Building next generation of conservationists
The Student Conference on Nature Conservation in 2025 offers young people hands-on experience, expert guidance, and career pathways for the country's sustainable future.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Student Conference on Nature Conservation (SCNC) will hold its fourth edition in Ho Chi Minh City this October, marking the first time the event is hosted in the southern metropolis.
The third Student Conference on Nature Conservation takes place in 2024 in the central coastal city of Danang. Photo: WildAct
Led by WildAct in collaboration with Center for Biodiversity Conservation and Endangered Species (CBES) and supported by GreenViet and the Frankfurt Zoological Society, the event aims to address the growing shortage of conservation workers in Vietnam.
Applications are now open for university students, early-career professionals, and organizations working in sustainability and environmental protection. Full registration details are available on WildAct’s official Facebook page.
The three-day event will feature research presentations, poster sessions, panel discussions, skill-building workshops, and field trips. Awards will be given for outstanding research and innovative ideas.
According to WildAct, a nonprofit organization dedicated to wildlife conservation and protection in Vietnam, while the global demand for "green jobs" is rising and expected to grow by 41% in Vietnam, many local graduates lack the practical experience and soft skills necessary for these positions, such as communication and teamwork.
Red-shanked douc langurs, honored as the queens of primates, are protected in the Son Tra Peninsula in Danang through patrols, habitat restoration, and public awareness campaigns. Photo: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort
Launched in 2022, SCNC aims to bridge this gap by providing young people with hands-on experience and cross-disciplinary learning. Over the past three years, 30% of SCNC participants have found jobs or advanced in their careers, and 22% have pursued graduate studies in conservation-related fields.
Trang Nguyen, Founder of WildAct, said that conservation is still widely misunderstood in Vietnam. “People often think it’s only about forest protection, but it also includes research, education, communication, and policy. We need young people from all backgrounds to see their place in this field."
SCNC 2025 aims to prepare future conservationists for meaningful careers and contribute to a greener, more sustainable Vietnam.
