Field trip to Cat Tien National Park: Connecting theory with environmental practice

On November 30 and December 1, 2024, the Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety, Ton Duc Thang University, organized a field trip to Cat Tien National Park for first-year students of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Technology. This is a practical activity, combining theory and practice to bring valuable academic experiences, helping students gain a deeper understanding of ecosystems, biodiversity and challenges in nature conservation.

Figure 1. Students of the Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety prepare for a 2-day, 1-night journey to Cat Tien National Park

Cat Tien National Park, established in 1992, is one of the most important nature reserves in Vietnam, located in three provinces of Dong Nai, Lam Dong and Binh Phuoc. With an area of ​​over 71,000 hectares, Cat Tien possesses a rich tropical forest ecosystem, home to more than 1,700 animal species and 1,600 plant species, many of which are rare species recorded in the Vietnam and World Red Books. The tour is an opportunity for students to access a practical learning environment, where theoretical knowledge is verified through direct observations and experiences.

At the Wildlife Rescue Center and the Nature Museum, students are introduced to primates, bears, and endangered animals such as the yellow-cheeked gibbon - a species in group IB (endangered, precious, rare at the level of danger) in the Red Book; Learn about the rescue, care and release of wild animals. This activity not only helps students improve their understanding of biodiversity but also makes them aware of the challenges in conserving species under the pressure of environmental degradation and illegal hunting.

Figure 2. Students visit the Museum of Nature and the Wildlife Rescue Center with the guidance of officers from the Department of Science and Technology.

Another important highlight of the program was the study session at the Mushroom Research Center. Here, students learned about the role of mushrooms in the ecosystem, visited a mushroom growing area and practiced basic mushroom growing techniques. Through this activity, students not only learned more about the biological value of mushrooms but also explored the potential applications of mushrooms in sustainable development, an area that is receiving much attention in the environmental industry.

Figure 3. Students study and experience at the Mushroom Research Center - Cat Tien National Park

Figure 4. Students experience watching wild animals at night at Cat Tien National Park

The trekking journey in the tropical forest left a deep impression. Students were led through the shaded paths of ancient trees, exploring the 400-year-old Tung tree and rare plants. Not only observing the biodiversity, students were also guided to practice basic survival skills such as finding water sources, navigating the forest and recognizing natural signs. This activity helped students clearly feel the close connection between humans and nature, while raising awareness of the responsibility to protect the environment.

In addition, the trip to Ben Cu rapids brought new perspectives on geology and riverine ecosystems. Students understood the role of the Dong Nai river system in maintaining ecological balance and the diversity of riverine plants. This knowledge not only added to the academic foundation but also aroused curiosity, motivating students to research more deeply on environmental issues.

Figure 5. Students do field trekking under the canopy of the tropical forest, exploring biodiversity and the laws of natural development, practicing survival skills in the wild.

The study trip to Cat Tien National Park was not only a meaningful practical experience but also inspired the first-year students of Environmental Science and Environmental Engineering Technology. Through the trip, the students not only learned but also formed a deep awareness of the importance of the natural environment, thereby developing a career orientation associated with social responsibility and sustainability. The Faculty of Environment and Labour Safety hopes to continue organizing similar activities, contributing to improving the quality of training and encouraging students to contribute to the green development of Vietnam.