SDSN’s Networks Program and SDG Academy Introduce the “Spotlight” Initiative
A new initiative from the SDSN’s Networks Program and SDG Academy called “Spotlight” was launched on May 16th. This program amplifies the voices of professors, researchers, and practitioners across SDSN’s 1600+ member network to share their knowledge and commitment to sustainable development with a global audience. It is a tailor-made opportunity for SDSN Members to inspire and connect with the global audience of both the SDSN Network and the SDG Academy. The first batch of Spotlight videos come from members from the Philippines, Portugal, Spain, and the United States. Read on to learn more about each Spotlight.
Hinablon Sa Cebu: A Community Extension Project of Cebu Technological University
Cebu Technological University, SDSN Philippines
From a research endeavor in 2013 to a Viable Demonstration Project at present, Cebu Technological University's mission of reviving a once dying cultural tradition and economic activity for the town of Argao continues to grapple with challenges of serving the community even with disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic. The vision of a genuine social enterprise can only be realized with creative directions coupled with strong institutional policies to ensure that the project is sustainable and will continue to empower communities served by the university. This narrative serves as an inspiration of how collaborations of government, private and educational institutions can be a model for empowering communities and transforming lives.
Tree for the Three: birds, landscape and ecosystem services
University of Lisbon, SDSN Mediterranean
Birds contribute to pest predation and control, among many ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes. Trees can contribute to ecosystem regulation, shelter and foraging of species, among others. In this video, Tainan Messina (University of Lisbon) presents a study based on intensive farming systems areas of Central Portugal that aims to develop a methodology that integrates bird and crop data, pest predation indicators and local farmers. The holistic characteristic of the methodology could guide stakeholders and policies elaboration more effectively as they have learned that with the farmer's participation they have the potential to produce more accurate results.
Parlamento 2030
Political Watch, SDSN Spain
Parlamento 2030 is an innovative tool created to track, collect, and provide information from national parliaments related to the 2030 Agenda. The tool is designed to overcome the challenges of the cross-cutting nature of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Parlamento 2030 classifies information related to the SDGs through an advanced automatic labeling system. This innovative technology allows users to navigate parliamentary activity related to the SDGs through an online search engine openly and free of charge. The information provided is essential for the monitoring and accountability of the implementation of the 2030 Agenda at the national level.
Nanomaterial-catalyzed Hydrothermal treatment of wastewater towards water reuse
North Carolina A&T State University, SDSN USA
This video explains in detail the current and future effects of drinking water contaminated with PFAS. Current treatment methods are discussed, as well as their demerits. Hydrothermal liquefaction treatment as a viable and better alternative is then discussed, with specificity to how nanomaterials can help clean water more.