Bringing environmental education into schools

To widely disseminate messages about ecosystem protection and encourage environmental action, in 2025, the Department of Agriculture and Environment organized three competitions targeting students.

The Organizing Committee of the environmental competitions presents awards to the winners in 2025. Photo: Hoang Loc

Through these competitions, environmental education has become increasingly accessible and engaging to younger generations.

A green playground for youth

The competitions included: Ecological models and Climate change responses; Poster painting on climate change responses; and Learning about biodiversity conservation, for lower and upper secondary students across Dong Nai Province. Thousands of entries, including ideas, artworks, and models, were submitted, demonstrating strong appeal, a sense of responsibility, creativity, and a deepening awareness among students of nature and the living environment.

The Ecological Models and Climate Change Response competition was held amid increasingly complex climate change impacts that directly affect living conditions and sustainable development of Dong Nai province. Taking place from September to November 2025, the competition consisted of preliminary and final rounds. The Organizing Committee received more than 40 models from individuals and student groups, focusing on practical solutions such as renewable energy use, efficient water use, ecological gardens, sustainable agriculture, water reuse, recycling of household solid waste and agricultural by-products, and environmentally friendly techniques to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.

Many models were highly appreciated not only for creativity but also for practical applicability and suitability to local socio-economic conditions. Notable examples included handmade soap made from used cooking oil by students of Tan Hiep Primary–Secondary School (Tan Khai Commune); the “2-in-1 Smart Ecological System for Climate Change Adaptation” by students of Dong Xoai High School (Binh Phuoc Ward); a flood, forest fire, and landslide early-warning system by students of Nguyen Trai High School (Long Binh Ward); and the “AgriCycle Dong Nai” circular agriculture ecosystem using Black Soldier Fly Larvae by students of Chu Van An Secondary School (Dak Nhau Commune).

The Poster Painting on Climate Change Response competition was a highlight of environmental education efforts, attracting more than 2,600 entries. Held in the fourth quarter of 2025, it included two rounds, with the final round taking place at the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve (Tri An Commune). This occasion provided students with vivid, hands-on experiences in one of Southeast Vietnam’s most biodiverse areas, while enhancing their understanding of the role forests play in climate change response.

According to the Organizing Committee, the artworks in this competition were diverse ideas and rich colors, conveying powerful messages such as protecting the Earth’s “green lungs,” safeguarding wildlife, warning against environmental and plastic pollution, and emphasizing individual responsibility in emissions reduction and environmental stewardship. Many award-winning works could serve as effective visual materials for environmental communication and education in schools and communities.

At the same time, the Learning about Biodiversity Conservation competition for secondary students was also held in the fourth quarter of 2025. The competition consisted of two rounds. The online preliminary round attracted nearly 11,000 participants. The final round took place in-person at Cat Tien National Park, where 150 finalists participated in experiential learning activities on biodiversity conservation and competed in a “Golden Bell Challenge” knowledge contest, helping students connect theory with practice and strengthen their environmental awareness.

Sowing seeds of green living from schools

The competitions included: Ecological models and Climate change responses; Poster painting on climate change responses; and Learning about biodiversity conservation, for lower and upper secondary students across Dong Nai Province. Thousands of entries, including ideas, artworks, and models, were submitted, demonstrating strong appeal, a sense of responsibility, creativity, and a deepening awareness among students of nature and the living environment.

The Ecological Models and Climate Change Response competition was held amid increasingly complex climate change impacts that directly affect living conditions and sustainable development of Dong Nai province. Taking place from September to November 2025, the competition consisted of preliminary and final rounds. The Organizing Committee received more than 40 models from individuals and student groups, focusing on practical solutions such as renewable energy use, efficient water use, ecological gardens, sustainable agriculture, water reuse, recycling of household solid waste and agricultural by-products, and environmentally friendly techniques to mitigate the impacts of extreme weather.

Many models were highly appreciated not only for creativity but also for practical applicability and suitability to local socio-economic conditions. Notable examples included handmade soap made from used cooking oil by students of Tan Hiep Primary–Secondary School (Tan Khai Commune); the “2-in-1 Smart Ecological System for Climate Change Adaptation” by students of Dong Xoai High School (Binh Phuoc Ward); a flood, forest fire, and landslide early-warning system by students of Nguyen Trai High School (Long Binh Ward); and the “AgriCycle Dong Nai” circular agriculture ecosystem using Black Soldier Fly Larvae by students of Chu Van An Secondary School (Dak Nhau Commune).

The Poster Painting on Climate Change Response competition was a highlight of environmental education efforts, attracting more than 2,600 entries. Held in the fourth quarter of 2025, it included two rounds, with the final round taking place at the Dong Nai Biosphere Reserve (Tri An Commune). This occasion provided students with vivid, hands-on experiences in one of Southeast Vietnam’s most biodiverse areas, while enhancing their understanding of the role forests play in climate change response.

According to the Organizing Committee, the artworks in this competition were diverse ideas and rich colors, conveying powerful messages such as protecting the Earth’s “green lungs,” safeguarding wildlife, warning against environmental and plastic pollution, and emphasizing individual responsibility in emissions reduction and environmental stewardship. Many award-winning works could serve as effective visual materials for environmental communication and education in schools and communities.

At the same time, the Learning about Biodiversity Conservation competition for secondary students was also held in the fourth quarter of 2025. The competition consisted of two rounds. The online preliminary round attracted nearly 11,000 participants. The final round took place in-person at Cat Tien National Park, where 150 finalists participated in experiential learning activities on biodiversity conservation and competed in a “Golden Bell Challenge” knowledge contest, helping students connect theory with practice and strengthen their environmental awareness.

By Hoang Loc – Translated by Thuy Trang, Minho