From July 13 to 27, NJU Eco-Environment Field Camp conducted on a 14-day research trip in 12 cities along the Rhine River in Switzerland, Germany, and the Netherlands. The project was hosted by Nanjing University and co-organized with the University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwest Switzerland in Switzeland, the University of Constance and the University of Cologne in Germany, and Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. Led by Professor Li Mei, Professor Gu Xueyuan, and Professor Ji Rong from NJU School of Environment, the team included 15 undergraduates from various departments of the university and one high school student from the Feiyue Program.

The team explored the ecological environment and observed the changing of the Rhine River from pollution to environmental protection. They compared it to the ongoing efforts to protect the Yangtze River. By studying the similarities and differences in how both rivers are managed and preserved, the camp fostered a deeper understanding of effective river protection strategies, providing insights that can benefit both regions in their ecological conservation efforts.

Before departure, team members completed training in fieldwork and experimentation. During the fieldwork, they focused on four themes: environmental chemistry, environmental biology, environmental engineering, and environmental management. The team visited the advanced laboratories in parter universities. They hiked in forest to study the Basel water purification process and the prevention of crayfish invasion. At the Rhine Observatory on the Swiss-German border, the team explored water quality monitoring processes and inter-basin collaboration. At the Museum of Nature in Konstanz, they learned about the evolution of Lake Constance. At Utrecht Wastewater Treatment Plant, the team observed the Nereda process. At the Wageningen Ecopathology Field Station, they witnessed ecological experiments on soil and ponds.

The camp provided participants with an opportunity to conduct hands-on ecological research, fostering cross-cultural collaboration and deepening their understanding of environmental issues through the lens of river protection along the Rhine.

Source: School of Enviroment