Geoscience ambassadors of 2024

This recognition will allow me to support the dissemination of UNESCO criteria in the organizations where I work around communication in geosciences, to create new opportunities for the territory in which I live. From my perspective, it is crucial to focus efforts at minority and rural groups living in Atacama, and thus cooperate to reduce the knowledge gap and make decisions based on the current climate challenge. Personally, it will have great meaning, since in the future I want to be linked to formal education in geosciences, and without a doubt, the outreach activities, the recognition of my territory, and the closeness with the inhabitants of Atacama will be crucial stages to strengthen my career.

Receiving this award will be of great advantage to me and the Afrikagera Geological Center. I will have the ability to educate more students and people in more regions of Tanzania through seminars, radio and television programs. I have currently impacted 4 regions of Tanzania, but with the award I will reach more than 10 regions... I will also be able to do more outdoor activities with students in studying geological resources and processes, and how they influence life on earth. The prize will open more doors for our Centre to collaborate with other organizations involved in geological and social sciences... I will raise awareness to people on the role of geothermal energy in cutting harmful gas emissions... I will continue teaching on mineral resources in schools and societies, and this time around an emphasis will be on critical minerals and metals. I will hold community dialogues on climate change and geological hazards for awareness and also sharing solutions to man and environment. I will also consult teachers in schools on how we can supplement lessons in class with geology field trips.

I currently fund an award given to the top female performer in Mathematics and Physical Sciences subjects at my former primary school... This prestigious award also would serve as affirmation of the value and impact of the voluntary work I do and serve as motivation for me to continue making positive impacts within local communities where such help is much needed [and] increase visibility which may open upon doors for new opportunities in partnerships, funding, networking and mentorship... I would also like to design, together with the schools, engaging activities around STEM related fields to excite curiosity and desire for learners in my local area who want to further pursue STEM after primary education. On a country and global level, I would continue advocating for local partnership especially those that involve early careers. I will also continue initiating and leading important discussion involving governments, academia and industry representative focusing on how the sectors can work together for meaningful and effective collaboration. I would avail myself for more mentorship opportunities to young people, both in Namibia and globally.​

The UNESCO Geoscience Ambassador award will definitely support our efforts in promoting geoscience education particularly in Palawan where Geoheritage work is just starting... Furthermore, the Geoscience Ambassador Award can shift the paradigm of our profession as geologists in the Philippines. It will show that geosciences can contribute not only to extractive industries, but also to sustainable development, geoheritage, and geoeducation.

We aim to continue and expand our Geotours to other areas of our province. As Palawan is the largest and most geologically diverse province in the Philippines, it offers numerous opportunities. We aim to improve our geotours by forging additional partnerships and involving more stakeholders. I’d also want to know more and conduct social science research to help us better understand the connections between the people and their landscape, ultimately to help in making Geoheritage more palatable. In addition, we are planning geoscience teacher training sessions in Palawan. We believe that teachers are vital conduits of knowledge and must be well equipped with earth science knowledge. This year, we also plan to release educational videos on geology and archaeology, specifically curated for Filipinos. Lastly, as part of the Government of Palawan, I intend to continue serving our province by assisting with geoscience-based decision making.