On March 1st, in Krong Na commune, Buon Don district, the Training and Mobile Battalion organized the opening ceremony for the training of new soldiers. Attending the event was Colonel Dao Viet Hung - the commanding officer of the Dak Lak Provincial Border Guard.

Officers and soldiers participating in the training opening ceremony. Photo: Ngoc Lan

In 2024, the unit will continue to thoroughly implement combat training orders and combat training plans, as well as plans for training new soldiers; promoting self-discipline, creativity, raising the spirit of responsibility, positivity, and proactivity in training; continuing training with the motto "basic, practical, and solid", emphasizing comprehensive training; emphasizing responsibility, leading by example, enthusiasm in training, and thorough preparation of teaching materials, lectures, and suitable learning models for each training content and unit's conditions; effectively combining theory with practice, focusing on practical exercises; strengthening the building of disciplined regularities, establishing a bright, green, clean, beautiful cultural environment, as the basis for building a strong and comprehensive unit, effectively combining training tasks with readiness for combat missions, mastering the knowledge learned to apply effectively in the unit's work...

This year, the Training and Mobile Battalion will receive and train 190 new soldiers recruited from Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces. Over a period of 4.5 months, the new soldiers will learn about the heroic traditions of the Vietnamese People's Army in general and the Border Guard forces in particular; be trained in political, military, logistics - technical, border guard operations; become proficient in the use of various weapons and equipment... Also during the ceremony, the unit launched a high-level emulation campaign to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (May 7, 1954 - May 7, 2024) under the theme "Following in the footsteps of Dien Bien soldiers - Moving forward to win 3 victories".

Delegates visiting the training service model. Photo: Ngoc Lan

On this occasion, Border Guard stations under the Dak Lak Provincial Border Guard also organized the opening ceremony for the 2024 training.

From September 30th to October 1st, the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Dak Lak province, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Binh Thuan province, organized an artistic exchange program with the theme "Convergence of Forest and Sea" to promote the gong culture and Central Highlands music to tourists and residents of Binh Thuan.

Artistic Exchange Program "Convergence of Forest and Sea" in Binh Thuan

During the program, the Dak Lak Ethnic Folk Music Group and the Blue Sea Music Theater of Binh Thuan presented various remarkable performances deeply rooted in the culture, land, and people of the Central Highlands in general and Dak Lak in particular. The artists engaged in an exchange with the Blue Sea Music Theater to promote Dak Lak's culture to tourists and Binh Thuan residents.

Officials from the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism stated that through this event, they had the opportunity to exchange experiences, develop programs to promote gong culture and Central Highlands music while also learning from the practical model of operation of the Blue Sea Music Theater in Binh Thuan. They discussed the organization of artistic programs to serve political tasks and revenue-generating artistic programs, as well as exchanged insights on the advantages and challenges in organizing, operating, and professional work when transitioning from the "Ethnic Folk Music Group" model to the "Music Theater."

Immediately after Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15 of the National Assembly on the pilot implementation of some special mechanisms and policies for the development of Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province (referred to as Resolution 72) took effect, Buon Ma Thuot City has actively coordinated with departments and sectors to implement various solutions to effectively implement policies. This aims to exploit opportunities, leverage advantages, achieve faster growth, and be determined to successfully accomplish the set targets.

Efficiently implemeting financial mechanisms

Among the 5 special development policies for Buon Ma Thuot City according to Resolution 72/2022/QH15 of the National Assembly, two policies concern financial management - state budget (debt limit and additional allocation of expenditure). Buon Ma Thuot City has proactively coordinated with departments to implement these financial policies, creating a significant source of resources for the locality.

Buon Ma Thuot City focuses on developing a project to become the "Coffee Capital of the World"

Mr. Vu Van Hung, Chairman of the People's Committee of Buon Ma Thuot City, stated that the city has issued Plan No. 53/KH-UBND on February 28, 2023, to specify the tasks of implementing various policies. Regarding the debt limit of Dak Lak Province (the additional 20% debt increase over the state budget regulations will be entirely allocated to investment projects in Buon Ma Thuot City), the People's Committee of the City actively cooperated and advised the Provincial People's Committee with Official Letter No. 3325/UBND-TH dated April 24, 2023, proposing sponsors and guiding the procedures for proposing the Development Project of the green urban area along the Ea Nao - Ea Tam stream corridor in Buon Ma Thuot City. The project is scheduled to be implemented from 2025 to 2030 (with an additional 20% debt increase, allowing the city to borrow an annual average of VND 1,300 billion).

Following the implementation of the Government Office's Official Letter No. 3990/BKHDT-KTĐN dated May 29, 2023, concerning suggestions for the Development Project of the green urban area along the Ea Nao - Ea Tam stream corridor in Dak Lak Province, the City's People's Committee continues to collaborate with departments, committees, and agencies of the province and consulting units to complete the project proposal. The total estimated project investment is VND 4,200 billion, with funding sources including VND 1,780 billion from foreign loans and VND 2,420 billion from local budget matching funds. In 2023, the plan is to complete the proposal for the Provincial People's Committee and report to the Ministry of Planning and Investment. The successful investment in this project will create new conditions for Buon Ma Thuot City, establishing urban areas, commercial centers within the city's stream corridor. This will provide opportunities for Buon Ma Thuot City and Dak Lak Province to increase state budget revenues through financial means (land auctions), employment for workers, and more.

Regarding the allocation of additional funds, equal to 45% of the regular expenditure, the Provincial People's Council issued Resolution No. 55/NQ-HĐND on December 21, 2022, on the budget estimate and allocation of the state budget for 2023 in Dak Lak Province. The Provincial People's Committee also issued Decision No. 2922/QD-UBND on December 27, 2022, regarding the allocation of state budget revenue and expenditure for 2023. In this allocation, additional regular expenses for Buon Ma Thuot City were provided to implement Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15 dated November 15, 2022, of the National Assembly, with an increase of VND 336,380 million. The City's People's Committee submitted Resolution No. 63/NQ-HĐND on March 7, 2023, during the Specialized Session, regarding the allocation of additional central budget funds of VND 336,380 million for specific expenditure tasks.

In addition, the Provincial People's Council of Dak Lak Province issued Resolution No. 02/2023/NQ-HĐND on April 20, 2023, regarding the addition of some contents to Resolution No. 07/2016/NQ-HĐND dated December 14, 2016, of the People's Council of Dak Lak Province on the decentralization of revenue sources and expenditure tasks from 2017 to local authorities within Dak Lak Province. This addition included decentralizing revenue sources to the city of Buon Ma Thuot in accordance with Clause 2, Article 3 of Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15 dated November 15, 2022, of the National Assembly. It also added expenditure items for the city of Buon Ma Thuot, specifically allocating funds for the healthcare sector to implement special mechanisms under Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15 of the National Assembly.

Buon Ma Thuot City has been agreed upon by the central government to receive additional funding for 5 years of implementing Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15 of the National Assembly, with an annual amount of VND 336 billion. This funding is primarily allocated to education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. Notably, some educational institutions (high schools), healthcare centers, and communal clinics will be transferred to the city for investment in infrastructure and equipment (previously managed by the Department of Education and Training and the Department of Health), according to Mr. Vu Van Hung.

Promoting investment and tax incentives for businesses

According to the leadership of the People's Committee of Buon Ma Thuot City, with a sense of urgency and determination, and efforts to maximize the effectiveness and potential of policies for participating businesses, the City's People's Committee has established an investment attraction section on the city's electronic portal. This section includes information about fields, timeframes, and tax incentives for corporate income tax. It also lists projects and investments on the city's territory to inform businesses and citizens and promote investment. Additionally, the city directs the review of idle land that has exceeded the prescribed time limits for investment approval in industrial zones and clusters in the city's jurisdiction. These reports are submitted to the Provincial People's Committee for further promotion and attraction of investment.

Buon Ma Thuot City continues to develop modern and integrated urban infrastructure

The city is also coordinating with consulting firms and departments to advise on the next procedures for the Government's approval of the plan to develop the brand of Buon Ma Thuot City as the "Coffee Capital of the World." The Urban Management Department is leading this effort. They are collaborating with relevant agencies and units to identify specific land funds that are suitable for the planned investment projects, sectors, and fields defined in Article 4 of Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15. This information will be submitted to the city's People's Committee for further consideration and approval.

Currently, there are several businesses showing interest in exploring and promoting investments in sectors and industries that can benefit from the incentives outlined in Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15. Among them, Simexco Dak Lak Co., Ltd. (Simexco Dak Lak) is taking the lead in expanding production and developing products within the city.

The city is determined to make adjustments to the general urban planning of Buon Ma Thuot City

According to Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15, the Prime Minister has approved the  decentralized authority for approving partial adjustments to the functional area planning and general urban planning of Buon Ma Thuot City.

The People's Committee of the city has cooperated with the Department of Construction to provide suggestions and improvements, which will be submitted to the Department of Construction for consultation with the Prime Minister on the issuance of Decision No. 07/2023/QD-TTg on decentralized authority for approving partial adjustments to the functional area planning and general urban planning of Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province.

The city plans modern and synchronized infrastructure in line with the province's general planning.

Currently, the Provincial People's Committee has submitted to the Ministry of Construction for appraisal and approval the task of amending the general planning of Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province, until 2045, as stated in Document No. 49/TTr-UBND dated May 25, 2023. The Ministry of Construction is in the process of soliciting opinions from relevant ministries and departments regarding the task of amending the general planning. Once the Ministry of Construction provides its input, the consulting unit will complete the proposal for approval. The expected completion date for the task of amending the general planning is set for July 2023. The bidding process is scheduled as follows: Preparation of the amended planning project in September 2023, with the expected approval of the amended planning project by December 30, 2024.

Mr. Vu Van Hung, Chairman of the City's People's Committee, emphasized that during the period before the general planning is adjusted, they will review areas and projects that do not conform to the planning and propose partial adjustments to ensure that the basis for implementing projects and tasks for economic development is in line with the planning.

Buon Ma Thuot City is committed to creating a smart, ecological, and culturally distinctive urban environment.

The city has also assigned specific tasks to each unit, department, and office to efficiently implement the mechanisms. Furthermore, during the implementation of the designated tasks and objectives as outlined in Conclusion No. 67-KL/TW of the Party Central Committee and Resolution No. 103/NQ-CP of the Government, the local authorities have proactively prioritized resources from public investment capital for investment, construction, and renovation of various transportation routes with a focus on connectivity and spillover effects. They have also undertaken the renovation and upgrade of numerous parks, gardens, and green spaces, as well as the enhancement of sidewalks, streams, and reservoirs. All of these efforts aim to move closer to the goal of building a "green and culturally rich city."

We believe that with the effective implementation of special mechanisms and policies, the city will leverage opportunities, harness its advantages, achieve rapid growth, and successfully meet the targets to transform Buon Ma Thuot into a central hub within the Central Highlands region, in line with the conclusion made on December 16, 2019, by the Party Central Committee.

Attracting high-quality human resources:

The city has implemented policies to incentivize experts, scientists, and individuals with special talents, following Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15. Recently, the People's Committee of Buon Ma Thuot City proposed to the Provincial People's Council of Dak Lak Province to issue a resolution outlining preferential policies for experts, scientists, and individuals with exceptional talents who work in the city. Currently, the Department of Interior Affairs is soliciting input and contributions from various departments, sectors, and relevant agencies to refine the draft resolution for submission to the Provincial People's Council in the near future.

The city is focusing on the task of building a smart city and attracting high-quality human resources.

Currently, the city has proposed the expected number of 10 specialists in three fields: information technology, high-tech agriculture, and urban planning and management, according to Resolution No. 72/2022/QH15. After attracting and selecting experts, scientists, or individuals with special talents, the city will establish an expert team under the leadership of the People's Committee to manage them through a contract-based, product-oriented approach.

The City's Internal Affairs Department is reviewing the demand for recruiting officials and public employees in the city, identifying positions and titles that need to attract high-quality human resources and individuals with high professional qualifications. This information will be reported to the City's People's Committee for consideration and direction to implement.

On the afternoon of September 20th, Trung Nguyen Legend Group held the groundbreaking ceremony and announced the vision for the La Forêt En Ville Hotel complex and The World Coffee Center Conference Center. The project is positioned as the first international standard luxury hotel in Buon Ma Thuot, with a total area of 166 rooms and a conference center inspired by Vietnam's first and largest coffee, accommodating over 1,000 people.

The event was attended by Mr. Pham Minh Tan, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, leaders of departments, industries, and partners.

Mr. Pham Minh Tan, Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and leadership of Trung Nguyen Legend at the ground breaking ceremony

With a total area of ​​nearly 6,500 m2 and over 46% green coverage, this place continues to add to the collection of unique and special architectural works of the Coffee City, contributing to realizing the ambition of building the global coffee capital of Trung Nguyen Legend.

"La Forêt En Ville" in French means "forest in the city". Right from the design concept, La Forêt En Ville hotel was based on the philosophy of healing architecture with inspiration from bringing the forest to the city. The vertical green architecture design of the hotel possesses a special attraction, resembling pristine forests stretching from floor to floor, covering the vertical surfaces of the building.

In each space surrounded by pure nature, with many species of medicinal plants, blending with the natural scent of native flowers, the sounds of the mountains and forests, and the sunlight of the Central Highlands... create unique therapeutic gardens within the hotel. In addition, to build this unique utility work, Trung Nguyen Legend prioritizes the selection of environmentally friendly construction materials, such as basalt stone, unfired bricks...

The combination of La Forêt En Ville Hotel and The World Coffee Center Conference Center in the Coffee City promises to be one of the sustainable tourism symbols of Vietnam and the world.

The "heart" of La Forêt En Ville is the "Awakening Garden," a miniature space of the vast natural world, allowing every visitor to contemplate themselves, achieve relaxation, and tranquility in their thoughts to enjoy life. This special garden is meticulously designed by renowned Japanese architect and Zen master Shunmyō Masuno - founder of Japan Landscape Consultants Ltd, an award-winning landscape design company worldwide; and author of many famous works on practicing "mindful living" published in Vietnam and around the world, such as "Simple Living for Peaceful Life," "Just be calm and you will be peaceful," "Illusions called complexes"... Besides, the project also involves many architects from leading architectural design consulting units in Vietnam, such as Architect Nguyen Hoa Hiep - a21studio, Dr. Architect Tran Van Thanh - co-founder of ASA Lighting Design.

The ground breaking ceremony

Sharing at the groundbreaking ceremony and vision announcement event for the La Forêt En Ville Hotel complex and The World Coffee Center Conference Center, a representative of Trung Nguyen Legend stated: "For many years, Trung Nguyen Legend has initiated the Mindful Living lifestyle, focusing on enriching the Body, Mind, and Spirit of individuals, contributing to the development of a civilized and unique community. The Coffee City project and the ecosystem of distinct and special healing architectural works here are also a means to spread these beautiful values. In line with this value system, La Forêt En Ville Hotel is expected to become the first Mindful Living destination in Vietnam for both domestic and international travelers."

As the architect behind the "Garden of Mindfulness" or the "heart" of La Forêt En Ville, Zen monk Shunmyō Masuno, the founder of Japan Landscape Consultants Ltd, stated: "La Forêt En Ville Hotel is an urban project designed to maximize the integration of natural elements, making the project's design very appealing. The exterior and the surrounding area will incorporate various greenery, which plays a crucial role in the coexistence of nature and humanity. On the other hand, the garden space we have designed will be a uniquely tranquil space, surrounded by the building. I have named it the 'Garden of Mindfulness.' It is also the 'heart' of the project as it can be seen from all directions. We believe this garden will have a profound impact on visitors. With this in mind, we aim to create a serene space where everyone can connect with inner peace and tranquility."

By the end of 2024, the La Forêt En Ville Hotel and The World Coffee Center Conference Center, with international standards and being the first of its kind in Buon Ma Thuot, will be put into operation. The project is expected to be an ideal destination for organizing global coffee industry conferences and international-standard mindful living events; and in the near future, it will be a significant part of the coffee sector's important activities in the 9th Buon Ma Thuot Coffee Festival, scheduled for early 2025.

With its impressive location, scale, and development capacity of the project from Vietnam's No. 1 coffee company, Trung Nguyen Legend, the La Forêt En Ville Hotel and The World Coffee Center in the Coffee City will not only contribute significantly to the economic development of the region but also be an international-level destination and one of Vietnam's and the world's sustainable tourism icons.

An exhibition of photos titled "Portraits of Domestic Elephants in Dak Lak" is being held at the Vietnam Museum of Nature in Hanoi. The exhibition runs until September 9, 2023.

The exhibition is a collaboration between the Asian Animal Foundation, the Vietnam Museum of Nature, and Yok Don National Park. It aims to raise awareness of the current status of elephants in Vietnam and to encourage the public to take action to protect the species.

The exhibition features 36 photos of individual elephants still living in Dak Lak

The exhibition features 36 photos of individual elephants still living in Dak Lak province. Each photo is accompanied by a short story about the elephant's life. The stories highlight the diversity of elephants, their unique personalities, and their importance to the people of Dak Lak.

In addition to the photos, the exhibition also features artifacts, models, videos, and educational materials about elephant welfare, specifically: 36 sets of photos, each set with 36 photos and an accompanying story about individual elephants still living in Dak Lak province. The photos capture the moments of the elephants in their daily lives. Each elephant is unique, with its own personality, history, and story.

The Asian Animal Foundation said that through this photo collection, they hope the public will better understand elephants, love elephants, and from there take action to help this endangered species.

Visitors can learn about artifacts related to the process of taming and training domestic elephants from Yok Don National Park; Video presentations about the natural behavior of elephants, elephant rescue missions, the model of elephant-friendly tourism at Yok Don National Park, an introduction to the AAF's technical assistance project to implement the conversion of elephant riding tourism to elephant-friendly tourism in Dak Lak; Educational materials related to elephant welfare from AAF.

At the exhibition, all aspects related to domestic elephants in Dak Lak provide a unique and realistic perspective, such as scenes of elephants being rescued, elephants integrating into the lives of ethnic people, elephants building villages. Not only are they photos, they are also stories. The photos help viewers feel the daily lives of the elephants, their origins, information, and personality.

Children learning about stories of elephants in Dak Lak

Elephants have been a part of the lives of the people of Dak Lak for centuries, and are considered one of the cultural symbols of the region. In the past, Dak Lak was home to a large population of elephants, but due to human activities in recent years, the Dak Lak elephant population - the largest remaining elephant population in Vietnam - has declined significantly.

As of 2023, there are only 36 domestic elephants left in Dak Lak province, with 21 in Buon Don district, 14 in Lak district, and 1 in Krong Ana district. This number is much lower than in the early 1980s, when the province had 502 domestic elephants. There are several reasons for this decline, including the sale of elephants to other provinces, the poaching of elephants for their tusks and tails, the shrinking of elephant habitat, and over-exploitation of elephants.

According to information from the exhibition, the number of domestic elephants in Dak Lak has declined sharply in recent years. The population has fallen from around 502 elephants in the early 1980s to just 36 elephants in 2023. Of these, 14 elephants are in Lak district and 22 elephants are in Buon Don district.

The decline in the number of elephants in Dak Lak is due to a number of factors, including the sale of elephants to other provinces, poaching for their tusks and tails, the shrinking of elephant habitat, and the over-exploitation of elephants.

According to a survey by the Forest Protection Department (Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development), there are only three localities in Vietnam where Asian elephants still live: Nghe An, Dak Lak, and Dong Nai province. The Asian elephant population in Vietnam is currently under threat.

As part of the exhibition, the Asian Animal Foundation (AAF) organized a painting workshop for children and parents at the Vietnam Museum of Nature. The workshop was led by artist Do MyLinh (stage name Dinh Kieu Duong), a young graphic designer who uses her paintings to convey humanistic emotions about love and awareness of animal protection.