QR codes on forest trees promote education on environmental protection

Bu Gia Map National Park in Dong Nai province is emerging as a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and those eager to explore biodiversity. Home to a rich and diverse range of flora and fauna, it harbors many rare and endemic species, forming an invaluable biological treasure of Vietnam.

Tourists take souvenir photos next to the heritage tree. Photo: Thuy Anh

However, identifying tree species, understanding their morphological characteristics, distribution, or value remains a significant challenge for tourists. This reality is why Bu Gia Map National Park has implemented a project to attach QR codes to tree species, aiming to help tourists easily access information while enhancing the effectiveness of environmental promotion and education.

Over 300 information boards were fitted with QR codes

With just a smartphone, any visitor to the National Park can access basic information about tree species, including scientific names, local names, morphological characteristics, growth traits, distribution, rarity, and usage value. Currently, more than 300 information boards with QR codes have been installed along the park’s tour routes, providing complete and accurate data on many forest tree species. This accomplishment marks an essential step in helping visitors not only enjoy the natural scenery but also gain a deeper understanding of the ecosystem they are admiring.

Khuong Huu Thang, Deputy Head of the Science and International Cooperation Department of Bu Gia Map National Park, shared: “Attaching QR codes to tree species not only helps tourists quickly and conveniently look up information but also serves as an effective tool in conservation education. Tourists will easily understand the ecological and economic values ​​that these tree species bring, thereby raising their awareness of environmental protection.”

Tourists stand next to a heritage tree with a QR code attached. Photo: Truong Giang

Bu Gia Map National Park is located at the southern end of the Truong Son mountain range, spanning the communes of Bu Gia Map and Dak O (Dong Nai province) and Quang Truc (Lam Dong province), covering an area of ​​nearly 26,000 hectares. It is one of the most biodiverse forests in the country, home to many rare and endangered plant and animal species.

According to statistics, the National Park currently has more than 1,100 plant species, belonging to 480 genera and 126 families, including many rare legume species. Notably, there are 88 endangered and rare species, 11 species listed in the World Red List (IUCN), 14 species in the Vietnam Red List, 5 species listed in the CITES Convention, and 278 plant species that could be studied for medicinal purposes…

Thanks to this biodiversity, this place is not only a conservation area for natural resources but also a "living museum" that helps scientists, students, and tourists study and learn about tropical forests. However, to fully understand the value of each tree species, visitors often need a guide or consult specialized literature. The solution of attaching QR codes to trees was created to address this problem, allowing people to proactively access information anytime, anywhere.

Spreading love for nature and awareness of environmental protection

Dr. Vuong Duc Hoa, Director of Bu Gia Map National Park, said: “With the QR code system, tourists not only know the names and characteristics of the trees but also understand the conservation level, uses, and ecological value of each species. This initiative is an effective way to spread love of nature and environmental protection awareness to a large number of people, especially the younger generation.”

The QR code system is attached directly to forest trees in easily visible locations. When scanning the code, visitors will receive detailed information about the tree species, including: scientific name, common name, image, description of growth characteristics, distribution, rarity level, and uses of the tree in daily life.

Using QR codes is not only convenient but also helps the National Park save resources. Instead of printing thousands of information boards, data can be updated online, ensuring that information is always accurate and up to date. Furthermore, it is an effective means of environmental education for the community, especially students, who will protect the forest in the future.

The use of QR codes is not only convenient but also helps the National Park conserve resources. Instead of printing thousands of information boards, data can be updated online, ensuring that information remains accurate and up to date. Moreover, it serves as an effective tool for environmental education within the community, especially for students, who will protect the forest in the future.

In addition, this system also supports forest management. By using QR codes, officials can monitor tree conditions and rarity levels, enabling them to implement appropriate conservation measures. This accomplishment represents an important step in integrating digital technology into forest management and protection efforts.

In the near future, as the QR code system expands, Bu Gia Map National Park will continue to promote the effectiveness of this model, spreading a love of nature among the public, tourists, and younger generations. This undertaking serves as clear evidence of the integration of modern technology with management and conservation efforts, contributing to the protection of Vietnam's precious natural values for future generations.

Dr. Vuong Duc Hoa, Director of Bu Gia Map National Park

“Combining conservation education and digital technology not only creates a new and engaging experience for tourists but also helps the community better understand the value of forests. Those who visit the park will not only see the beauty of nature but also become aware of the important role of each tree species in the ecosystem. This undertaking is the foundation for building long-term environmental awareness, contributing to sustainable development and the conservation of Vietnam's nature,” Hoa emphasized.

“For the younger generation, this is a lively and visual educational method that helps them learn while experiencing. Beyond simply observing, they also learn scientific knowledge about ecosystems, biological values, and the importance of nature conservation. This is a crucial foundation for shaping a generation with environmental awareness from an early age,” shared Nguyen Hoang Hai, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City.

By Nhat Minh – Translated by Quoc Dung, Minho