The world is deeply concerned about the issue of marine environmental protection and is trying to find countermeasures for sustainable development.
However, it is difficult for students to resonate with the textbook knowledge that is discussed on paper.
In order to improve students' understanding of ecological conservation, the Student Dormitory Office of the City University of Hong Kong, together with the Marine Animal Image Anatomy Research Group of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health, organized a marine investigation team combining traditional culture, natural ecology and scientific research elements—— "A Moment of Dolphins Gathering".
The event not only provides a cultural exchange platform for local and overseas residents, but more importantly, through close contact with Chinese white dolphins, the importance of marine conservation is rooted in the hearts of residents.
Combining traditional culture, natural ecology and scientific research elements to understand Hong Kong from multiple perspectives
"A Moment of Dolphins Gathering" is sponsored by the Tin Ka Ping Foundation. The activity is not an ordinary sea tour. A total of 60 boarding students from the three groups joined the research team of the Marine Animal Image Anatomy Research Group to monitor the physiological state and behavior of cetaceans in Hong Kong waters , to assess its health and provide further data for the research team to investigate potential threats to marine animals.
Su Sheng also visited the temples in the fishing village of Tai O to learn about the local traditional culture, and through the collection of marine animal specimens, he dismantled the history and reasons for their stranding in the Greater Bay Area.
The Vice-President (Student Affairs) of CityU, Professor Hanfu Chen, and the event planner, Dr. Lin Jian, Director of the Student Dormitory Office, who participated in this event, agreed that the event gave boarding students an alternative opportunity to learn about Hong Kong.
"Through this personal experience, students can better understand the habitat of Chinese white dolphins. I hope they can reflect on how to participate in conservation in their daily lives, and understand that human beings should not only take care of the living environment of dolphins, but also protect nature."
CityU Vice-Chancellor (Student Affairs) Professor Chen Hanfu and students participated in research activities to understand and observe Chinese white dolphins "up close".
In the photo, Prof. Chen (left) is discussing with Dr. Ge about marine conservation in Hong Kong.
Unforgettable experience Experience the unique beauty of the local area to arouse the awareness of nature conservation
Although Chinese white dolphins are the "indigenous residents" of Hong Kong, it is not easy to witness them jumping out of the sea.
Local student Yan (Lucas) saw Chinese white dolphins for the first time. The scene of them roaming and leaping around the boat was even more unforgettable for him. The threat to him, and the ability to understand the cultural history of Tai O, is giving him a chance to step out of his comfort zone.
"Although everyone's language and culture may not be the same, we all have common interests and even the same goals in life." Lucas even agreed to go hiking with new friends with similar interests, and once again explore the natural beauty of Hong Kong.
Local student Yan (Lucas) (first one) learned more about Chinese white dolphins through participating in this activity, which also aroused his awareness of nature conservation.
Another exchange student from Australia, Gome Madeleine, also said that she was looking forward to seeing the Chinese white dolphins before participating in the activity. As a result, she saw nearly 20 dolphins that day, and described the trip as a great satisfaction.
"The ocean in Hong Kong is so beautiful that I can't contain my excitement whenever I see dolphins. But knowing that dolphins are facing various threats, such as the chances of them being hit by a ship's propeller, makes me sad." Madeleine believes that Hong Kong lags behind Australia in the promotion of environmental protection, especially because it uses more disposable plastics but lacks recycling awareness. However, she has heard that many local groups are actively promoting environmental protection, and hopes that everyone will work together to contribute to environmental protection.
Madeleine, an exchange student from Australia, said that "A Moment of Dolphins" was the most impressive event in Hong Kong. It not only allowed her to get in touch with Chinese white dolphins for the first time, but also learned about Hong Kong's marine ecology, Tai O fishing village and the history of temples.
She shared photos of the event on social networks, and friends left messages expressing "Jealous jealousy".
Conservation work promotes community health to achieve the goal of "One Ocean Health"
The boarding students returned home full of rewards, and Dr. Ge Zhanrong, an assistant professor of the Department of Infectious Diseases and Public Health and the chief researcher of the Marine Animal Image Anatomy Research Group, and his team, who served as the team leader, have contributed a lot.
Before going out to sea, the students need to understand the health background of the cetaceans, and then go to the sea to monitor and collect data for the research team to analyze the physical condition and survival crisis of the cetaceans.
These data help to assess the health of cetaceans, and can be used to establish a one-stop database to record important information such as the general situation of marine animals, to help formulate long-term strategies for local cetacean conservation, and to establish conservation measures and policies for the entire marine ecology Ecosystem indicators, so as to achieve the goal of "integrated ocean health".
Dr. Ge Zhanrong and his team briefed Hong Kong marine ecology, Chinese white dolphin knowledge, team research and marine conservation work before the research activities.
"Humans, marine animals and the marine environment are closely related. Species are interdependent and interact with each other, forming a huge food web and ecosystem. When the health of marine animals is threatened, and humans share this water, it means that we are also Facing the same health problems, conserving the marine environment is also tantamount to conserving human beings. From a macro perspective, conservation work can even create an environment conducive to social connection for the next generation, establish an environment where the young and old are harmonious, and improve the physical and mental health of the public. Promote the health of the community." Dr. Ge compared the participating residents to seeds, hoping to cultivate more talents of different nationalities and backgrounds, and to promote the message of conservation and coexistence of species.
However, he said frankly that the realization of "marine health integration" will not happen overnight. Long-term health tracking research and database building also need financial support. He hopes that all sectors of society can join hands to participate.
(Information and photos provided by the customer)