The University of Virginia’s education abroad program “Vietnam: An Ecological-Economic Exploration”

In January 2023, representatives from IUCN and VB4E joined as panelists in an event in Ha Noi organised by the University of Virginia (UVA) – Global Studies program for 18 undergraduate and graduate students coming from a variety of majors, including business, natural science, public health, public policy, and engineering. The objective is to discuss Vietnam’s sustainability opportunities & challenges. 

This is a two-weeks study programme that began in Ho Chi Minh City, Dalat in the central highlands, and concluded in Hanoi to look at sustainability from ranges of perspectives. The event welcomed the panelists from World Bank, EU Commission, UNDP, Fauna and Flora International, Keep Vietnam Clean and Vietnam Green Building Council and CSAGA. 

Ms. Nguyen Thuy Anh (IUCN) briefly introduced IUCN and VB4E, its objectives, thematic focuses and the necessary to mobilize businesses on environmental protection and the linkage with governmental priorities. Mr. Nguyen Duc Tuan (IUCN) shared about mangroves restoration and particularly coastal squeeze, which is a Nature-based-Solutions approach that IUCN has been advocating to restore mangroves in the Mekong Delta.

Other panelists shared information about other topics such as gender equality, education, inclusive governance, renewable energy, illegal wildlife trafficking, urban green spaces, plastic waste…The students had the chance to ask questions and interact directly with experts on their focused contents. This is an experiential learning opportunity for them to enhance their knowledge and insights about ecological – economic challenges in Viet Nam and gain data and inputs for their final thesis as well as interested subjects.