"Imagine a world where we don't need to sit in a classroom to learn about the environment - a world where we can touch the soil with our hands, feel the Earth with our feet, and connect with the ecosystem we want to save with our hearts."

This is the vision of Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan from China-ASEAN College of Marine Sciences (CAMS), who is working to make this world a reality through his nature-based learning (NbL) project, Vetiver Bio-R. The project uses a magical grass called vetiver to rehabilitate damaged soil, helping to drive eco-recovery.
For his outstanding contributions, Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan and his Vetiver Bio-R project have been named one of the Top 21 Global Winners of Falling Walls Engage 2024.

Image

Out of 136 applications from 54 countries, Vetiver Bio-R stood out as the only winner from the Southeast Asia region.

Falling Walls is a global platform that aims to break down barriers and push transformative ideas in science. Since its inception, it has brought together scientists, innovators, policymakers, and change-makers at the annual Falling Walls Science Summit to share cutting-edge solutions and promote global change. 

A cornerstone of the Falling Walls platform is Falling Walls Engage, an initiative that recognizes outstanding science engagement projects connecting science with society. This year, Falling Walls Engage focused specifically on climate change, sustainability, and innovation, seeking creative projects that address climate adaptation and its impact on target groups. All applying projects had to integrate climate adaptation as a core element.

At the 2024 Falling Walls Science Summit, Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan presented the Vetiver Bio-R project, showcasing how the integration of citizen science and nature-based learning can tackle soil pollution and promote environmental sustainability. 

Image

Dr. Chuck presenting at the 2024 Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin, Germany.

His presentation, titled Breaking the Wall of Nature-based Learning for Eco-recovery, emphasized how outdoor, immersive, hands-on learning can bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world environmental action.

"More than 90% of our participants have gained new knowledge, felt empowered, and become more connected to nature," he said.

The power of nature-based learning is not just about outdoor lessons - it is about turning theoretical knowledge into real action. Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan urges everyone to step out of the classroom and into tangible climate action through nature-based learning.

As introduced by Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan, up till now, the Vetiver Bio-R project has engaged over 500 participants from various age groups, restored four project locations across Malaysia and Thailand, and planted over 4,500 vetiver and other native plants. 

Additionally, the project fosters product innovation and eco-entrepreneurship through activities like soap and paper making, providing sustainable livelihood opportunities, empowering local communities, and contributing to global environmental goals. The project aligns with international commitments such as the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) and several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Image

Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan also shared that just 1 square meter of vetiver planting can sequester about 1 kilogram of carbon - this is currently being validated with carbon sequestration experts at the project sites.

"The power of nature-based learning (NbL) lies in its ability to let us experience and actively engage in environmental restoration. Let's step out of the classroom and into real climate action, becoming a part of the solution, not the pollution," Dr. Ng Chuck Chuan concluded, inspiring others to take action in the face of global environmental challenges.

For more information: https://falling-walls.com/foundation/people/chuck-chuan-ng