Stars and STEM Stories
Asia and Pacific Regional Coordination Office Hosts Virtual Wetlands Symposium
Group photograph of participants from the 08 December 2022 meeting
In December 2022 and February 2023, the GLOBE Asia and Pacific Regional Coordination Office (RCO), in an effort to promote the Water Bodies Intensive Observation Period (IOP), hosted a virtual symposium entitled “GLOBE Asia and Pacific Virtual Wetland Symposium.” The symposium was focused on the theme of wetland restoration, with the goal of raising awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.
According to Dr, Desh Bandhu, Coordinator, Asia and Pacific RCO, the effort “provided students with the chance to share their research, discuss that research with their peers and earn participation certificates. The symposium was open to all GLOBE countries in the region, and students, teachers, science professionals and citizen scientists were invited to contribute to the data collection, research and collaboration initiative.”
GLOBE student from Batasan Hills National High School, Manila, Philippines, presents research on the wetlands of Philippines on 08 December 2022
GLOBE students from Dara Academy, Chiang Mai, Thailand, presents research on wastewater treatment on 08 December 2022
GLOBE student from Amity Public School, Nepal, presents research data of their local wetland on 08 December 2022
“Water is a precious resource and a vital component for life around the world,” Dr. Bandhu said. “Because of its importance, it is crucial that nearby water sources (lakes, ponds, wetlands) are thoroughly studied so that they can be appropriately managed. Wetlands are those areas where the soil is covered with water or can be present near the ground throughout the year. It supports both terrestrial and aquatic species. They vary widely depending on the climate, soil, vegetation, hydrology, chemistry, and human disturbance.“
“During the first part of the symposium, held on 08 December 2022, 16 projects were presented by GLOBE students from Nepal, Philippines and Thailand. In all, 134 participants attended this part of the symposium.”
“The second part of the symposium, held on 02 February 2023 (on the occasion of World Wetlands Day 2023), six projects were presented by GLOBE students from India, Nepal and the Philippines. In all, 94 participants attended this part of the symposium.”
Group photograph of participants from 02 February 2023 meeting
“Ten out of 19 countries in the region attended the symposium, which includes participants from Australia, Bhutan, India, Micronesia, Nepal, Palau, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan Partnership, and Thailand.”
GLOBE students from Batasan Hills National High School, Manila, Philippines, present research on soil analysis on Las Piñas - Parañaque Wetland Park on 02 February 2023
GLOBE students from Winfield High School, India, present research on conservation, restoration and management of lakes in Telangana on 02 February 2023
Testing of pH Level, alkalinity, water temperature and soil pH at wetland Paranaque on 02 February 2023
“The symposium created awareness about the wetlands in the region and increased support toward reducing water pollution, and making the local community aware about the restoration of the wetlands and or local water bodies.”
“Students who engaged in the research projects also educated people about the effects that water pollution poses to local water bodies and provided meaningful ways to take action.”
“Students collected data and increased monitoring of their local water bodies (wetlands) in an effort to keep the community informed and facilitate more understanding of the local water bodies.”
“The participants now have a better understanding of the GLOBE hydrology protocol and of wetlands,” Dr. Bandhu said. “Participants have learned how to use science, data and online tools in the development of students research project. Students participating in symposium also collaborated with other GLOBE schools from around the region to strengthen their research experience and share ideas. Now, they can also present their measurements and research at a future webinar in the region, as s well as submit their research paper to the GLOBE International Virtual Science Symposium (IVSS).”
Star Story submitted by Dr, Desh Bandhu, Coordinator, Asia and Pacific Regional Coordination Office.