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 diverse 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 diverse 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.
