YNU, Kasetsart University conduct joint field practice

Faculty members and students from Yunnan University and Kasetsart University pose for a group photo at the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Chen Liding, dean of the School of Ecology and Environment at Yunnan University (YNU), and vice dean Zhang Zhiming, led a group of 15 teachers and students to Thailand from Feb 19 to March 2. They met up with faculty and students from the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University in Thailand to conduct a 13-day joint international field practice.

The joint practice was divided into two parts – teaching and field practice.

During the teaching phase, six teachers from the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University conducted specialized lectures on topics such as forest biodiversity, watershed management, and forest restoration in Thailand.

YNU students attend lectures by six teachers from the Faculty of Forestry at Kasetsart University. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

Next, accompanied by Professor Dokrak Marod from the Faculty of Forestry, the practice team traveled to Wang Nam Khiao, Hat Wanakorn, and Doi Pui Research Stations, as well as nearby forest plots to conduct field practices.

During the field practice, which was overseen by Professors Su Wenhua, Liu Wenjun, and Ma Suhui from Yunnan University, participating students proposed scientific questions and research hypotheses based on the characteristics of different forest types. They conducted investigations on plant and insect diversity, the relationship between Thai culture and biodiversity, and the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Additionally, students visited the Khao Yai National Park, the Kui Buri National Park, the Pran Buri National Forest Park, and the Royal LERD Research Station in order to deepen their understanding of the structure and biodiversity of tropical forests in Thailand. They also discussed the application of ecological knowledge in biodiversity conservation, mangrove restoration, and water management.

YNU students pose for a group photo during field practice. [Photo/ynu.edu.cn]

This was the first international field practice held by the School of Ecology and Environment at Yunnan University. It had a positive impact on enhancing students' ecological field skills, broadening their international perspectives, as well as strengthening teaching and research cooperation between the two universities.