The Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University, through its Academic Service Division, organized the Aquarium & Zoo Knowledge Outreach project for the third time under the collaboration between the Institute of Marine Science and Khao Kheow Open Zoo, Chonburi, under the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand under the Royal Patronage. The project was held from August 26 to 28, 2025, with the participation of 300 primary school students from Laem Ngop Community School (Nitesan Uppatham), Laem Ngop Subdistrict, Laem Ngop District, Trat Province.
The objective of this initiative was to disseminate knowledge and understanding of marine science to communities and society, to enhance learning skills in marine science through interactive activities, educational games, and recreational learning, as well as to support academic collaboration in sharing environmental conservation knowledge.
This project not only provides theoretical knowledge but also emphasizes hands-on experiences through practical activities and learning games, enabling more than 300 students to develop analytical thinking skills and engage in learning beyond the classroom. The activities further inspire interest in marine science among children, potentially motivating them to become the “next generation of scientists” in the future (SDG 4). In addition, the program communicates the importance of marine conservation and aquatic ecosystems, fostering environmental awareness and positive attitudes toward the sustainable use of marine resources.
The participating students are also encouraged to share the knowledge they have gained with their families and communities, thereby creating an informal “youth network for marine conservation.” Furthermore, the collaboration between the Institute of Marine Science, Burapha University, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and the Zoological Park Organization of Thailand exemplifies the power of partnerships among universities, government agencies, and local communities in knowledge dissemination.
This collaborative model has the potential to be further developed into ongoing projects or expanded to include schools and institutions across the ASEAN region, thereby advancing international cooperation in environmental conservation.
The project not only enriches young students’ scientific knowledge and skills (SDG 4), but also fosters awareness and responsibility for marine ecosystem conservation (SDG 14). Moreover, the collaboration between Burapha University’s Institute of Marine Science, Khao Kheow Open Zoo, and the Zoological Park Organization under the Royal Patronage exemplifies the strength of partnerships in driving sustainable education and conservation initiatives (SDG 17). This initiative therefore serves as a model of integrating education, conservation, and collaboration for a sustainable future.
