Consultation Meeting on “Solutions for Applying Spatial Data in Agricultural and Forestry Management in the Central Highlands”

On the morning of November 4, at Tay Nguyen University, the Coffee Industry Innovation Cluster (CIC) organized a thematic consultation meeting titled “Solutions for Applying Spatial Data in Agricultural and Forestry Management in the Central Highlands.”

The Coffee Industry Innovation Cluster is an initiative under the Aus4Innovation Program funded by the Australian Government and co-implemented by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) and Tay Nguyen University. The program aims to promote innovation and sustainable development in Vietnam’s coffee sector, particularly through the application of advanced science and technology solutions.

Participants

The meeting was attended by:

• Jennifer Kelly – Head of Climate-Resilient Agriculture, CSIRO
• Michaela Cosijin – Senior Expert, CSIRO
• Nguyen Nguyen Minh – Senior Expert, CSIRO
• Vu Huong Mai – Partnership Manager, Aus4Innovation Program

along with more than 40 delegates representing:

• Departments of Agriculture & Environment
• Department of Science & Technology
• Dak Lak Provincial Forest Protection Agency
• Enterprises and GIS specialists from Can Tho University, Tay Nguyen University, and the Western Highlands Agriculture & Forestry Science Institute.
  

Opening Remarks

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Le Duc Niem, Vice President of Tay Nguyen University, emphasized:

“This consultation is an important opportunity for scientists, managers, and enterprises to exchange and share experiences toward effective spatial-data applications in sustainable agriculture and forest management in the Central Highlands. It also provides a basis for the University to continue improving and developing training and research programs aligned with practical needs of the region.”

Presentations and Discussions

During the meeting, delegates listened to and discussed several key topics, including:

• Applications of remote sensing technology in the Central Highlands
• Introduction to the Open Data Cube (ODC) system and its practical use cases in land management in the Mekong Delta and pilot applications in the Central Highlands
• Current status and needs for applying technology and spatial data in agricultural and forestry management in the region
• Orientation for applying spatial data in the digital transformation of the agriculture–forestry sector in the Central Highlands

Key presentations included:

• Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huong (Tay Nguyen University): Applications of remote sensing technology in the Central Highlands

• Truong Xuan Viet (Can Tho University): Introduction to the Open Data Cube (ODC) and practical land-management applications in the Mekong Delta and the Central Highlands

• Nguyen Hac Hien – Deputy Head of Crop Production & Plant Protection Sub-department: Application of technology and spatial data in agricultural management in Dak Lak

• Luong The Phuong, Forest Protection Division, Region IV Forest Protection Department: Current status and needs of spatial-data applications in agricultural and forestry management in the Central Highlands

• Nguyen Van Chinh, Chairman of DDC Holdings JSC: Digital-technology applications in agricultural and forestry management in the Central Highlands

In addition, delegates discussed practical needs and solutions for integrating Earth Observation (EO) and spatial data into local agricultural and forestry management. They also proposed research directions and collaboration opportunities to enhance the effectiveness of digital-technology applications in the sector.

Conclusion

The consultation meeting took place in an open and engaging atmosphere, strengthening connections between Tay Nguyen University and various domestic and international organizations, agencies, and experts. It marked an important step toward promoting sustainable agricultural and forestry development in the Central Highlands in the era of digital transformation.