Spark Fund: Youth-led climate action in Southeast Asia

Alex Nguyen is an independent writer and cultural practitioner based in central Vietnam, specializing in marginalized groups and contemporary issues such as climate change and inequality. Her work, which includes articles and multimedia projects, has been featured in both international and national publications like Fair Planet, ArtIQulate, and Mekongeye. Previously, she co-founded the VCIL community and VCIL Travelschool, focusing on alternative education and social entrepreneurship. Currently, she runs Thì Collective with her husband, interdisciplinary artist Dương Thanh Quang, where they use various artistic methods to address contemporary societal issues in central Vietnam. Their practice emphasizes indigenous wisdom and local sustainability.

Nguyen Quoc Vuong is a scientific researcher and leader in climate change and sustainable development based in Quang Nam, Vietnam. His research focuses on innovative wastewater treatment technologies and CO2 recovery using algae, achieving up to 99% wastewater treatment and 50 times more CO2 recovery. Vuong has garnered multiple awards for his work, including First Prizes at the National Startup 2024 and Techfest South Central 2022. With over five years of experience, he has established a science and technology enterprise in Da Nang, aiming to foster youth innovation in green solutions. Vuong holds degrees in petroleum engineering and law, blending engineering expertise with financial management skills.

Nguyen Huu Quynh Huong is a children’s book author and environmental activist who uses art and culture to address climate change. She founded Slowbooks, a publisher of children’s picture books focused on environmental issues, and leads the SlowCircle Network, which promotes ecocriticism and ecological art for Vietnamese youth. Over the past seven years, Quynh Huong has published ten environmental books now included in Vietnamese public education and libraries. She has also established an “Alliance of Children’s Books on the Environment” with international partners, conducting reading sessions and exhibitions across Asia. In 2023, she received the Silver Prize at the Vietnam National Book Award and was selected for the Green Youth Labs Vietnam project in 2024.

Tran Dieu-Anh (Annie) is a climate change leader with over 15 years of experience in environmental solutions. She has joined summits and workshops, driving initiatives for sustainability and resilience. Formerly the Community Program Coordinator at the Planeterra Foundation, Annie played a key role in the ‘Livelihood Recovery for Communities in National Park Areas Post COVID-19’ program. As the founder of Dream Up, a zero-waste sustainable living space, she has engaged youth from over 10 countries in permaculture and community projects for 6 years. Based on that successful model, Annie is collaborating with the Van Long Wetland Nature Reserve community to develop a 30,000 square meter multilayered forest, promoting biodiversity and protecting the endangered Delacour’s langur.

Mùa Mua is from Nà Bủng, Nậm Pồ, Điện Biên, where she works as a traditional farmer. Despite holding a degree in Law, she has chosen to focus on farming, including rice cultivation and livestock raising. Mùa practices a green lifestyle, emphasizing waste reduction through fabric bags and secondhand clothing. She is dedicated to promoting biodiversity and sustainable economic development within her local community. With support from Spark Fund, she aims to build confidence and inspire sustainable practices, aspiring to create a diversified garden and foster a thriving, sustainable local economy.

Minh is from Huế, a charming and historic city in central Vietnam, which inspires him in his pursuits. He is a student at the University of Economics, Hue, majoring in Business Administration. Minh is deeply concerned about climate change caused by deforestation and environmental pollution from invasive plant species. His current projects focus on creating more sustainable resources for society. Over the next two years, Minh hopes to advance in his field and fulfill his childhood dream of traveling, meeting people, and learning new things. He aims to celebrate the impact of his work, including clearing affected river areas from water hyacinths, planting new seeds, and assisting his local community.

Hoàng Phương Thảo from Quảng Trị, Vietnam, is dedicated to integrating climate change education into the school system. Her work with teachers in mountainous areas has highlighted the challenges climate change poses to education. With Spark Fund, she aims to enhance her expertise and make a significant impact by providing climate education resources and supporting teachers. She looks forward to celebrating the successful implementation of her project and its positive effects on her community.

Lưu Vũ, born and raised in Đắk Lắk, returned to his hometown in 2019 after seven years of working as a photographer in Saigon. Driven by his experiences with local culture and nature, he founded Ê Đê Yarns to focus on ecological issues and indigenous systems, aiming to create a fair and equitable development model for local communities. Over the next two years, he aims to contribute to sustainable development in Đắk Lắk through community-centered and climate justice initiatives. As an art enthusiast, Lưu Vũ incorporates artistic elements into his projects to engage and impact the community.

Nguyễn Thị Thái Mẫu is a farmer based in Quảng Ngãi with a passion for growing forest trees, medicinal plants, and seasonal local products. She has experience in waste reduction organizations, circular economy models, and natural gardening practices that protect biodiversity and preserve traditional herbs. Mẫu is committed to community-centered activities that emphasize social responsibility, sustainability, respect, and sharing. Her future goals include expanding herbal gardens to more families in Quảng Ngãi, promoting self-sufficiency in food, and encouraging the use of local plants for various purposes, from medicine to personal care. Her garden will focus on composting organic waste, educating about resource conservation, and observing nature for personal growth.

Nguyễn Thanh Kim Huệ, known as Kimmy, was born in Nghệ An and is currently based in Hanoi. She is pursuing a master’s in climate change at the National University of Hanoi, with previous degrees in Environmental Geology and English. Kimmy’s work focuses on water resources, climate change education, and community resilience. Through Spark Fund, she aims to connect with experts to enhance her project, Green Stories, which educates children in Tây Nghệ An on environmental conservation and sustainable practices. She looks forward to seeing significant impacts in local environmental awareness and practices from the project.