On the evening of April 17, 2024, the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies at National Economics University (NEU), in collaboration with The Civet Project Foundation (United Kingdom), hosted a screening of the documentary “From Rare to Depleted: The Truth Behind the World’s Most Expensive Cup of Coffee.”

An overview of the film screening and seminar

External guests attending the screening included Nguyen Van Thai, Director of Save Vietnam’s Wildlife; Jasmine Gould, Communications and Fundraising Advisor; and Trinh Thi Mai, representative of The Civet Project Foundation.

Representing NEU were Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies; along with lecturers and more than 100 students from NEU’s faculties and institutes.

Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, delivers opening remarks

In his opening remarks at the screening, Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, thanked Nguyen Van Thai, Jasmine Gould, Trinh Thi Mai, colleagues, and students for taking the time to attend. The Dean also highlighted the importance of protecting wildlife and promoting sustainable coffee consumption, emphasizing the need to maintain and ensure harmony between human activities and the natural environment. The screening was part of a series of events through which the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies seeks to convey meaningful environmental messages to a broad audience of students—the younger generation and the country’s future leaders.

Dr. Jes Hooper, representative of The Civet Project Foundation, United Kingdom, delivers opening remarks

Also delivering opening remarks, Dr. Jes Hooper, representative of The Civet Project Foundation, described the organization’s activities to protect civets and raise awareness of the negative impacts of the civet coffee industry. Dr. Jes Hooper also expressed a desire to collaborate with individuals and organizations to protect wildlife. In particular, Dr. Jes Hooper thanked experts from the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies for agreeing to be interviewed and contributing their knowledge and insights during the filmmaking process, and thanked NEU’s departments and offices and the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies for their leadership, guidance, and support in facilitating this meaningful event.

Audience members watch the documentary “Civet Coffee: From Rare to Depleted”

The documentary was screened for more than 100 lecturers and students. The film takes viewers on an exploration of the secrets behind the civet coffee industry, known for its high prices and distinctive flavor. Behind this glamorous image, however, lie dark realities concerning animal welfare and the sustainability of production. Exploring the origins of civet coffee, the film takes viewers from folk legends to its development into a global industry. It also details the civet coffee production process, from harvesting coffee and feeding civets to collecting and processing their feces. In doing so, it exposes the appalling living conditions that civets endure on civet coffee farms. Civets are confined to cramped cages and lack adequate food and medical care. These conditions can cause numerous health problems, including stomach ulcers, malnutrition, and dehydration.

The film questions the sustainability of the civet coffee industry and offers potential solutions to ensure animal welfare and protect the environment. To contribute to civet conservation, viewers are urged to sign a petition calling on TripAdvisor to issue animal welfare warnings for all civet coffee attractions.

Speakers take part in the talk show on wildlife conservation

The organizing committee presents gifts of appreciation to the guest speakers

The next part of the program was a talk show titled “What Can Be Done to Change Civet Coffee Consumption Behavior? Conservationists’ Stories and the Significance of Wildlife Protection.” Guest speakers participating in the discussion were Nguyen Van Thai, founder and Director of Save Vietnam’s Wildlife; Jasmine Gould, Communications and Fundraising Advisor; and Prof. Dr. Dinh Duc Truong. The speakers shared memorable experiences in wildlife protection and proposed solutions to change civet coffee consumption behavior and move toward sustainable coffee consumption.

Teams present their entries in the film commentary competition

An award is presented to the team with an outstanding commentary

The program also featured the final round of the film commentary competition “Why Should We Not Consume Civet Coffee?”, with student teams participating. Following the competition rounds, two outstanding commentaries received well-deserved awards.

Delegates and participants pose for a group photo

At the conclusion of the screening, Prof. Dinh Duc Truong, Dean of the Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies, expressed his pleasure at welcoming the guests to NEU for a working visit and an exchange of experiences. In his closing remarks, he once again emphasized the importance of raising awareness of the negative impacts of the civet coffee industry and encouraged participants to join together to protect wildlife and the environment.

Additional photos from the program:

The organizing committee presents commemorative gifts to those who contributed to the program

Audience members ask questions and join the discussion

Article and photos: Faculty of Environment, Climate Change and Urban Studies

This is an automated translation. If you notice any errors, please contact the Department of Communications, National Economics University at phongtruyenthong@neu.edu.vn.