Speaker: Dr. Paul-David Lutz - Université libre de Bruxelles
Date: 18 December 2024
Venue: Main Lecture Theatre, National University of Laos, Dong Dok/ Lao PDR

Abstract

Held in the main lecture theatre of the National University of Laos (NUoL) in Dong Dok, this lecture was attended by 127 Lao NUoL students from both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, as well as by eight senior faculty members, various interested NUoL staff and invited outside guests.

The lecture provided a rare and excellent opportunity to present the results of Dr. Lutz’ SeedsValues field research in Nam Bak district, Luang Prabang province, and to engage directly and in-person with both NUoL faculty and students. The lecture proper was followed by a panel discussion involving Dr. Lutz, SeedsValues Principal Investigator Prof. Olivia Angé and Prof. Somkhit Boulidam, Dean of the NUoL Faculty of Social Sciences (Prof. Boulidam also served as chair and moderator). In addition to high attendance, the strong interest in the event was also attested to by the many (and very thought-provoking) questions asked by students in particular. As these questions affirmed, young people (and future leaders) in Laos have a keen sense of the importance of biodiversity conservation in an age of fast-paced socio-economic change.

The lecture, panel discussion, Q&A, informal post-lecture discussions and networking at the following lunch contributed greatly to enhancing cooperation between the SeedsValues project and the National University of Laos its key in-country partner and facilitator. We thank Mrs. Salika Onsy for her valuable work in organizing and facilitating this event.