Student Conference on Nature Conservation 2023 opens career opportunities in conservation for youth
On July 29th, Vietnam Wildlife Action Center - WildAct successfully organized the Student Conference on Nature Conservation (SCNC) 2023. The conference awarded groundbreaking research which contribute to natural conservation in Vietnam.This conference has created opportunities for nearly 100 students, researchers, and young conservationists to connect, and expand development opportunities with leading experts and organizations in the field of conservation in Vietnam.
The Student Conference on Nature Conservation (SCNC) 2023 showcased and celebrated important research efforts when countries and regions around the globe haveincreasingly focused on biodiversity conservation. This year, the conference attracted nearly 40 studies on diverse topics, 14 of which were selected for presentation and 08 excellent studies were awarded by judges consisting of experts from: Central Institute for Natural Resources and Environmental Studies - Vietnam National University (CRES), Frankfurt Zoological Society in Vietnam (FZS), Fauna & Flora - Vietnam Program (Fauna & Flora) and WildAct. These studies are in 2 categories,which are Oral Presenation and Poster Presentation, as follows:
Oral Presentation:
· First Prize: Tran Thi Phuong - Research project “The application of synthetic aperture radar SAR images (Sentinel-1A) to generate a map of forest area changes in the period 2020 - 2023 in Ba Vi National Park ”
· Second Prize: Nguyen Tien Phong - Research project “Research and assess the current status of the population of Red-shanked Douc langur in Son Tra Nature Reserve, Da Nang”
· Third Prize: Ly Thanh Nhan - Research project “Nurturing wildlife and preserving, handling evidences of wildlife in criminal cases according to Vietnamese laws”
Poster Presentation:
· First Prize: Tran Trong Ngan - Research project “Natal origin and migration pathway of Mekong catfish (Pangasius krempfi) using strontium isotopes and trace element concentrations in environmental water and otoliths”
· Second Prize : Le Thi Ha - Research project “Awareness survey on Muntiacus conservation for buffer zone’s population in Chu Yang Sin National Park”
· Third Prize Lai Toan Thang - Research project “Monkeypox and the risks of monkeys-humans transmission disease”
People’s Choice Award:
· Oral Presentation: Ly Thanh Nhan - Research project “Nurturing wildlife and preserving, handling evidences of wildlife in criminal cases according to Vietnamese Laws”
· Poster Presentation: Lai Toan Thanh - Research project “Monkeypox and the risks of monkeys-humans transmission disease”
Ms. Tran Thi Phuong, whose the research titled “The application of synthetic aperture radar SAR images (Sentinel-1A) to generate a map of forest area changes in the period 2020 - 2023 in Ba Vi National Park” - the First Prize for Oral Presentation at SCNC 2023, said: “At SCNC 2023, I want to carry out a ground-breaking research, which can make a great impact on the community. For my forest ecological monitoring research, after the conference, I will continue to develop and expand my research project to many national parks and protected areas in Vietnam. I hope this research’s result will help conservationists to define current status of the forest to propose effective conservation interventions in the future.”
Especially, Dr. Ha Thang Long - Director of Frankfurt Zoological Society in Vietnam, Founder of GreenViet discussed a big picture of “Vietnamese Conservation- advantages and challenges”. He said: “The presence of many students and young conservationists from 3 regions of the country at today's conference made me feel extremely happy and proud. During more than 20 years of working in the field of conservation, I understand that there're still limitations to the education, capacity building, and career orientation in nature conservation in Vietnam. While studying at Cambridge University, Trang Nguyen, Founder of WildAct, and I participated in the Scientific Conference on Conservation Science at the university and today, I am very happy that this conference format is held in Vietnam for Vietnamese students who are passionate about conservation. This has inspired conservationists like us to continue on our journey to protect the nature.”
All the attendees had in-depth and open discussions with experts and organizations on 2 topics "Career development opportunities in conservation" and "Community’s role in conservation in Vietnam". Ms. Nguyen Thanh Nga, School and Community Program Coordinator, the SCNC 2023’s General Chair shared, “Besides conservation research projects, at SCNC 2023, we also provided young conservationists with adequate information through 2 talkshows named "Vietnamese Conservation, opportunities and development" and "The role of local communities in combating illegal wildlife trade". Two talkshows brought up hot issues and addressed questions about conservation career opportunities. I would like to send a message: “No matter who you are, how old you are andwhat your majors are, you can take action to make differences for wildlife now as long as you love and desire to protect nature and wildlife.”
SCNC 2023 is also a great event for young people to connect and seek career development opportunities at the exhibition booths of different conservation organizations including Center for Biodiversity conservation and Endangered Species (CBES), People and Nature Reconciliation (PanNature), TRAFFIC, Four Paws Viet, LVDI International Incorporated (LVDI), Wild Rhino Campaign/Wilderness Foundation Africa (Wild Rhino) and conservation clubs such as Wild Hand Club - Vietnam National Academy of Agriculture, Young Conservationists Club (YCC) - Vietnam National Forestry University, and Charity & Environment Club (CEC) - RMIT University, Hanoi, Vietnam.
The Student Conference on Nature Conservation 2023 has inspired and motivated young generations of conservationist to contribute to acting for wildlife in Vietnam.
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