Linh Nguyen reflects on her experience attending the IUCN World Conservation Congress with her mother, Hotspot Hero Dao Thi Nga.

When we arrived at Waikiki Beach the evening of September 1, we were met with a stunning sunset over the ocean, in which several wild sea turtles bobbed in and out of the water, just feet away from the pier. The scene marked the beginning of an exciting and inspiring week in Honolulu, where the Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund (CEPF) recognized my mother as one of 15 Hotspot Heroes​ at the IUCN World Conservation Congress.

For the setting of a conservation convention, Hawai’i immediately struck me as ideal. At dawn and dusk, sea turtles frequented the shallow waters by the beach where we went swimming. Dozens of crabs scuttled around the rocks. Diverse bird species strutted the streets. A Hawaiian monk seal came to rest on the sand for several days before heading back out to sea. Named Roxy, she lay protected by pylons and guarded over by volunteers and marine emergency response team members.

After we had spent a couple days exploring the area – walks along the beach, a hike up the Diamond Head volcanic tuff cone – the convention centre opened its doors to the public, and my dad, brother, and I spent a morning perusing the diverse exhibits of a wide variety of environmental organizations, and even the United States Air Force. Many were creatively constructed, featuring origami manatees, temporary tattoos, and Play-Doh stations for kids.

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Caption: 

IUCN WCC clay animal exhibit​.

Credit: 

© Linh Nguyen​

True to its waste-free intention, pamphlets and brochures were absent, inspiring some engaging social media campaigns. Even the additional seating was constructed from recyclable cardboard. However, the passion and enthusiasm in the conservationists we met far surpassed the impressiveness of their booths and displays. 

Interacting with the exhibitors and guests was enlightening. On our walk over to the exhibits, we met another Hotspot Hero, Ahmed Ghedira, who works in the conservation of sea turtles in Tunisia. Although he barely spoke English, we still managed to talk about his organization and tell him about our sightings of the Hawaiian turtles, which he went to see a few days later. We also spoke to a member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, who told us that that Roxy the monk seal belongs to an endangered species, with only about 1,100 seals left in the world.

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Caption: 

#WeNeedNature comment wall at IUCN WCC​.

Credit: 

© Linh Nguyen​​

I got the chance to meet the other inspiring Heroes at the award ceremony the following day, at the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum. It was a beautiful evening – fancy attire, delicious catering, and a fascinating venue that I explored thoroughly with my mother. Under a hanging whale skeleton and stingray replicas, CEPF Executive Director Olivier Langrand presented my mother with her award in front of hundreds. In an odd role-reversal, I became the proud photographer for the evening.

The thank-you speeches after our last dinner in Hawai’i accurately summed up the emotions of the week. Meeting all the dedicated Hotspot Heroes in particular had driven home how important this cause is to everyone around the world, regardless of our diverse backgrounds. As my 12-year-old brother whispered to me, “it’s really cool to hear all the different languages and accents.” Though delivered in English, French and Spanish, their messages aligned: the mission we all share exceeds all boundaries.