The Honorable Rector Professor Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang delivered a welcome speech during the main closing event held on 31 March 2026 at Thai Nguyen University of Agriculture and Forestry (TUAF), followed by the introduction of participants. He warmly welcomed and thanked all attendees for participating in the FORSU closing workshop and reiterated the importance of forest landscape restoration in addressing climate change and sustainable natural resource management, emphasizing the need for strengthened academic capacity, quality education, and institutional connectivity. Professor Edward Webb from University of Helsinki highlighted the critical role of higher education in global development. He emphasized that higher education institutions can significantly contribute to sustainable development, as demonstrated by the FORSU project through the development of academic curricula, enriched learning experiences in natural resource management, and the promotion of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches. The Honorable Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Md. Atiar Rahman from Rangamati Science and Technology University, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the organizers, the FORSU Project Management Team, and the European Union for undertaking such impactful initiatives aimed at societal well-being while ensuring environmental sustainability. Professor Dr. Masudur Rahman, representing Patuakhali Science and Technology University, highlighted the achievements of the FORSU project in promoting joint research, academic curriculum development, and knowledge sharing among partner institutions. Representatives from Hue University, University of Freiburg, and Tay Nguyen University Dr. Tran Nam Thang, Professor Dr. Marc Christian Hanewinkel, and Professor Houng delivered their speeches, emphasizing the strong commitment and dedication of project partners in successfully implementing project activities and underscoring the importance of continuing future collaboration and academic partnerships. Dr. Cora from CIFOR-ICRAF presented the importance of integrating landscape restoration into higher education and strengthening institutional collaboration across Asian countries, including engagement through FORSU online platforms. The FORSU Project Coordinator, Dipjoy Chakma from the University of Helsinki, presented the key results, major achievements, and future directions for sustained institutional collaboration. Following the presentations, an open discussion session was held and moderated by Professor Dr. Roderic from the University of Freiburg. Professor Ha, Professor Dr. Atiar Rahman, Dr. Nikhil Chakma, and Saddam Hossen actively participated in the discussion, sharing insights on FORSU activities and the sustainability of ongoing institutional collaboration and research initiatives. The Honorable Rector, Professor Dr. Nguyen Hung Quang from TUAF, concluded the second day of the workshop by thanking all participants for their fruitful discussions and highlighting opportunities for future collaboration. After the 2nd day sessions, participants visited the world-renowned Ba Be Lake on 1 April 2026 where they observed scenic natural beauty and ongoing restoration activities in surrounding landscapes. The FORSU project is funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union and is scheduled to conclude in May 2026.
Higher Education Cooperation for Forest Landscape Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods in Bangladesh and Vietnam (FORSU)
