Dr Trần Triết stands beside the exhibited work ‘The Gaze of the Vietnamese people’, one of featured photographs in the programme. The piece captures a flock of Sarus Cranes soaring over the Tram Chim skies, evoking the local community’s profound yearning for the return of this rare species after years of absence.

On 17 May 2026, the Centre for Conservation of Natural Resources, in collaboration with the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology within the Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology at VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS), hosted the programme ‘Biodiversity Conservation through the Lens of Culture and Art’. Held at the Nguyen Van Cu campus, the event drew a diverse audience of scientists, artists, academics, students, and members of the public dedicated to nature preservation.

Against a global backdrop where environmental crises, climate change, and biodiversity loss present increasingly formidable challenges, the programme sought to broaden perspectives on nature conservation. Moving beyond traditional research papers and empirical data, the narrative of conservation was conveyed through photography, cinema, and poignant experiences. Such an approach renders the natural world more accessible to the public, particularly the younger generation.

A focal point of the event was the ‘Following the Crane’s Footsteps’ exhibition, featuring 20 works curated from a vast collection of over 100,000 photographs taken by photographer Nguyễn Trư�ng Sinh. These images represent over a decade of documenting the Sarus Crane. Each frame meticulously recreates the natural life of this rare bird and the shifting landscapes of wetland habitats, employing a photographic language that serves as both vital documentation and a prompt for reflection on the relationship between humanity and the environment.

On this occasion, the photobook Sarus Crane was also introduced. This 372-page volume, the result of more than ten years of fieldwork, was previously recognised by the Viet Nam Records Organisation as the first book by a single author to document Sarus Crane subspecies globally.

From a scientific perspective, Dr Trần Triết—a lecturer at the HCMUS Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology and the Indo-Pacific Programme Director for the International Crane Foundation—shared insights into the global status of crane species, the decline of wetland habitats, and ongoing efforts to restore the Sarus Crane in Viet Nam. Specialist analysis demonstrated that species conservation remains inseparable from ecosystem preservation, whilst highlighting the urgent need to maintain natural spaces amidst the pressures of modern development.

Whilst science provides the intellectual foundation and identifies core issues, cinema deepens the emotional resonance of the conservation narrative. The scientific film “Will the Cranes Return to the South?� by Director �ỗ Tín (Giải Phóng Film Studio) offered a reflective and profoundly humanistic space. The work garnered the Golden Kite Award in 2025, the Silver Lotus for Scientific Film at the 2025 Viet Nam Film Festival, and the Best Director Award at the 24th Viet Nam Film Festival.

Through a cinematic language that is both poetic and documentary in nature, the film portrays the journey of the Sarus Crane alongside the environmental shifts within the Mekong Delta. These frames reflect the fragility of nature and provoke thought regarding the responsibility to safeguard the environment for future generations.

Following the screening, the production team engaged in a dialogue with the audience, sharing the intricacies of creating a scientific-artistic work. Discussions covered the acquisition of archival material, field filming, and the method of translating academic ecological issues into stories capable of connecting with the public.

During the seminar, Dr Trần Triết, Director �ỗ Tín, and photographer Nguyễn Trư�ng Sinh discussed the roles of science, art, and communication in nature conservation with attendees. Key topics included professional ethics in wildlife photography, the application of artificial intelligence in conservation communication, community participation in ecosystem preservation, and the contemporary challenges facing wildlife.

Far from being a purely academic or artistic gathering, the programme illustrated that biodiversity conservation requires a collaborative effort across multiple disciplines and communities. When science intersects with art and education, environmental issues transcend abstract concepts to become experiences that touch emotion, awareness, and social responsibility.

In the fast-paced flow of modern life, a single frame, a film, or a story about nature can serve as the catalyst for concern and action. From these quiet stirrings of the heart, environmental consciousness and the duty to preserve biodiversity are nurtured, spreading and growing steadily within the community.

On 20 March 2026, VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) hosted the International Workshop on “Global Geoparks and Mineral Resources 2026.â€� The event convened a distinguished assembly of scientists, policymakers, industry experts, and academic partners from across the globe.

The event was attended by the HCMUS Executive Board, heads of administrative departments and faculties, alongside faculty members, doctoral candidates, and students. Distinguished guests included representatives from the Lam Dong Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, various regulatory bodies and technical units within the geology and resources sector, and international partners from the National Taipei University of Technology (NTUT), Yehliu Geopark, and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association (TMA).

In his opening address, Associate Professor Trần Minh Triết—Vice President of HCMUS—emphasised the pivotal role of geological sciences in addressing global challenges regarding resources, the environment, and sustainable development. The Vice President further reaffirmed the commitment of HCMUS to strengthening international cooperation within this vital field.

Academic Exchange on Geological Heritage and Sustainable Development

The first session focused on “Geological Heritage and Sustainable Development,� featuring presentations on geopark management, heritage conservation, and sustainable tourism. These research papers provided comparative perspectives between Viet Nam and Taiwan, ranging from policy frameworks to technical solutions and management models.

Session I featuring numerous presentations on geopark management and sustainable tourism in Viet Nam and Taiwan.

Presentations from Viet Nam highlighted practical experiences in managing geoparks, most notably the conservation and promotion of the UNESCO Global Geopark in Dak Nong, alongside the Net Zero community-based tourism model in Lang Son. Meanwhile, research from Taiwan offered practical insights into geological structural reinforcement techniques, the role of geological surveys in urban planning, and sustainable management strategies at Yehliu Geopark.

Within the framework of the workshop, the Faculty of Geology formalised a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Yehliu Geopark and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association. This partnership focuses on academic exchange, field research, professional training, and the joint organisation of workshops and communications to foster sustainable geological tourism.

Representatives from the Faculty of Geology at HCMUS signing the MoU with Yehliu Geopark and the Taiwan Marble & Stone Industrial Association.

Furthermore, the collaboration with TMA paves the way for practical advancements in mineral resources, including geological surveying, the application of extraction technologies, post-mining environmental restoration, and the development of technical standards for the stone and materials industry.

Mineral Resources: From Research to Application

The second session, entitled “Mineral Resources and Sustainable Development,� examined specialised research on regional geology, geothermal energy, geological hazards, and the potential applications of resources.

Reports in Session II focusing on mineral resources, geothermal energy, and applied geological issues.

The presentations provided updated analyses on the origin and application potential of pegmatites in Kon Tum, assessed risks from seismic events in Taiwan, and clarified the role of hydrothermal systems in geothermal energy development. Additionally, representatives from enterprises and industry associations shared practical perspectives on market trends, technology, and development trajectories within the stone extraction and processing sector.

Concluding the programme, a presentation on the mineral potential of Southern Viet Nam suggested numerous avenues for collaboration between academia and industry, aiming to enhance the practical value of geological research in an era of global integration.

Affirming the Role of Academic Connection and Sustainable Development

The workshop providing a forum for academic exchange and collaboration between scientists, regulators, and enterprises.

The workshop served not only as an academic forum but also as a platform for bridging the gap between educational institutions, government agencies, and domestic and international enterprises. The discussions and partnerships established during the event have contributed to promoting interdisciplinary research, enhancing training capacity, and increasing the practical application of geological sciences.

Through this event, VNUHCM-Â鶹´«Ã½ continues to assert a leading role as a hub for academic and applied connectivity in geology and mineral resources, working alongside partners to address scientific and technological issues linked to sustainable development on both regional and global scales.

From 1–7 March 2026, VNUHCM–Â鶹´«Ã½ (HCMUS) hosted the OMU-TTI-HCMUS Spring School 2026, welcoming distinguished faculty and students from both Viet Nam and Japan. Organised by the Faculty of Environment in collaboration with Osaka Metropolitan University (OMU) and the Toyota Technological Institute (TTI), this initiative sought to foster international academic exchange whilst providing an immersive learning environment focused on environmental science and sustainable development.

The course employed a hybrid structure, integrating specialised thematic lectures, rigorous academic debates, and extensive field research. The programme brought together five scholars from Japanese partner institutions and ten students from HCMUS, guided by expert faculty from all participating universities. This collaboration stands as a hallmark of the international outreach efforts at the Faculty of Environment, strengthening academic ties and expanding research networks between these prestigious institutions.

Throughout the week, participants attended a series of specialised lectures delivered by prominent academics. These sessions addressed critical environmental challenges and the pursuit of sustainable development, including: the current state and impact of biomass burning in Viet Nam; professional career trajectories within a globalised landscape; trends in sustainable consumption; and Viet Nam’s strategic roadmap towards achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050. Such seminars provided not only the latest scientific data but also multifaceted perspectives on the environmental hurdles faced during contemporary socio-economic growth.

Beyond the lecture theatre, the programme facilitated site visits and field surveys across the Mekong Delta and the Ho Chi Minh City Hi-Tech Agricultural Park. These excursions allowed students to examine firsthand the practicalities of agricultural innovation and resource management. Furthermore, the delegation visited the Heineken Viet Nam Brewery to observe industrial processes, environmental management protocols, and the integration of sustainability within corporate operations.

The successful delivery of the OMU-TTI-HCMUS Spring School 2026 enhances the quality of education by bridging the gap between theory and practice. This initiative further solidifies the international partnership in environmental science between HCMUS and Japanese academic circles. Ultimately, the programme offered students a vital opportunity to engage within a multicultural academic setting, deepening their understanding of global environmental crises and the pivotal role the next generation must play in securing a sustainable future.