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Long is the Country Representative of the Frankfurt Zoological Society. He has started working in conservation since 1999, at the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre in Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam. In 2009, Long finished his PhD in Animal Ecology at the University of Cambridge, England. In 2012, he co-founded GreenViet, a non-profit organization working to conserve important ecosystems and endangered species in the Central and Central Highlands regions. Since 2022, he has participated in the management board of the Vietnam Conservation Fund to support local CSOs to expand their impact in conservation. He joins WildAct’s Board of Governors in 2023 to provide technical and fundraising support for WildAct, especially regarding strategic planning, advocacy, species and habitat conservation.
WILDACT – TURNING HOPE INTO ACTION
Hi, I am Dr. Trang Nguyen, the Founder of WildAct.
When I was eight years old, I accidentally witnessed the brutal reality of bear bile farming in my neighborhood – a bear’s bile was being extracted right before my eyes. That harrowing moment ignited a deep sense of motivation, determination, and courage within me. I made a promise to that bear:
“I MUST DO SOMETHING TO END WILDLIFE EXPLOITATION”
Back in the early 1990s, biodiversity conservation was a relatively unknown concept in Vietnam, which made my journey even more challenging. I faced obstacles – my family’s disapproval, language barriers, and gender inequality. But I refused to give up. I worked hard, and against all odds, I secured a fully funded scholarship to pursue a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation in the United Kingdom. From there, my passion only grew stronger. I went on to earn two master’s degrees and a doctorate in biodiversity management.
But life had other plans. In 2013, while studying at Cambridge, I was diagnosed with bowel cancer. Fearing I wouldn’t live to fulfill the promise I made to that bear as a child. “If not now, then when?” I asked myself. I knew I couldn’t wait any longer – I had to take action. I founded WildAct, a Vietnamese non-profit organisation dedicated to making wildlife conservation more accessible to everyone. Through WildAct, I’ve created opportunities for people of all ages and backgrounds to protect nature and be part of something bigger.
Along the way, my work has been recognized on a global scale. I am honored to have received prestigious awards such as the Future for Nature Award in the Netherlands, the Princess of Girona Award in Spain, and most recently, the British Council Study UK Alumni Award for Science and Sustainability. I was also named one of the BBC’s 100 Most Influential Women and included in Forbes Asia’s 30 Under 30. One of my proudest moments was being featured in BBC’s Planet Earth III, where Sir David Attenborough recognised me as one of his six conservation heroes.
Beyond my conservation efforts, I want to inspire younger generations to connect with nature and wildlife. That’s why I’ve written children’s books like Saving Sorya: Chang and the Sun Bear and Saving H’Non: Chang and the Elephant. These stories carry my message of love for nature, and I’m thrilled that they have been translated into over 10 languages and published worldwide, allowing young readers everywhere to discover the magic of wildlife.
It’s been a long journey, but I’ve never forgotten that eight-year-old girl who just wanted to help a bear.
“AND THE TRUTH IS, I CAN’T DO IT ALONE”
Protecting wildlife is something we all have a part in. So if you’ve ever felt the same way – if you’ve ever looked at nature and thought, “I wish I could do something” – know that you can.
WildAct is here because of people who believe in change. If you’d like to be part of that journey, we’d love to have you with us.
OUR MISSION & VISION
MISSION
Empowering communities, protecting wildlife, saving our planet
VISION
A world where empowered communities and thriving wildlife coexist, ensuring a sustainable future for our planet.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HA THANG LONG, PhD
Country Representative Frankfurt Zoological Society
HEIDI QUINE, MSc
Vietnam Country Director
Heidi is the Director of the Vietnam Country Director at Animals Asia. She is a strategic leader and media spokesperson with 22+ years of experience in the welfare and conservation sector. Heidi’s expertise is varied including strategic planning & execution, programme development, capacity building, team development & management, change management, compliance, reporting & budgeting, training & development, and strategic communication & partnerships. In 2018, Heidi completed her MSc degree in International Animal Welfare, Ethics and Law from the University of Edinburgh and currently completing my MBA in Human Resources through the Australian Institute of Business. Her leadership is centred on the notion that “happy people means happy animals.” Joining WildAct as a governing board member, Heidi expects to contribute her diverse expertise to strengthening WildAct governance, improving team leadership and capacity, as well as introducing potential fundraising and partnership.
JOSH KEMPINSKI, MSc
Wildlife and Natural Heritage Advisor
Josh has currently worked as the advisor to the Wild & Natural Heritage Department of the Royal Commission for AlUla, in Saudi Arabia. Before that, Josh worked on species conservation and protected area management in Vietnam between 2004 and 2022, mostly with Fauna & Flora International (FFI). During that time, he also worked on climate/nature synergies in protected areas, mangrove systems, REDD+, and energy policy (mainly hydro-dams). He has been involved with various conservation and forest carbon/carbon market analysis projects in Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Australia, England, Tanzania and Mozambique. Josh finished his MSc degree in Ecological Management at Imperial College, London, England in 2004. Josh expects to provide technical support for WildAct in strategic planning, legality, governance, and assist WildAct to expand its influence at the regional and global levels.
HUMANS OF WILDACT
DO HOANG ANH
Deputy Director
With me, Communication has the mission of spreading positive messages and good things in life. That is the reason I choose to stick with organizations that work for people and nature. Because only when we respect people and nature can we move towards sustainable development. And with the power of communication, the way I tell stories about people and nature in the most honest and respectful way, I hope to create empathy and sharing with everyone, so that many hearts are connected, many voices become one for a better future.
TRAN THI YEN
Operations Management Manager
Conservation is more than a job – it is a journey deeply connected to nature, wildlife, and people. In my eighth year, I have witnessed the dedication of colleagues who brave challenges to protect the wild.
Each day is more than reports; it is about researchers’ perseverance, patrol teams’ commitment, and the silent sacrifices behind the scenes. I admire them – those who trek forests to safeguard nature and educators spreading conservation messages.
For me, this job is not merely about coordination—it is a commitment to support those on the frontlines of conservation, ensuring they can focus on their mission with confidence, knowing that a strong operational system stands behind them.
LE QUOC THUONG
Species and Habitat Program Manager
Mr. Lê Quốc Thưởng has many years of experience in conservation, working with both international and local conservation organizations.
With a solid foundation of knowledge and skills, Thưởng aspires to collaborate with WildAct on advanced research initiatives while managing and ensuring the quality of two significant projects: the conservation of migratory birds in the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve (RRDB) and the preservation of large mammals in Chư Yang Sin National Park.
Thưởng is dedicated to contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s conservation sector, not only through research methodologies but also by fostering interdisciplinary partnerships.
TRAN NGOC ANH
Awareness raising and Education Coordinator
As a first-year student, Ngoc Anh has participated in community activities on nature conservation and organized propaganda exhibitions at the University of Forestry. She was able to experience and participate in new social activities on issues related to conservation. Those experiences are not taught to her by any school, and it makes Ngoc Anh feel that she needs to do more for the community in general and conservation in particular. After participating in the SCNC 2023 event, Ngoc Anh had the opportunity to work with WildAct and become a member at the organization as an education and awareness officer. Hopefully, Ngoc Anh’s journey with WA will bring more value to the community and the conservation industry.
