07 May 2008

South Africa to host first GLOBE Learning Expedition in Cape Town

Submitted by: MyPressportal Team

{pp}The 2008 GLOBE Learning Expedition (GLE) will take place at the University of Cape Town from 22 - 27 June 2008. A first for Africa, GLE 2008 will attract more than 300 GLOBE students, and 200 GLOBE scientists and educators, from GLOBE’s 110 partner countries. GLOBE students will present their research on topics such as environmental impacts on the quality of life (including water quality issues and malaria), regional impacts of climate change and GLOBE Earth System Science Projects. Students will also engage in field studies. Program highlights include an address by Dr. Jack Kaye, Associate Director for Research and Dr. Ming Ying Wei, Manager of Educational Programs, Earth Sciences Division of NASA as well as Eugene Cussons, Managing Director of Chimpanzee Eden and Rescue Director of Jane Goodall Institute.

GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) is a hands-on, primary and secondary school-based science and education program, uniting students, teachers, scientists and community members around the world in study and research about the dynamics of Earth’s environment. GLOBE began operations on Earth Day 1995. Since then, the international GLOBE network has reached more than a million students in over 20,000 schools located in 110 countries. South Africa is home to more than 90 GLOBE schools.

GLE 2008 is the largest international event currently planned by the GLOBE Program. The theme for GLE 2008 is GLOBE Research for Sustainable Communities. Sustainable Communities balance the fulfillment of human needs with the protection of the natural environment and the upcoming event in South Africa will encourage students from around the world to examine this fundamental issue.

Participants will establish personal and professional friendships and develop partnerships that will enhance their future GLOBE research experiences. They will also embark on field trips including Edith Stevens Wetland Park and Cape of Good Hope to study the natural and cultural landscape. GLE is the showcase for GLOBE students as the next generation of scientists.

GLE 2008 has garnered the support of HIP2B2, The City of Cape Town, SAPPI and CTRU. Further support for South African learners is still required. For more information, visit www.globe.gov or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. There are still opportunities for sponsors, exhibitors and advertisers. Contact us above for further information

Contact Information
Kashief Gamieldien OR Cezanne Smythe
Tribal Meetings (PCO, Cape Town)
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+27 (0) 21 422 5364           

Mark Brettenny
GLOBE in Africa CEO (GLE 2008 host and NGO affiliate, Mossel Bay)
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072 273 7997

Jan Heiderer
GLOBE Communications (Colorado, USA)
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Dr Sheila Yule
GLOBE GLE 2008 Program and Conference Coordinator (Colorado, USA)
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Published in Science and Education