1st: Kickoff Symposium
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Top-class researchers in groundwater environment science from six different countries (China, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, India, and Egypt) were called upon to speak, and six students studying within GelK gave presentations on their research (total participants: 120). A tour was held the following day to observe water sources within the Mt. Aso caldera and springs within Kumamoto City.
- Location:
- Engineering 100th Anniversary Memorial Hall, Kumamoto University. Onsite observations: Water sources within the Mt. Aso caldera, springs within Kumamoto City
- Summary:
- • Lectures from 6 foreign researchers
• Research presentations from 6 students studying within the program (total participants: 120)
2nd: Joint Symposium w/ University of Tokyo & University of Tsukuba
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A joint symposium with the theme of “Integrated Approach to Environmental Challenges in Asia” was held with the University of Tokyo (APIEL) and the University of Tsukuba (EDL). Professor Chen of the Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences was invited to speak, and 15 students studying within the programs of the three universities presented their research (total participants: 96). A total of 41 instructors and students participated in the tour that followed to observe Kumamoto’s groundwater and water circulation systems. Meaningful discussion was held during the tour on historical water usage facilities still being used in Kumamoto, more progressive water control methods, etc.
- Location:
- Kumamoto University. Excursion: Shirakawa River middle basin and water sources within Kumamoto City (springs)
- Summary:
- • Guest speaker Professor Chen of the Institute of Hydrogeology and Environmental Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences
• Presentations from 5 students studying in the Kumamoto University program (15 students total)
• Symposium participants: 96
• Excursion participants: 41
3rd: International Symposium “Africa’s Groundwater”
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The 3rd GelK International Symposium was held on March 5th-6th, 2013, with the theme of “The current situation of groundwater resources in Africa and related issues for development and future management.” A total of 17 students and 5 staff members from GelK participated. Four professors were invited as special guests: Dr. Willi Struckmeier from BGR in Germany, Dr. Maruo from JICA, Dr. Taniguchi from RIHN, and Dr. Chekirbane from EDL in Tsukuba, all of whom spoke about groundwater in Africa.
The purpose of this symposium was to discuss the challenges inherent in managing groundwater resources in Africa. Lively discussion was encouraged at the symposium to better contemplate Africa’s underground water resources. Seventeen GelK students reported their research at the poster session, three of whom (Mr. Kudo, Ms. Lusia, and Mr. Uchimura) won best poster awards. On the final day, Professor Shimada led a tour of groundwater throughout Kumamoto. Participants learned about Kumamoto’s water resources and the background behind the water environment of Kumamoto. We hope to invite graduates of the GelK program to the 4th symposium as a means of strengthening the GelK network.
- Location:
- Kumamoto University. Excursion: Aso caldera and springs in Kumamoto City
- Summary:
- -Lectures by four experts on groundwater conditions in Africa
-Presentations from students studying with GelK
How can we manage nitrate nitrogen pollution of aquifer groundwater?
Joint symposium between GelK and Kumamoto University’s CREST Research Project
This joint symposium focused on research done in case studies on Kumamoto’s water cycle and groundwater as part of the CREST Research Project, in which GelK instructors were involved. The theme was “How can we manage nitrate nitrogen pollution of aquifer groundwater?”
- Location:
- Kumamoto University
- Summary:
- 94 people (34 people from Kumamoto University)
Presentations on “Forming a Center for Training Strategic Environmental Leaders”
Joint presentation conference between GelK, SUW of the University of Kitakyushu, and EAESTP of Kyushu University
A presentation conference was held in conjunction with SUW from the University of Kitakyushu and EAESTP from Kyushu University, two programs that work to train environmental leaders in the Kyushu Region. Presentations focused on work for “Forming a Center for Training Strategic Environmental Leaders.”
- Location:
- University of Kitakyushu
- Summary:
- Explanation of the GelK program by program leaders, presentations by two students studying in the GelK program
Environmental Ideas in Agriculture
Joint symposium between GelK and the University of Kitakyushu
An “Environmental Ideas in Agriculture” symposium was held jointly with the University of Kitakyushu in Kumamoto, an area with advanced agriculture practices within Kyushu. A discussion was held among exchange students on traditional Japanese agriculture and their thoughts on nature and the environment, where the importance of environmental education that shares the differences in climate between countries was reconfirmed.
- Location:
- Kumamoto University
- Summary:
- Total participants: 101 (8 instructors from GelK, 31 GelK students)
