A Nutrition Lesson in the Bush: Linking Traditional Foods, Nutrition and Community Health in the Tram Chim National Park Landscape
By Van Kien Nguyen, program manager
Tram Chim National Park, a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance in Dong Thap Province, Vietnam, encompasses a diverse agricultural and natural landscape that supports local livelihoods and important biodiversity, including the internationally endangered Sarus Crane. After a prolonged decline in the crane population, the Dong Thap provincial government launched a 10-year conservation program to restore the species and strengthen the landscape’s ecological sustainability. At the same time, local communities have access to diverse native agricultural and natural food resources, but knowledge of nutritional food preparation and food security remains limited, particularly among rural families.
Mekong Organics, working with local schools, community organisations, farmers, the Wild Bird Hotel, local authorities, and nutrition and culinary specialists (Dr Mai Hang), sought to strengthen community knowledge of nutritious food preparation, ecological agriculture, and the value of local food resources. The initiative aimed to connect biodiversity conservation and ecological farming with improved food and nutrition knowledge and community wellbeing.
In early 2026, Mekong Organics co-hosted a practical nutrition and food preparation program for more than 50 rural schoolchildren, demonstrating how locally available foods could be prepared and cooked while retaining their nutritional value. The initiative received strong support from participating schools, teachers, and parents.
In July 2026, Mekong Organics further co-designed and delivered a nutrition and food-security training program for more than 50 farmers and parents in the Tram Chim National Park landscape. Participants visited ecological rice farms in the Park’s buffer zone to learn about ecological farming practices and their links to food quality and environmental sustainability. A nutrition specialist, Ms Mai Hang, and professional chef Mr Thach Thien then delivered practical sessions on preparing organic and ecological foods while maintaining their nutritional value, quality, and taste.
The initiative was supported by local women’s associations, local authorities, farmers, schools, the Wild Bird Hotel, and specialist partners. Financial and in-kind support was provided by the International Crane Foundation (ICF), Rotary Club of Hall, and Mekong Organics.
Results and Impact
Established a practical model that can be adapted and expanded to other rural communities across the Mekong Delta, where locally available food resources are abundant and nutrition knowledge remains an important development priority.
100+ community members and schoolchildren directly participated in practical nutrition and food-security training activities in the Tram Chim landscape.
Strengthened practical knowledge of nutritious food preparation and cooking techniques using locally available food resources.
Connected ecological farming, local food systems, nutrition, and community wellbeing, creating a practical link between agricultural livelihoods and biodiversity conservation.
Increased collaboration among farmers, schools, women’s organisations, local authorities, private-sector partners, nutrition specialists, and culinary professionals.
Generated strong support from teachers, parents, farmers, women’s organisations, and local authorities for continuing the initiative.
Photo: Schoolchildren practising nutritious food preparation and cooking in the bush, guided by Dr Mai Hang and supported by Mekong Organics. Photo courtesy of Dr Kien Van Nguyen.
