Attending the meeting were Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh, President of the Association; the Vice Presidents of the Association: Prof. Dr. Đặng Huy Huỳnh, Prof. Dr. Trần Hiếu Nhuệ, Prof. Dr. Đặng Kim Chi, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phùng Chí Sỹ, along with more than 30 delegates who are Standing Committee members, Executive Committee members and representatives of units from the southern region.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phung Chi Sy, Vice President of VACNE in charge of the southern region, stated the reason and introduced the delegates

Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh, President of VACNE, opened the meeting and discussed related issues in the southern region

Speaking at the meeting, Dr Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh emphasised that environmental protection work is currently extremely urgent and demanding; practical requirements are increasing, as reflected in the continuous revision and supplementation of environmental protection laws. This places greater responsibility on social-professional organisations such as VACNE in providing consultancy, criticism and raising public awareness.

Mr Đặng Văn Khoa, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City Nature and Environment Protection Association, reported notable achievements in recent times, particularly the implementation of the '1 Million Green Trees' programme. Although the area of Ho Chi Minh City is expanding and the workload is increasing, the Association remains determined to complete the tasks set out.

Mr Nguyen Van Liet, Chairman of the Dong Nai Provincial Nature and Environment Protection Association, stated that alongside consultation and social feedback activities, the Association will focus on promoting the Vietnam Heritage Trees Programme in the province, enhancing communication efforts and practical environmental protection activities in the coming period.

Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Dinh Tuan, a member of the VACNE Executive Committee with many contributions in the field of air pollution, shared the difficulties faced by senior scientists when personal conditions and facilities are limited after retirement, making it challenging to lead projects and research topics; they mainly participate in social feedback and teaching.

Associate Professor Dr Le Trinh, a long-standing member of the Association with numerous positive contributions, suggested that VACNE continue to integrate activities in the southern region to better leverage the internal resources and strengths of local experts.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Trần Thị Hồng, Vice President of Nguyễn Tất Thành University, hopes to participate more in the Association's activities, while affirming that the University is ready to provide maximum support for programmes on training, research and environmental communication.

Prof. Dr. Nguyễn Văn Phước, Standing Committee Member of VACNE, President of the Union of Science and Technology Associations of Ho Chi Minh City, affirmed that VACNE is a place gathering many leading experts in the field of environment; therefore, it is necessary to continue to promote the strengths of science and technology, strengthen consultancy, feedback and resource connection.

Dr. Nguyễn Thị Thanh Mỹ, former Deputy Director of the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, who has always accompanied the Association's activities, also agreed with the above opinion and stated that in the near future she will have the opportunity to dedicate more time to the Association's activities.

Representatives of local businesses, such as Mr Huỳnh Kim Châu, Director of Green Solutions and Environment Joint Stock Company; Mr Lâm Tuấn Qui, Chairman of the Board of Van Lang Industrial Waste Treatment and Environmental Consulting Company Ltd (VLC); Mr Lê Việt Nhân, Director of the Environmental Community Communication Centre… hope that in the future the Association will focus more on connecting partners for member businesses, while expressing their willingness to accompany and actively participate in joint activities.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year, the Vice Presidents of the Association: Prof. Dr. Sc. Dang Huy Huynh, Prof. Dr. Tran Hieu Nhue, Prof. Dr. Dang Kim Chi, have sent their best wishes to all members of the VACNE family in the Southern region.

Prof. Dr. Dang Huy Huynh, on behalf of the VACNE leadership, wishes a Happy New Year and good health to all members of the VACNE family, especially in the southern region

Assoc. Prof. Dr Phung Chi Sy, Vice President of VACNE in charge of the southern region, suggested that the Standing Committee members, Executive Committee members and local units strengthen connections and leverage existing strengths; media agencies need to maintain their stance and promote their role in environmental journalism. He also hopes that in the near future, experts and VACNE units in the southern region will implement many practical activities contributing to environmental protection and the sustainable development of the country.

Concluding the meeting, Dr. Nguyễn Ngọc Sinh suggested that members continue to promote the Association's tradition in compiling and publishing specialised books, participating in and organising international conferences, thereby enhancing the position and prestige of VACNE both domestically and internationally.

The meeting took place in a cheerful and warm atmosphere, reflecting a spirit of solidarity, responsibility, and determination to advance the activities of the Southern region Association in 2026 and the years to come.

The delegates take commemorative photos