8th Asian Primate Symposium [2022]

Following the success of the seven previous Asian Primate Symposiums, Vietnam hosted in November 2022 the 8th Asian Primate Symposium. Vietnam, with its diverse ecosystem harboring 24 species and two subspecies of primates, is the ideal location for primatologists to converge and discuss their research and conservation work. This symposium was organized by Three Monkeys Wildlife Conservancy in collaboration with the Vietnam National University of Forestry, for which reason, the university was chosen for the event to take place. 

The 8th Asian Primate Symposium lasted four days, from the 13th to the 16th of November 2022. More than 150 experts, researchers, and conservationists working in 91 organizations from more than 20 countries worldwide participated in the symposium.

The symposium kickstarted in the evening by warmly welcoming the participants, for which a cozy and fun icebreaking dinner was organized. The following day, November 14th, the opening ceremony officially occurred with the attendance of governmental officials, renowned scientists, journalists, and all participants of the symposium.

During the two days of 14th and 16th November, 62 presentations and discussions were given by the partakers to share new research, knowledge, or experiences in primate conservation in their countries. The presentations were divided into different sessions covering the following main themes: 1) Human – Nonhuman primate interactions and conflicts, 2) Genetics & Conservation, 3) Conservation, 4) Conservation and Behavior, 5) Conservation of gibbons, 6) Drone survey methods, and 7) Behavior (ethology).

Besides the oral presentations, attendees shared their research through poster presentations during the symposium’s poster session. All participants had also plenty of animated discussions during the sessions, tea breaks, and even during meals. 

On November 15th, the attendees went on an excursion trip to Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh Province, and visited three rescue centers. The trip was enthusiastic as people could better understand the conservation work of wildlife in Vietnam.

The symposium had the pleasure of the participation of two talented Vietnamese wildlife artists: Dao Van Hoang and Nguyen Tien Dung. Alongside, the organizing committee also created an exhibition in parallel consisting of photographs representing all 24 species of Primates in Vietnam.

We strongly believe that the vibrant social environment provided by the symposium created an excellent opportunity for the primate scientists and stakeholders to connect and exchange knowledge, from which they can contribute better to their national as well as regional conservation work. The symposium also further enhanced the possibility of networking, thereby encouraging future collaboration between individuals and partnerships between different organizations.

We expect the overall outcome of this symposium to have a long-lasting effect beyond the time frame of the actual event, especially by contributing to the capacity building of the attendees and by strengthening a well-connected interdisciplinary community of primatologists and primate stakeholders operating in Asia.

Without the kind support of all sponsors and stakeholders, the 8th Asian Primate Symposium could not have been that successful. We would like to send our sincerest thanks to our sponsors: WWF Vietnam, Re:Wild, Frankfurt Zoological Society, American Society of Primatologists, Leipzig Zoo, and all contributions of the 150 participants, as well the considerable support and dedication of our volunteers.

See you all at the 9th Asian Primate Symposium!