VietNamNet Bridge – Professor Phan Nguyen Hong from the National University of Education here has won the international Cosmos Prize for his contribution to saving mangrove forests.

“The most significant fact is that Hong’s work has helped revive many mangrove forests destroyed in war time”. (Photo: mangrovesvn.org)

The prize is awarded annually by the Expo 90 Commemorative Foundation to an individual or team who contributes to the interdependence of life and the global environment.

“His 40-year research project plays an important role in protecting bio-diversity and reducing global warning,” said Mai Sy Tuan, dean of the National University’s Faculty of Biology.

“It helps humans discover the best way to preserve harmony with nature.”

Nguyen Lan Dung, chairman of the General Biology Association, said the prize was an honour for all Vietnamese scientists. “The most significant fact is that Hong’s work has helped revive many mangrove forests destroyed in war time,” he added.

The 73-year-old professor is a pioneer in the study of the bio-ecology of tropical wetlands in Viet Nam. He began his research in 1964 to solve the long-term effects of the chemical war on mangroves.

Hong went on to establish Can Gio Province’s Biosphere Reservation Centre.

He also helped local residents replant mangrove forests in eight different provinces and improved their living standards by using the forest wetlands to raise aquatic products.

He established more than 400 classes in 10 coastal provinces to train fishermen in new ways of raising sea products and planting mangroves.

Hong has published 20 books about preserving the mangrove ecosystem and become a top-ranking expert in Asian wetland systems.

He intends to continue his studies on coastal forest conservation and contribute to marine resource protection and poverty reduction.

“I’ll donate part of my prize money to support scientific research for university teaching staff and students,” said Hong.

(Source: Viet Nam News)