BRIDGING ART, CULTURE AND ECOLOGY: INNOVATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION PRACTICES IN UNIVERSITY SETTINGS

This study explores the integration of art and culture into environmental education within university settings, focusing on the Military University of Culture and Arts (MUCA) in Vietnam. It examines how creative practices, such as public art projects, folk culture workshops, and ecological art exhibitions, enhance students' ecological awareness and promote sustainable behaviors. The findings reveal significant positive impacts: 85% of students reported increased environmental awareness, 60% adopted sustainable habits, and 70% recognized the link between cultural practices and ecological sustainability. Additionally, these initiatives engaged the local community, with 81% of participants showing interest in public art projects. Despite these successes, challenges such as financial constraints, limited teacher training, and insufficient curriculum integration were identified. The study highlights opportunities for scaling up these initiatives through collaborations with external organizations and expanding community-based projects. By bridging art, culture, and ecology, this approach fosters transformative learning experiences and encourages active participation in sustainability efforts. The research underscores the potential of interdisciplinary methods in environmental education, demonstrating that artistic and cultural practices can effectively communicate ecological values and inspire action. It calls for further institutional support and broader implementation of such innovative pedagogies to address complex environmental challenges