This past week, from August 26th to 30th, we had the pleasure of hosting our FORSU project partners from Hue University, Vietnam, for a capacity-building and exchange week at the University of Helsinki. The week was filled with insightful discussion and hands-on workshops, all aimed at advancing the goals of the FORSU project.
📚 Monday kicked off with a thought-provoking session led by Dr. Roderich von Detten from the University of Freiburg, Germany. He delivered a workshop on problem-oriented curriculum development and teaching, setting the tone for a week of collaboration and innovation.
👩🏫 On Tuesday, Dr. von Detten continued to guide our partner through a practical workshop focused on problem-oriented course development, equipping participants with tools and methodologies to enhance teaching approaches within forest science programs.
🌐 Wednesday featured a lecture and hands-on training by VITRI's GIS expert and PhD student, Johannes Jamaludin, on GIS, mapping, and land use change analysis using satellite imagery. This session provided invaluable skills in data-driven environmental analysis, crucial for Forest Landscape Restoration (FLR) efforts.
👨🏫 On Thursday, Professors Mike Starr and Eshetu Yirdaw led discussions on the vital role of academic supervisors in shaping students’ academic and career paths. They also addressed the ethics of scientific writing, touching on contemporary challenges, including the responsible use of AI in academia.
🌳 Friday wrapped up the week with a visit to the University of Helsinki’s teaching and research facilities, including an inspiring tour of the Viikki Arboretum. During the tour, our partners gained a deeper understanding of Finnish nature and landscapes, as well as the history of Finland's conservation efforts.
Capacity-building initiatives like this week-long program are vital for fostering sustainable change in areas such as Forest Landscape Restoration and sustainable livelihoods.
By strengthening institutional partnerships and promoting knowledge exchange, these efforts equip the partner universities with the tools to develop interdisciplinary curricula that address real-world environmental challenges.
Ultimately, this empowers educators and students to become leaders in creating solutions that are both technically sound and socially sustainable, driving positive impact locally and globally.
Higher Education Cooperation for Forest Landscape Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods in Bangladesh and Vietnam (FORSU)
