VUSTA Organizes Working and Field Survey Program at Me Linh Biodiversity Center
On September 25, the Vietnam Union of Science and Technology Associations (VUSTA) organized a visit, working session, and field survey at the Me Linh Biodiversity Center, under the Institute of Biology of the Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology (VAST). The program was held under the theme “Science and Technology Intellectuals for Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Development”.
The VUSTA delegation was led by Prof. Academician Chau Van Minh, President of VUSTA. The delegation included Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Ngoc Linh, Vice President of VUSTA; Prof. Dr. Truong Xuan Lam, Vice President of VUSTA; M.A. Nguyen Quyet Chien, Secretary General of VUSTA; Mr. Ho Dinh Luong, President of the Phu Tho Union of Science and Technology Associations; as well as officials, civil servants, and employees of VUSTA and the Phu Tho Union.
Representing the host organization were Dr. Le Hung Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Biology; M.A. Dang Huy Phuong, Director of the Me Linh Biodiversity Center; along with scientists, researchers, and technical staff working at the Center.
Overview of the program
Speaking on behalf of VUSTA’s leadership, Vice President Pham Ngoc Linh emphasized that biodiversity is a fundamental pillar of sustainable development. Against the backdrop of current global challenges posed by climate change and the depletion of natural resources, restoring ecosystems damaged by human economic activities is considered a vital task.
Affirming the pioneering and core role of science and technology intellectuals in the context of green transition and sustainable development, Vice President Pham Ngoc Linh said that biodiversity conservation is not solely the responsibility of specialized research institutions or biologists, but also requires the collective efforts and commitment of society as a whole. With its extensive network of intellectuals, VUSTA needs to serve as a bridge to bring scientific knowledge into everyday life, raise public awareness, actively participate in consultation and policy critique on environmental issues, and contribute to addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
Highly appreciating the research achievements of the Center’s staff and scientists, VUSTA leaders noted that cooperation between VUSTA and VAST, particularly the Institute of Biology and the Me Linh Biodiversity Center, has become increasingly close and effective.
Looking toward future cooperation, Vice President Pham Ngoc Linh affirmed that VUSTA would strengthen its role in promoting interdisciplinary research; utilize research findings from Me Linh as communication materials to help raise public awareness; and work with the Center’s experts to provide scientific evidence and participate in the critique of macro-level policies on nature conservation and natural resource management.
Vice President Pham Ngoc Linh requested VUSTA’s specialized departments to work closely with the Institute of Biology and the Center to turn the ideas and proposals arising from the working program into concrete action programs and specific collaborative research projects in the coming period.
VUSTA leaders present commemorative gifts to the Institute of Biology and the Me Linh Biodiversity Center
Leaders of the Phu Tho Union of Science and Technology Associations present commemorative gifts to the Institute of Biology and the Me Linh Biodiversity Center
Prof. Dr. Truong Xuan Lam, Vice President of VUSTA, speaks at the program
Le Thanh Tung, Head of VUSTA’s Knowledge Dissemination Department, speaks at the program
Dr. Le Hung Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Biology, briefed the delegation on key data concerning Vietnam’s biodiversity. According to Dr. Le Hung Anh, Vietnam currently ranks 14th in the world in terms of biodiversity. However, conservation pressures are currently very significant. Updated data from the Red Data Book show that 11,398 species in Vietnam are threatened, including 656 plant species and 742 animal species classified as threatened according to the criteria of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Dr. Le Hung Anh, Deputy Director of the Institute of Biology, speaks at the program
Contributing to national conservation efforts, scientists from the Institute of Biology have directly participated in preparing and completing dossiers for a number of major international designations. Notably, the Institute successfully prepared dossiers for UNESCO-recognized World Biosphere Reserves, including Langbiang (2015), Kon Ha Nung (2021), and Phong Nha–Ke Bang (June 2024). The Institute is currently continuing to coordinate the appraisal of the dossier for Vu Quang National Park, with the goal of increasing the number of World Biosphere Reserves in Vietnam from 11 to 15 by 2030. In addition, the Institute’s experts have participated in providing technical advice and revising dossiers for 12 ASEAN Heritage Parks and 178 nature reserves, species conservation areas, and habitat conservation areas nationwide.
Providing an overview of the Center’s key achievements in research and conservation, M.A. Dang Huy Phuong, Director of the Me Linh Biodiversity Center, said that professional associations, wildlife rescue centers, and VUSTA-affiliated organizations such as PanNature and Save Vietnam’s Wildlife, together with the Center, have formed a closely connected professional network. Regular coordination meetings have helped provide timely scientific evidence to support the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment — now consolidated into the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment — in drafting decrees and policies on biodiversity management. The Center’s Director also expressed his hope for continued support and closer coordination from VUSTA in disseminating scientific knowledge and mobilizing collective expertise to address the complex challenges currently facing ecological conservation.
M.A. Dang Huy Phuong, Director of the Me Linh Biodiversity Center, speaks at the program
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Van Sinh, biodiversity expert, presents the thematic report “Biodiversity and Sustainable Development”
The VUSTA delegation visited the research areas, wildlife rescue facilities, plant conservation areas, and forest restoration and environmental education models at the Me Linh Biodiversity Center
The working program was designed to provide VUSTA officials, civil servants, and employees with first-hand insight into research and conservation activities, including biodiversity conservation, genetic resource conservation, wildlife rescue, and ecosystem restoration.
As part of the program, the participating organizations exchanged views and reached agreement on a number of specific areas of cooperation for the coming period, with the aim of leveraging the strengths of each organization; further promoting applied research and technology transfer; participating in policy consultation and critique; and disseminating legal knowledge on environmental protection.
The delegation takes a commemorative photo at the Me Linh Biodiversity Center
