Stars and STEM Stories
GLOBE Asia-Pacific Celebrates World Wetlands Day with Virtual Symposium
On 2 February 2024, the GLOBE Asia-Pacific Regional Office
hosted a Virtual Symposium in honor of World Wetlands Day. Titled
"Wetlands and Human Wellbeing," the event brought together
students, teachers, scientists, and citizen scientists from across the
region to celebrate these vital ecosystems and discuss their
conservation and sustainable management. The symposium aims to raise
awareness about the wetlands in the region and garner support for
initiatives to reduce water pollution. Additionally, it seeks to
inform local communities about the importance of restoring wetlands
and local water bodies.
True to the spirit of GLOBE, the symposium transcended physical
borders, welcoming participants from 10 countries: Bhutan, India,
Micronesia, Nepal, New Zealand, Palau, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan
and Thailand. A total of 90 passionate individuals engaged in
discussions, shared their expertise, and contributed to data
collection efforts focusing on the Water Bodies Intensive Observation
Period (IOP).
Often referred to as the "Earth's kidneys," wetlands play a critical role in filtering water, protecting coasts, providing habitat for different species, and regulating climate. The symposium aimed to raise awareness about these often-overlooked ecosystems and emphasize their importance for human well-being.
Throughout the symposium, GLOBE students from India, Nepal,
Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Thailand presented 25 projects
showcasing the collaborative spirit of our commitment to wetland
conservation and scientific exploration.
Students utilized GLOBE Protocols for many research topics, exploring wetlands in Sri Lanka, the impact of pomelo peel on Aedes albopictus larvae in Taiwan, agricultural irrigation water quality in Taiwan, factors affecting upside-down jellyfish in environmental changes, biomimicry using Eichhornia crassipes and peanut shells, water quality investigation in Xinglong Park, Taipei City, and more. The presentations delved into the crucial role of wetlands and addressed associated challenges, showcasing a comprehensive range of studies from soil properties to mosquito ovitraps and the impacts of Lab-Lab on water quality in aquacultures and wetlands.
The students' presentations can be viewed here.
Students engaged in research projects play a crucial role in
educating the public about the detrimental effects of water pollution
on local water bodies. They provide valuable insights and offer
meaningful ways for the community to take action. Through data
collection and increased monitoring of their local water bodies,
particularly wetlands, students contribute to keeping the community
well-informed. This effort fosters a deeper understanding of the
significance of local water bodies and encourages proactive measures
for their preservation.
The symposium provides a platform for students to apply GLOBE
Protocols in their research. These standardized methods ensure that
the data collected is consistent and comparable, contributing to the
overall scientific understanding of environmental phenomena.
The GLOBE Program's mission is to promote the teaching and learning of science, enhance environmental literacy, and stewardship. The symposium aligns with this mission by fostering scientific inquiry and environmental awareness among students and participants. It also serves as an educational platform for students, teachers, and science professionals, allowing participants to share knowledge, learn from each other, and contribute to a collective understanding of wetland ecosystems and environmental issues.
The GLOBE Asia-Pacific Region Virtual Wetland Symposium is
important to GLOBE as it aligns with its educational and scientific
mission, promotes global collaboration, and contributes to
environmental awareness and stewardship.
Images courtesy Dr. Desh Bandu, GLOBE Asia-Pacific Regional Coordination Office.
