To enhance students’ knowledge about the ecological environment of Macao and raise their awareness of environmental protection, the MUST Social Service Team, supervised by the Student Affairs Office, successfully organized three “Mangrove Ecological Tours” from November 17th to 18th, 2023. MUST students actively participated, attracting more than 90 students from various faculties who enthusiastically joined the tours. On the event day, the students visited the mangrove wetland in the Cotaipa Ecological Reserve Area.
Before the activity began, the docent from the Environmental Protection Bureau first introduced the knowledge about the existing animals and plants in the mangrove. After that, students entered the birdwatching house to observe birds in the wetland, such as the black-faced Spoonbill by using telescopes. They also visited the herbarium, which displayed fossils of shellfish and insects, as well as rare animal and plant specimens. Finally, they enjoyed the natural scenery of the wetland up close in the second ecological area. The atmosphere on-site was lively, with students actively asking questions. The tour guides provided detailed explanations, allowing the students to experience the charm of nature.
Team member Xinwei Liu, who participated in the preparation of this activity, stated that the purpose of the activity is to educate students about the knowledge of natural ecology and raise their environmental awareness through close interaction with nature amidst their busy studies. Fellow team member and student Fan Enzhao expressed, "I feel fortunate to have been involved in organizing and observing the mangrove ecosystem. Other students and I were deeply attracted by its rich variety of plant species and natural mysteries. This activity made me appreciate the charm of nature and think about the relationship between humans and nature." After the activity, all the students expressed their commitment to taking action and protecting wildlife, plants, and the wetland environment, making efforts to preserve the ecological balance of the Earth.
