‘Conservation stories - perspectives from young conservationists’ is a talk show within the framework of the Student Conference on Nature Conservation 2024 (SCNC 2024)  jointly organised by the University of Education, a member school of the University of Da Nang-UD, WildAct Viet Nam, the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Green Viet Nam biodiversity conservation centre at the end of August. Here, stories and perspectives related to the role of the young generation in protecting nature are put into constructive discussions.

Young conservationists attend the Student Conference on Nature Conservation (SCNC) 2024. Photo: L.V

It is not necessary to go into the forest and interact with wild animals to be called conservation. We can still participate in conservation work from small actions, through highly practical programmes, publicity models and awareness education...”, said Nguyen Cat Tuong, a student at the University of Foreign Language Studies, a member of UD. Majoring in English communication - a major not much related to the story of wildlife conservation, Tuong took up implementing this activity when join ENV Club Da Nang.

Here, young volunteers like Tuong participated in surveys, discovered a number of violations related to wildlife such as illegal hunting and trading, and then reported them to relevant agencies. At the same time, Tuong also participated in publicising the Law on Biodiversity Conservation, promoting beautiful images of nature to raise awareness in the community.

More than a year ago, Tuong participated in a training course on Viet Nam Primate Conservation for nearly a week at Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Gia Lai Province. The days in Kon Ka Kinh helped Tuong gain more experience and knowledge about biodiversity.

Having returned from the mountains and forests, the student from the University of Foreign Language Studies participated in creating the fanpage ‘Wildlife Conservation Hub’ to share information on environmental protection, preserving nature and connecting people passionate about conservation activities.

Meanwhile, Vo Hoang Bao, a student at Ho Chi Minh City University of Agriculture and Forestry, learned about conservation from his second year of study. “I study environmental science, and conservation is a part of it. In addition to the knowledge I learned about wastewater and exhaust gas treatment, I had the opportunity to learn about wildlife and nature through the subject of biodiversity and became interested from there,” said Bao.

In his fourth year, Bao continued to worry about the status of endangered species and captive animals and decided to pursue conservation. With this direction, Bao became a familiar face in many projects and community activities on wildlife conservation, and was a conservation volunteer at the Bu Gia Map National Park in Binh Phuoc Province...

At SCNC 2024, Bao won a third prize in the Speech category for excellent research on the typical ecosystem of the Son Tra Peninsula, specifically rare primates such as the red-shanked douc.

For Bao and Tuong, the story of studying about forest conservation or participating in projects and social activities for the sake of the environment as volunteers is an opportunity for young people to learn, expand their knowledge and have a deep orientation on conservation, thereby nurturing and training the courage of conservationists, because the days of fieldwork in the deep forest can easily be discouraging if they do not have enough love and passion.

According to Mr. Phan Phu, Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), to step into the path of conservation, young people need to break down language barriers, boldly communicate, ask questions when they want to learn and create consensus between people in the work.

As for Dr. Nguyen Trang, Director of WildAct Viet Nam, through sharing knowledge and experience, SCNC together with the youth will create positive changes for the conservation community and the sustainable development of the environment. This is also an opportunity to build strong partnerships, contributing to the protection and development of Viet Nam's biodiversity.

Reporting by LAM VIEN - Translating by A.THU