SOUTHERN INSTITUTE OF ECOLOGY

Southern Institute of Ecology is a basic research institute, studies on ecological functions and structures at multiple levels including landscape, ecosystems, communities, populations and individuals and human ecology. It focuses on sensitive ecosystems, ecological succession forecasting and proposes appropriate methods in wise use and restoration of ecosystems;

In addition to basic studies, SIE also conducts scientific and technological services in ecological and biological resources; Raising awareness on biodiversity and sustainable development; Educating and training on ecology and biological resources; Carrying out international cooperation programs on ecological, biological resources and climate change.

Regarding international cooperation, SIE has been cooperating with international organizations such as Columbia University, New York Botanical Garden (USA); German Primate Center (DPZ) and Museum of Natural History in Berlin-Germany; Dr Cecilia Koo Botanic Conservation Center (Taiwan). In addition, SIE also participates as an advisor to organizations such as JICA, Mekong River Commission, etc., and a member of Non-Timber Forest Products - Exchange Programme (NTFP-EP).

Founded in 2012, since then the Southern Institute of Ecology has successfully implemented many science and technology research projects (funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) and international cooperation projects. The Institute also provides different domestic and foreign scientific and technological services. Some outstanding research achievements include:

­    Studies on models and integrated mechanisms of conservation and development in Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve - Lam Dong Province and Can Gio Biosphere Reserve - Ho Chi Minh City, funded by the Ministry of Science and Technology.

­    Establishment of biodiversity database and conservation plan for management and conservation of biodiversity in provinces of Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, Quang Ngai, Ba Ria -Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, Lang Biang Biosphere Reserve - Lam Dong Province and Tay Giang District - Quang Nam Province;

­    A 25 ha dynamic plot in Bidoup-Nui Ba National Park (Lam Dong Province) has been established and operated (under the Tay Nguyen 3 Programme) for studying forest succession. This is the only forest plot in Vietnam to join the CTFS-ForestGEO, an international forests monitoring network of the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (United States). The in-depth forest ecological studies in the established plot have been proposed at the 10th US – Vietnam Joint Meeting (JCM 10) on Science and Technology;

­    Studies on primates in Central Truong Son, Da Lat Plateau, Hon Chong-Kien Giang, ..., especially research on behavior and activities of The Yellow-cheeked Crest Gibbon (Nomascus gabriellae), a rare primate species in Vietnam;

­    Studies on medicinal plants in South Central and Central Highlands of Vietnam for supplying raw materials in pharmaceutical industries;

­    Studies on invasive alien plant species to propose measures in early identifying and preventing in National Parks and Protected Areas;

Since August 2012, the Southern Institute of Ecology has published nearly 100 scientific papers, including 60 articles in international scientific journals on the SCI/SCIE list.

The Southern Institute of Ecology’s Headquarter (completed on 9/2019), in District 12, Ho Chi Minh City