My Primate Conservation Journey in Da Nang

Writer: Rebecca Irrgang

My name is Rebecca Irrgang, and from November 2023 to May 2024, I had the incredible opportunity to serve as a volunteer here in Da Nang, Vietnam, based at a local head office. While my journey from Germany was filled with anticipation for new cultural experiences, I never expected to find myself in a university classroom, delving deep into the world of primate conservation. But on the wise recommendation of a friend, Mrs. Hong, I was given a unique chance to step beyond my regular volunteer duties and into a world of incredible biodiversity, urgent challenges, and inspiring dedication.

What started as a simple inquiry blossomed into one of the most formative experiences of my time in Vietnam: the opportunity to participate in the annual Primate Conservation Training Course at the Da Nang University of Education in November 2023. This prestigious seminar, a cornerstone of conservation education in Vietnam for over 15 years, graciously opened its doors to me, offering a profound insight into the country's rich biodiversity and the urgent efforts to protect it.

The course is a collaborative effort, organized by the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) and the Da Nang University of Education, with significant support from GreenViet, a pioneering local NGO at the forefront of conservation work in Da Nang. This partnership brings together international expertise and local leadership, creating a powerful platform for aspiring conservationists.

The seminar brought together a diverse group of participants, from university students in fields as varied as architecture and agriculture to young professionals already working in national parks across Vietnam. This created a vibrant learning environment where theoretical knowledge was enriched by practical, on-the-ground experiences.

The lineup of speakers was a testament to the course's prestige, featuring some of the most respected names in Vietnamese nature conservation. We had the privilege of learning from Dr. Ha Thang Long, the co-founder of GreenViet and Country Representative for the Frankfurt Zoological Society in Vietnam, and Mr. Tilo Nadler, a veteran conservationist with over three decades of experience and the founder of the Endangered Primate Rescue Center. Their presentations were complemented by the insights of Dr. Trang Nguyen, a celebrated wildlife conservationist and founder of WildAct, and Mrs. Le Thi Trang, co-founder of GreenViet. With the kind assistance of Mrs. Yen, a dedicated doctorand and one of the course organizers who translated the lectures for myself and another international student from the US, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the wealth of knowledge being shared.

The stories and information presented were both awe-inspiring and sobering. As a German with limited prior knowledge of Vietnam's wildlife, I was astonished by the sheer variety and beauty of its fauna, particularly the incredible diversity of primate species. A story that particularly resonated with me was shared by a young ranger who recounted the successful rescue and reunification of a young forest elephant with its herd—a poignant example of the tangible impact of conservation work.

However, this beauty is fragile. I was deeply saddened to learn that every single one of Vietnam's primate species is endangered. The course delved into the multifaceted threats they face, from habitat loss driven by socio-economic pressures to the pervasive issue of international poaching. It became clear that these are not simple problems but complex challenges interwoven with organized crime and enforcement difficulties that demand a concerted global effort to overcome.

While the international students participated in the two-day theory portion of the course, our Vietnamese counterparts continued their training with a practical field component in the stunning Kon Ka Kinh National Park. This protected area is a vital habitat for many species, including the critically endangered grey-shanked douc langur. The students later presented their incredible experiences and findings to the group on the third of December, further enriching our collective understanding.

For me, this course was more than just an educational experience; it was a catalyst for a deeper understanding and sensitivity towards nature conservation in Vietnam. It illuminated the passion and dedication of the Vietnamese people working to protect their natural heritage and underscored the critical importance of international cooperation in these efforts. My time at the Primate Conservation Training Course has left an indelible mark, inspiring a newfound appreciation for the intricate web of life and the dedicated individuals fighting to preserve it.