In late July 2021, the Centre for Rural Development in Central Vietnam (CRD) organized a training course on “Application of information technology (WebGIS) in community forest protection and patrols” in Thuong Lo commune, Nam Dong district, Thua Thien Hue province.

Practice the use of tablets in community forest patrols

The training course was conducted to equip knowledge about information technology for communities/household groups to improve the effectiveness of forest management and protection.

There were 17 participants in the training including leaders and members of patrol groups from 12 household groups participating in forest management and protection of Thuong Lo commune.

During the course, participants learnt to install webGIS on smart phones and tablets, save data during patrol and make report after each patrol. Learners had chance to practice these steps on tablets and smartphones in the community forest.

Representative of household groups participating in forest management and protection receive tablets for forest patrols

At the end of the training course, 100% of participants were supposed to master the steps and can use webGIS on tablets or smartphones effectively. However, they also wish to receive support in using webGiS at the beginning.

Also in the training course, 7 tablets were delivered to 12 household groups participating in forest management and protection and their accounts on the website of Thua Thien Hue Fund for Forest Development and Protection were registered. These household groups will continue to use webGIS in forest patrols under support of CRD staff.

The activity is within the framework of the project ““Strengthening CSOs and CBOs to Accelerate Conservation Efforts in the Central Annamites” funded by Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (Sida). The project is coordinated by the World Wide Fund For Nature Vietnam and co-implemented by the Center for Rural Development in Central Vietnam and Thua Thien Hue Forest Owners Sustainable Development Association).

Other photos in the training course

Learning theories

Introduction to webGIS on tablets

Groups practice using webGIS

Learners present webGIS operation steps after training

Phan Văn Hùng

Center for Rural Development in Central Vietnam