The workshop was organized by the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) in collaboration with the Center for People and Nature (PanNature). The workshop brought together more than 150 delegates from central ministries and agencies, experts, scientists, social organizations, and representatives of local governments from many northern mountainous provinces. The event aimed to create an interdisciplinary dialogue forum, assess the current situation, and discuss nature-based solutions to restore ecosystems, enhance disaster resilience, and improve community livelihoods.

At the first report session of the Sustainable Livelihoods and Local Community Participation meeting, journalist Phùng Quang Chính, Vice President of the Vietnam Heritage Tree Council, on behalf of the VACNE, presented the report 'The Role of the Community in Biodiversity Conservation: Lessons from the Heritage Tree Conservation Model'.

The report received special attention from the attending delegates, with three lessons drawn from 15 years of practical implementation as follows:

1. The development model became a movement because it was timely and in line with public opinion.

2. A successful model thanks to the power of the community
3. Success thanks to the support of social activists and media encouragement

From 15 years of practical implementation, the Vietnam Heritage Tree model has affirmed that nature conservation is truly sustainable only when communities are empowered, engaged, and benefit from it. This is a valuable lesson that contributes to realizing the objectives of the National Strategy on Biodiversity and the Global Biodiversity Framework in the new phase.