Chindwin River Expedition
NEWS - February 2020 The Ayeyarwady and Chindwin river can be considered as the back-bone of the country: being of vital importance for irrigation water, for drinking water, for fishing and with important ecological function. At the same time, it is extensively influenced by mine waste disposal, industry discharge, energy production, urban waste water, agriculture pollutants and the like. Unfortunately, data on the water quality of the Chindwin are rather scarce and no sampling has ever been carried out on high spatial resolution.
That is why Manuel Huber started his Chindwin River Expedition. With this expedition he tries to combine his passion for adventures with scientific research. Starting this week, he will:
- Hike (solo) 500-600km along the Chindwin River
- Take sedimentation and water quality samples
- Have several talks and presentations with local universities and stakeholders
Recent development in low-cost-sensors and a high connectivity with a 4G network in Myanmar allows to create an interactive expedition measuring several water quality and hydrological parameters along the river. The suggested expedition includes a hike from the Kwaya of the river to the Magway. Hiking the whole length gives the opportunity to take measurements at the most remote places and tributaries as well as it allows to connect with the communities living along the river.
Manuel about his expedition: "When talking about science and engineering creativity and curiosity are the most fundamental ingredients to find solutions and innovations. This does not only cover academia, it reaches down to what we are and how we live our life. This project embodies, for me, what science can look like by igniting the curiosity to explore and to truly understand the context. Hiking 500km along the Chindwin and doing water quality measurements are just one part of it. The others are to connect, understand and observe the people but also to gain new insights and share knowledge. In the end we are all here to inspire – we just need to be curious enough to listen."
Do you want to follow his travel along the Chindwin River? Via polarsteps you can check where he is right now. More about Manuel Huber and his ambitions can you read here.
