ONLINE VERSION: CHALAN DESKUBRE ISSUE 1: TRADITIONAL WISDOM
New science magazine celebrates island wisdom and science
ESF
Emphasizing the significance of traditional knowledge in science, the University of Guam Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant unveiled the inaugural issue of CHalan Deskubre magazine on December 9, at the Micronesia Mall, with this theme at its core.
CHalan Deskubre isn’t your typical magazine—it is a place-based STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) publication designed specifically for kids on Guam and the region, encouraging them to adopt a scientific mindset and explore the world beyond their classrooms.
Additionally, the magazine incorporates art to creatively show scientific concepts and foster a visually engaging learning experience for young readers, intertwining imagination with the exploration of STEAM subjects.
The first issue focuses on science and traditional wisdom, highlighting how the knowledge from our island communities contributes to scientific advancements and innovative practices. Subsequent issues will revolve around themes that spotlight the resources unique to Guam and other islands in the region, aligning with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“This magazine (CHalan Deskubre) was designed specifically for you. I hope that you take the opportunity to explore the magazine,” said Sharleen Santos–Bamba, PhD, UOG Senior Vice President and Provost.
Santos-Bamba added, “It is great partnerships like these that allows us to provide services and information and scholarship to our Guam community and our region. “
CHalan Deskubre embodies UOG’s commitment to scientific and place-based learning, according to Austin Shelton, PhD, Director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant.
He said, “CHalan Deskubre, is crafted to ignite curiosity and discovery, guiding children onto a path of scientific inquiry.”
“This is the first time that we are going to have a science magazine that teaches you about the islands around you,” Shelton added.
For the publication of the magazine, the UOG Center for Island Sustainability and Sea Grant received funding from the Education Stabilization Funds (ESF) for the “Innovating Through Pandemic Challenges to Deliver Place-Based Education in Marine, Environmental, and Sustainability Sciences” program. The ESF funding is a key component of the Governor of Guam’s Education Assistance and Youth Empowerment Grant Program.
UOG Conference on Island Sustainability connects 57 countries together
UOG Conference on Island Sustainability connects 57 countries together
More than 2000 participants from 57 countries, states, and territories were brought together virtually for the 12th annual University of Guam Conference on Island Sustainability from April 6 to April 9, 2021. With “Islands Are Rising” as its theme, the event focused on the resilience of island communities and how they are rising to achieve a sustainable global future.
Organized by the UOG Center for Island Sustainability, conference speakers shared examples of island leadership and innovation regarding human society, the natural environment, and the economy.
The conference also featured special events such as a symposium to recognize the start of the United Nations (UN) Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, a series of CIS SEED Talks, and the biannual Guam Green Growth meeting.
The conference, which gathered 527 attendees daily, has been rated favorably by its participants. Around 70% of attendees commended the quality and diversity of the conference’s speakers, who included representatives from Palau, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and other island communities. In addition, around 90% of participants said that after attending the conference, they will help their communities achieve a sustainable future and take action for the natural environment.
“It was amazing to have all of these island communities come together to talk about how they’ve been overcoming adversity using locally-informed solutions to build a sustainable future,” said Austin Shelton, the director of the UOG Center for Island Sustainability. “I feel encouraged by the feedback from our attendees and hope they will create change in their communities.”
Next year, the conference will take place from April 4 to 8, 2022.
Recordings of the conference are available at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLKY61AP86EXanz77isxgiqW1EYmh2WAyF.
For updates about future events from the UOG Center for Island Sustainability, please visit https://www.uog.edu/center-for-island-sustainability/index.php.