Van Lang University researcher receives funding from the Pulitzer Center and the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation for forest conservation projects
Dr. Pham Van The, Head of the Research Group on Ecological and Environmental Management, Science and Advanced Technology Institute, has recently received two prestigious research grants from the Pulitzer Center’s Impact Seed Fund (ISF) and Japan’s Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF). The projects led by Dr. The focus on the protection of Bu Gia Map National Park, one of the biodiversity hotspots in Southern Vietnam, reaffirming Van Lang University’s pioneering role in education and conservation research.
“Students Monitoring the Forest” project, funded by the Pulitzer Center
The “Students Monitoring the Forest” project successfully stood out among 271 international applications to be selected as one of only 14 projects worldwide awarded the ISF by the Pulitzer Center in 2025, as officially announced by the organization. The deforestation driven by global timber demand, as highlighted in the Pulitzer Center’s investigative report “Vietnam’s Forests Have Been Cleared To Supply the World’s Timber Industry”, has been posing severe threats to both biodiversity and the livelihoods of the Stieng indigenous community in Bu Gia Map.
Within 4 months (between August and November 2025), the “Students Monitoring the Forest” project will implement a 3-day intensive training program for 25 Van Lang University students, consisting of:
- Theoretical training on satellite image analysis.
- Field surveys in the forest ecosystem.
- Group reporting sessions with interactive feedback from 20 Stieng community members.
The project aims to raise students’ awareness of forest conservation, encourage collaborative engagement with indigenous communities, and contribute directly to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on land. Receiving the ISF stands as a testament to Dr. The’s leadership and commitment to addressing global environmental challenges while simultaneously inspiring future sustainability-driven initiatives.
About the Impact Seed Fund (ISF)
Launched in 2022, the Pulitzer Center’s Impact Seed Fund (ISF) supports educational projects in the areas of climate change, tropical forests, and indigenous rights, fostering collaboration among educators, students, and local communities worldwide. Proposals are selected based on creativity, potential for community impact, alignment with Pulitzer Center reporting, and capacity to drive climate justice actions.
Invasive plant research project funded by the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)
In addition to the ISF grant, Dr. Pham Van The has also been awarded funding from the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF), Japan, for the project “Impact of Invasive Plants on Native Vegetation in Bu Gia Map National Park”. The project was selected as one of 16 international grantees in 2025, surpassing 121 applications worldwide.
Invasive species such as giant sensitive plant (Mimosa pigra), tickberry (Lantana camara), and Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata) are increasingly dominating the native vegetation and hindering the regeneration of tropical forest ecosystems. Within 24 months, the research will focus on secondary forests in Bu Gia Map National Park with three main objectives:
- Mapping the distribution of invasive plant species.
- Assessing their impacts on native vegetation.
- Testing cost-effective manual removal methods.
By comparing invaded and non-invaded areas, the study aims to propose practical solutions for ecosystem protection, strengthening conservation efforts in Vietnam’s national parks while contributing to SDG 15: Life on land.
About the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF)
Established in 1989, the Nagao Natural Environment Foundation (NEF), Japan, is dedicated to supporting biodiversity conservation and environmental research across the Asia-Pacific region. NEF prioritizes funding projects that focus on ecosystem protection, sustainable natural resource management, and community awareness of environmental issues. The foundation places particular emphasis on empowering early-career scientists to develop innovative solutions to pressing ecological challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and biodiversity loss. Receiving funding from NEF is not only a prestigious recognition but also an international acknowledgment of Dr. The’s research capacity and commitment to safeguarding tropical ecosystems. This achievement further opens pathways for collaboration with leading conservation organizations in the region.
Significance of the projects
These two projects not only contribute to protecting Vietnam’s natural heritage but also promote climate justice and community collaboration. They make a significant contribution to SDG 15: Life on land, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainable forest management, combating desertification, halting land degradation, and preventing biodiversity loss. At the same time, the projects also align with other United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that Van Lang University pursues within the framework of all 17 SDGs, including:
- SDG 4: Quality education – through training students in forest monitoring and environmental research skills.
- SDG 13: Climate action – by raising awareness and proposing solutions to climate change issues.
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the goals – through collaboration with the Stieng indigenous community and international organizations such as the Pulitzer Center and NEF.
The achievements of Dr. Pham Van The reaffirm Van Lang University’s position in global conservation research and education, while inspiring younger generations to take action for a sustainable future.
News: Science and Advanced Technology Institute
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