International work includes:

• Spray application expertise for chemical and biological pesticides;
• Specialist biopesticide development services including supply of MycoHarvesters;
• Implementing sustainable development via other scientific support: especially in pest management issue;
• Support, education and raising awareness of conservation issues at all levels from local communities to Government;
• Promoting conservation and eco-tourism by setting up high quality tourist facilities near Cat Tien National Park.

In Vietnam, agriculture remains a vital component the economy with a wide diversity of tropical, sub-tropical and temperate crops grown in the country’s highly diverse agro-ecosystems. Rice, which is principally grown in the Red and Mekong river deltas, remains the most important crop, with Vietnam usually in the top three exporting countries for most years. Vegetables, fruit and spices are extensively grown, together with commodities such as tea, coffee and cocoa.

Effective and environmentally sound technologies must be developed in support of Vietnam’s crop development and diversification plans, amongst which pest management remains crucial. Dr Roy Bateman has expertise in various areas in crop production and protection and has collaborates with the National Agriculture Research Institute and a number of agencies including NIPP, PPD SOFRI, WASI, IAS and PHI. The key areas of collaboration have been Extension, Research and Training.

Specific pest management expertise includes:

 

VBS has contributed to the nascent cocoa industry in Vietnam. Mai Bateman is an active member of the National Cocoa Development Steering Committee and has helped to co-ordinate activities and linkages with international cocoa companies.

Nam Cat Tien Eco-Resort Project
Cat Tien is a world heritage site consisting of primary and secondary forest.  It was turned into a National park in 1978, and is now probably the best site in VN for seeing wildlife. Unfortunately understanding of nature conservation by the general public needs much further development and VBS staff are helping to encourage sustainable businesses, that place a value on conservation and has minimal impact on this unique ecosystem.