Secretary in Bo Nhang 2 village, Van Ho commune from 2019 to 2023. Before joining PanNature officially in February 2026, he spent three years supporting field activities and gaining practical experience in local conservation work.

At the Gia Lai office, PanNature welcomes three colleagues for the GLAD Project. Ms. Bui Thi Khanh Ly joins as Community Communications Officer with a Social Work degree from Vietnam National University – Ho Chi Minh City. Mr. Tran Viet Dong, GLAD Project Technical Officer, holds a Forestry master's degree from Hue University. Mrs. Nguyen Thi Nhan joins as Administrative and Logistics Officer, having graduated in Biotechnology from Ho Chi Minh City Open University and currently studying English at the same institution.

These new team members will strengthen PanNature's work in nature conservation, community engagement, and sustainable development across program areas.