Over 100 delegates, including scientists, conservation experts, policymakers and farmers, have attended a seminar entitled 鈥淓cological Approaches to Golden Apple Snail Management in Rice Fields鈥. The event aimed to identify effective pest control strategies, reduce chemical dependency and promote sustainable agricultural development across the Mekong Delta.
On 28 May 2026, the VNUHCM鈥揢niversity of Science (HCMUS) collaborated with the Department of Agriculture and Environment of Dong Thap Province to host the seminar in Tram Chim Commune, Dong Thap Province. Attendees included Mr L锚 H脿 Lu芒n, Director of the Dong Thap Department of Agriculture and Environment; Mr V膬n Ch铆 Nam, Vice President of HCMUS; alongside more than 100 representatives from the scientific community, conservation bodies, local government and the regional farming sector.
During the opening remarks, institutional leaders emphasised the vital role of science and technology in supporting the agricultural sector to counter pest challenges, whilst steering towards low-emission, sustainable and ecological farming models.
The seminar brought together prominent experts in ecology, agriculture and plant protection from HCMUS, VNU Ha Noi University of Science, Can Tho University, the Southern Plant Protection Centre, and the Ca Mau Department of Crop Production and Plant Protection. Representatives from global conservation bodies, including the IUCN, WWF, and Tram Chim National Park, also contributed to the discussions.
Scientists presented numerous research papers focusing on the biological and ecological characteristics of the golden apple snail. The discussions highlighted integrated biological management strategies designed to minimise pesticide use and preserve biodiversity within paddy fields.
According to the experts, the golden apple snail remains one of the most pervasive pests in rice cultivation, particularly during the early seedling stage. However, management of this species should move away from an exclusive reliance on chemical pesticides. Instead, farmers are encouraged to adopt a combination of ecological measures, such as careful water level regulation, manual collection, botanical traps, duck grazing, or the promotion of natural predators to control snail populations. Chemical treatments should only serve as a final resort when biological methods prove insufficient.
Delegates noted that this ecological approach not only lowers production costs but also protects the paddy ecosystem, maintains biodiversity and enhances agricultural product quality.
Dr Tr岷 Tri岷縯, an ecologist representing HCMUS and the International Crane Foundation, observed that the presence of birds, fish, crabs, amphibians, beneficial insects and natural predators indicates a healthy, functioning ecosystem. When managed correctly, this biodiversity serves as a natural support system that helps farmers protect crops more effectively.
A central theme of interest among participants was the concept of treating rice fields not merely as food production sites, but as living ecosystems. Within these habitats, wild species play a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance, controlling pests and reducing the pressure to use agricultural chemicals. The specialists also clarified that ecological agriculture does not imply sacrificing yields or returning to outdated farming practices. On the contrary, this scientific approach aims to reduce input costs, mitigate environmental impacts and deliver safer produce for consumers.
The active participation of over 30 local rice farmers from Dong Thap was a key highlight of the seminar. Practical insights from real-world farming helped scientists and policymakers evaluate the feasibility of the proposed solutions.
Mr B霉i Quang Sang, representing a model ecological rice farm, remarked that whilst total reliance on pesticides offers quick results, the practice poses severe long-term risks. In his view, combining diverse management techniques and using chemicals only when absolutely necessary helps paddy fields maintain ecological health and achieve long-term sustainability.
According to attendees, the collaborative dialogue between scientists, regulators, businesses, conservation organisations and farmers demonstrates a growing commitment to ecological transition within Dong Thap and the wider Mekong Delta.
Beyond addressing a single pest species, the seminar opened up broader perspectives on modern agricultural development, where production is intrinsically linked to ecosystem protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable livelihoods for farming communities. Through this initiative, HCMUS reaffirms its commitment to public engagement, translating scientific knowledge into practical solutions. By partnering with local authorities to address urgent societal challenges, the university contributes directly to the national goals of low-emission ecological agriculture, aligned with the Government’s project to develop one million hectares of high-quality rice in the Mekong Delta.
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