Cúc Phương National Park aims to boost the younger generation’s love of the natural world

NINH BÌNH – The Cúc Phương National Park in the northern province of Ninh Bình is attracting visitors, particularly the young and students, to experience various nature projects associated with wildlife protection.

The programmes aim to improve their awareness of the importance of nature conservation and inspire the love for nature among the younger generation.

Cúc Phương Camp 2024 is one of the events that is being implemented with a variety of activities to bring the forest closer to youth.

Children join rangers of the Cúc Phương National Park to release wild animals back into nature. Photos courtesy of Cúc Phương Camp

According to organisers, participants at the event will have a chance to experience the vast nature by witnessing fireflies at night, wading through streams, hiking through the forest and visiting thousand-year-old trees, all across just one week. They can meet local Mường ethnic people and explore their food, games, musical instruments, as well as learn about forest rescue and conservation work. Through joining these activities, they will learn skills such as teamwork, forest navigation, survival skills and basic cookery.

A ranger of the Cúc Phương National Park explains to young members of the Cúc Phương Camp about a rope trap.

Trần Quang Phương from the park’s Environmental Education & Services Centre said this is the third year the park has organised the summer camp. Themed ‘Exploring Cúc Phương’s Treasures’, students will discover many valuable aspects of the ancient forest, such as its vegetation, wildlife, local culture and archaeological traces, he said, adding that the programme has received positive feedback from campers and their parents.

Phương went on to say that this is an opportunity for children to experience various skills, thus spreading love for nature and awareness of nature conservation among the community.

Trần Khánh Duy from Hồ Chí Minh City shared that what impressed him the most was experiencing the work of animal rescuers and caretakers. Although the job seems simple, it requires a lot of love for animals, he noted.

The programme has brought about many meaningful experiences, Duy said, adding that he hopes that it will continue to be organised to help spread the love for nature and raise awareness of forest protection among children and the community.

Children learn about different flora species and join rangers of the Cúc Phương National Park to plant tree in the park.

The Cúc Phương National Park has established a tourism ecosystem with various programmes and products, through which, the forest is perceived as being like a ‘living museum’ and a big school where students and visitors come to learn and explore.

Special attention has been paid to educational activities that raise awareness of the environment and nature, such as visiting the ancient people’s cave, seeing ancient trees, bird watching and conquering the peak of Silver Cloud Peak, which is dubbed the ‘Roof of Cúc Phương’. These tours have left an unforgettable memory on visitors over the years.

A painting created by a young members of the Cúc Phương Camp. Photo courtesy of Cúc Phương Camp

Director of the Centre for Sustainable Development Trần Anh Tuấn, who initiated the Nature Experience programme, said Cúc Phương boasts a diverse flora and fauna and a collection of special spaces and conservation areas that offer parents and students many interesting experiences. When visiting the park, students will understand the work, hear untold stories, and see things not available in books or mass media. They will meet, experience and listen to the stories of the animals, empathising with the animal rescue and conservation work, thus contributing to spreading the message of environmental protection.

According to Đỗ Hồng Hải, Deputy Director of the park’s Environmental Education & Services Centre, it is time for Cúc Phương tours to focus not just on visits but also on imparting knowledge and messages through well-integrated activities.

In the future, the park will continue to implement various experience education programmes tailored to different age groups to transmit the love for nature and awareness of nature protection to everyone, he added. VNS