On November 8th, the University of Limerick Student Sustainability hosted the next instalment of their Conversation Series, focusing on SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. The session welcomed Chidi Usanga, a PhD candidate at UL, whose research centres on the River Shannon under the Faculty of Science & Engineering’s Sustainability programme.
Chidi's project, titled “Giving Voice to Nature: Digitally Enabled Human-Nature Interaction to Support Restoration Practices in the Shannon River”, aimed to enable the non-human natural entities in and around the river to communicate and interact with humans through new and emerging digital technologies. This innovative approach aligns with SDG 6, which seeks to ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
Throughout the session, Chidi provided insights into the importance of restoring and preserving the Shannon River, a vital natural resource in Ireland. He discussed how technological advancements can facilitate human-nature interaction, ultimately contributing to the restoration and sustainable management of the river's ecosystem.
The event provided attendees with valuable perspectives on the intersection of technology, sustainability, and environmental conservation, highlighting the role of innovative solutions in addressing water-related challenges. By engaging in discussions and sharing knowledge, participants gained a deeper understanding of the importance of SDG 6 and the efforts needed to achieve clean water and sanitation for all.
The UL Student Sustainability Conversation Series invites exceptional individuals to speak to students in the University about their professional and personal experiences, centrally themed around a UN Sustainable Development Goal. We do this to showcase to students the fantastic real-life work that takes place around us in advancing economic, environmental, and/or social sustainability, while providing students with worldviews and perspectives that inspire and challenge perceptions around effective sustainable development. Find out more at www.ul.ie/sustainability.