City University of Macau, Faculty of International Tourism and Management -- Bachelor of International Hospitality and Tourism Management Year 3 Students, visited the Cotai Ecological Protection Zone 1 (near Lotus Bridge in Cotai) in the morning of 9^thNovember, covering an area

about 15 hectares and is a limited-open area. This activity is an outdoor exploration class for the subject of Eco-tourism planning and design.

It is organized by our college, led by Ms. Lam Cheng I (lecturer of the subject) and explanation is given by an instructor from Environmental

Protection Bureau.

The Cotai Ecological Protection Zone has recorded 229 species of algae, 4 species of bryophytes, 20 species of ferns, 11 species of

gymnosperms, and 348 species of angiosperms. In terms of animals, there are 142 species of zooplankton, 133 species of benthic animals,

502 species of insects, 81 species of fish, 5 species of amphibians, 21 species of reptiles, and 10 species of mammals. Its abundant resources

have attracted 181 species of birds to forage and inhabit here, including black-faced spoonbill. (Environmental Protection Bureau, 2019)

Under the guidance of instructor, students learned about the wetland environment of ecological reserve, the succession of wetland, the

conservation of species diversity, the planting methods and their ecological value. Moreover, students went to the bird watching house and

used binoculars to watch various birds.

The activity, allowed students to apply knowledge from daily lectures in the practice of eco-tourism planning and design. It further enhanced students' understanding in ecological conservation and the development of eco-tourism.

Group photo with lecturer Lam Cheng I and the students

Instructor gives explanation about the planting methods and their ecological value

Students watch various birds at bird watching house