Recently, Wang Hongyuan, Chairman of University Council of BFU, led a delegation on an academic visit to South Korea and Vietnam, during which they toured the secretariat of the East Asian-Australasian Flyway Partnership (EAAFP) and the Vietnam National Forestry University, among other institutions. The delegation also engaged in meetings with international alumni of BFU who are employed within Vietnam. Throughout the visit, Wang Hongyuan and his associates engaged in comprehensive discussions with partners on collaborative research, educational methodologies, and human resource development. Culminating in the trip, a memorandum of understanding was signed to further advance the international collaboration and exchange initiatives of BFU, thereby enhancing its global standing in academia.

In South Korea's Incheon, Wang Hongyuan conveyed his traditional Chinese Spring Festival salutations to the entire staff of the EAAFP Secretariat. He acknowledged the pursuit of shared values and the enduring cooperative relationship and friendship between both parties. Wang stated that the visit was intended to further solidify their collaborative efforts and to foster discussions on the strategic mission planning for the forthcoming years. He emphasized the SET plan—focusing on Science, Education, and Talent—that BFU is poised to implement, centering around international exchange and cooperation. Furthermore, BFU is set to co-host this year's Resettlement Science Conference with the EAAFP, contributing to the establishment of the Flyway Universities alliance and aiding the EAAFP in reshaping its partnerships.

Looking ahead, both parties may continue to strengthen their partnership through various endeavors, such as providing online courses for young university students from Flyway regions aimed at science popularization, implementing international volunteer service and internship programs within global organizations, and establishing research projects for young scholars. Wang voiced his desire for a future where both entities work more closely together and partner with a diverse range of international organizations, renowned universities, research institutions, and corporations. The ultimate goal is to create green corridors for migratory birds, improve the human habitat, and make substantial contributions to the construction of regional ecological civilization.

Jennifer George, CEO of the EAAFP Secretariat, thanked Wang Hongyuan and his delegation for their visit and praised BFU for its significant contributions to the Flyway over an extended period. She outlined the secretariat's key tasks for the next two years, noting that many align closely with the "SET" plan, and suggested that both parties could collaborate on more practical and effective initiatives.

Subsequent to the meeting, the delegation, in conjunction with the EAAFP Secretariat, proceeded to the Incheon Suwon Wetland Ecological Park to acquaint themselves with the park's metamorphosis from its origins as a salt production facility into an urban ecological oasis. They conducted a thorough examination of the waterfowl distribution within the confines of the park and scrutinized the park's youth-oriented ecological education program, as well as the comprehensive habitat monitoring system implemented throughout the park.

In Hanoi, Vietnam, the delegation and Vietnam National Forestry University held discussions and exchanges on disciplines and international exchanges. Wang Hongyuan remarked that BFU and Vietnam National University of Forestry share a longstanding friendship and a robust foundation for partnership, having jointly produced a cohort of graduates commended for their exemplary character, high professional caliber, and distinguished achievements. This has bolstered ample confidence in the deepening of the partnership between the two institutions. He expressed his anticipation that the recent agreement would further cement the collaborative ties. He introduced the "SET" plan for science, technology, education and talents around international exchanges and cooperation of BFU, invited Vietnam National Forestry University to join the universities alliance  in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway and participate in the scientific conference. Additionally, he proposed that both parties expedite the establishment of a dedicated working group to deliberate on specific plans and devise a functional mechanism to ensure the efficient facilitation and superior execution of their collaborative endeavors.


Pham Van Dien, president of Vietnam National Forestry University, extended a warm welcome to Wang Hongyuan and his delegation and thanked BFU for training a large number of outstanding talents for Vietnam. He highly appreciated the "SET" plan of BFU and fully agreed to set up a working group in Vietnam National Forestry University to coordinate the implementation of cooperation projects with BFU. He said that Vietnam National Forestry University is building a Vietnam-China center, promoting "3+1" and "2+2" education projects and short-term training courses, and carrying out professional education on the basis of Chinese education to cultivate high-quality international talents. He hoped that BFU could send high-level teachers and young volunteers to help build the Vietnam-China Center.

Wang Hongyuan and Pham Van Dien jointly signed a memorandum of understanding between the two universities.

Later, Lei Guangchun, professor of the School of Ecology and Nature conservation, BFU, made a lecture entitled "Transcending boundaries for the conservation of migratory waterbirds and their wetland habitats in Transcending Boundaries the East Asian-Australasian Flyway", presenting  BFU's achievements in wetland, migratory birds and biodiversity conservation.

Wang Hongyuan also had the opportunity to meet with Phan Thi Pheng and Hoang Choon Minh, Vietnamese doctoral alumni who had pursued their studies at both Vietnam National University of Forestry and BFU. He extended his encouragement to them, urging them to persist in their diligent efforts within their respective professional domains. Furthermore, he advocated for them to enhance their roles as pivotal conduits of amicable exchange and collaborative partnership between the two nations and academic institutions.

Relative person of the Party and Administrative Affairs Office, the Office for International Relations, and EAAFP Research Center made accompany.