During a field trip to central Viet Nam, a delegation from Agriculture and Environment Magazine conducted an on-site survey of Ruc Mon cave, one of the few karst caves in the Truong Son range that has retained its near-pristine condition. The visit provided hands-on experience and insight into the potential for eco-tourism development linked with conservation and sustainable livelihoods.
Inside the cave, the scene transforms dramatically. Extending nearly 3 km with ceilings over 50 meters high, Ruc Mon Cave resembles a vast geological labyrinth. Its system is clearly divided into dry and wet sections—the latter featuring an underground river with crystal-clear water, reaching depths of up to 30 meters in some areas. Unique stalactites and stalagmites form shapes reminiscent of “Phuc–Loc–Tho” figures, inverted lotus blossoms, shimmering “fairy hair,” and other natural sculptures, creating an enchanting space where each step feels like entering a living natural museum.
Delegation members noted that Ruc Mon Cave has significant potential for sustainable tourism, particularly given its proximity to the world-famous Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. However, any development must be carefully managed, prioritizing conservation while ensuring stable livelihoods for the local ethnic minority community.
The expedition concluded, but the impression of this “rough gem” in the heart of the Truong Son Mountains remains vivid. With its unique geological, scenic, and cultural value, Ruc Mon Cave is not only a destination for adventure seekers but also a testament to the principle that tourism development should go hand-in-hand with nature conservation and the preservation of local cultural identity.
On the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27), Vietnam’s national day of remembrance for wounded veterans and fallen soldiers, the Agriculture and Environment Magazine joined hands with the International Women Entrepreneurs Development Research Institute (IWEDI) to honor families of wounded and fallen servicemen through a community outreach event held in Lao Cai province.
On July 26, 2025, the Agriculture and Environment Magazine, in collaboration with the International Women Entrepreneurs Development Institute (IWEDI), organized the “Green pagoda” tree planting program at Truc Lam Thien Phu Pagoda, Trung Tam ward, Lao Cai province. A total of 333 new trees were planted as part of the initiative.
On 15-16 July 2025 in Hanoi, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment of Viet Nam, in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), convened the High-Level Inter-regional Knowledge Exchange on One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) Models. The event brought together agriculture ministers and senior officials from 17 African and Asian countries. As host and model-sharing country, Viet Nam presented its “One Commune One Product” (OCOP) program as a successful example of community-driven rural development, innovation, and product branding — inspiring interregional cooperation in agrifood systems transformation.
On July 3 in Hanoi, the Agriculture and Environment Magazine, led by Editor-in-Chief Dr. Dao Xuan Hung, paid an official visit to the Institute for Women Entrepreneurs Development International (IWEDI) for a working session aimed at formalizing a strategic partnership.
On June 7, 2025, the Agriculture and Environment Magazine (under the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment) launched a program in Hai Ninh commune, Quang Ninh district, Quang Binh province to build a charity house for a disadvantaged family and to donate water tanks to local fishermen who make their living from offshore fishing.
