120 students attend civet film screening in Da Lat, Vietnam!

On February 22, 2025, The Civet Project Foundation, in partnership with Da Lat University,

hosted a movie screening event titled Civet Coffee: From Rare to Reckless. The screening,

sponsored by Drusilla's Conservation in Action, brought together 120 students from diverse academic disciplines, including Forestry, Environmental Science, Law, Tourism, Biology, Foreign Languages, Sociology, and more. The event aimed to raise awareness about the growing threats faced by civets and the ethical concerns surrounding the production of civet coffee.

The event began with an insightful speech from Professor Hoang Viet Bach Khoa, who

emphasized the urgent need for wildlife conservation and the role that young people play in

shaping a sustainable future for wildlife. Professor Khoa's words set the stage for an engaging conversation on the subject.

Dr. Jes Hooper, founder of The Civet Project Foundation, presented her research on civet coffee, shedding light on its industrialization. The documentary reveals the dark side of the civet coffee industry, where thousands of civets are caged and force-fed coffee beans in inhumane conditions. These animals are denied their basic needs, including proper nutrition, exercise, and access to clean water, ultimately putting their well-being and survival at risk.

The film reveals that civet coffee is not a significant cultural product in Vietnam, its production

poses a significant threat to the country’s environmental heritage. The film highlighted the

growing need for greater awareness and action to protect civets and their natural habitats. Dr.

Hooper stressed that by raising awareness, we can protect not only these animals but also

promote sustainable and environmentally friendly economic practices.

Sparking Meaningful Dialogue

Following the screening, the event transitioned into an interactive Q&A session between

students at Da Lat University and The Civet Project. One poignant question came from a

student who asked, “How can students like us protect wildlife, especially when we live so far

removed from nature?” This question echoed the sentiment of many young people today who

feel disconnected from the natural world, despite their role in impacting it.

Dr. Hooper responded with practical suggestions for students who want to make a difference:



• Boycott civet coffee and educate others about the ethical and environmental issues

associated with it.

• Organize or participate in awareness events such as film screenings, workshops, and

talks that focus on wildlife conservation and sustainability.

• Volunteer with wildlife conservation organizations to help with research, animal

monitoring, or campaign efforts.

• Support sustainable and eco-friendly products, such as ethically sourced coffee or

clothing made from natural fibers, to reduce the demand for products that harm wildlife

and their habitats.

The film and the discussion also touched on the challenges the film crew faced during their brief

15-day filming trip in Vietnam. These challenges included navigating the secrecy of the civet

coffee industry and dealing with uncertainty about the scale of its operations. Dr. Hooper and

her team’s experience underscored the importance of transparency and open dialogue in

tackling conservation issues.

A Call to Action

The Civet Coffee: From Rare to Reckless screening was not just an opportunity to learn about

the threats facing civets; it was also a call to action. As Dr. Hooper emphasized, we all have a

role to play in wildlife conservation, whether through changes in consumption habits, supporting

conservation initiatives, or simply spreading the message of wildlife protection within our

communities.

This event demonstrated that the power of young people in shaping environmental practices is

immense. The students in attendance left with a renewed sense of responsibility and the tools to

make more informed choices about their impact on wildlife.

Moving Forward

The Civet Project Foundation continues to spearhead important work in raising awareness

about civets and other endangered species. This film screening was a reminder that we must

work together to protect wildlife and their habitats from exploitation and destruction. Through

education, advocacy, and responsible consumer choices, we can ensure a sustainable future

for civets and other vulnerable species.

Stay engaged with The Civet Project Foundation and consider how you can contribute to the

protection of wildlife in your own community. The fight for conservation starts with informed,

motivated individuals ready to make a lasting impact.

Get Involved

There are many ways you can support us and learn more of our vital work:

• Book a film screening for your colleagues/peers/students, email info@thecivproject.com

• Book our one-day Ambassador Training Program (for groups of 10 plus), email info@thecivproject.com

• Celebrate World Civet Day

• Make a donation

Author: Ms Trinh Thi Mai