The Global Inquiries and Social Theory Research Group Hosts a Thematic Research Seminar

At 4:00 PM on December 16, 2025, in Room B010 at Ton Duc Thang University, the Global Inquiries and Social Theory Research Group (GIST) convened a scholarly seminar featuring Dr. Nguyen Van Toai, a collaborating researcher of the Group, as the guest speaker. The event was attended by Dr. Dang Thi Kim Phung, Head of GIST, faculty members of the Faculty, and 32 undergraduate students majoring in Sociology.

During the seminar, Dr. Nguyen Van Toai delivered two key thematic presentations:

Presentation 1: Non-economic drivers encouraging the participation of local communities in Payments for Forest Environmental Services (PFES) in Vietnam.

Presentation 2: Media debates on the illegal trade of the white pheasant (Lophura nycthemera): Challenges for wildlife conservation and gaps in science communication in Vietnam.

In the discussion session, the speaker provided in-depth analysis of the current state of PFES management in the Central Highlands and the Mekong Delta, and clarified issues related to community awareness of wildlife conservation. Drawing on rich empirical data, the seminar not only offered valuable academic insights but also opened up new interdisciplinary research directions for GIST and the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities.