ISE/USJ Promotes Biodiversity Awareness and eDNA Monitoring at the 45th Macao Green Week Carnival
ISE/USJ Promotes Biodiversity Awareness and eDNA Monitoring at the 45th Macao Green Week Carnival
12
Mar
12/03/2026
This year’s event focused on the theme of Biodiversity, bringing together organizations, researchers, and members of the public to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
Continuing its participation in recent years, the Institute of Science and Environment (ISE) of the University of Saint Joseph (USJ) took part in the 45th Macao Green Week Carnival, held on 7 and 8 March 2026 at Seac Pai Van Park. This year’s event focused on the theme of Biodiversity, bringing together organizations, researchers, and members of the public to promote environmental awareness and conservation.
As part of its participation in the carnival, ISE presented an interactive exhibition designed to connect academic research with community engagement. The booth attracted a large number of visitors over the two days, many of whom took part in activities that introduced them to modern tools used in biodiversity monitoring.
Science in Practice: eDNA and Mangrove Ecology
One of the main highlights of this year’s exhibitionwas an interactive game developed by the ISE team to explain the concept of environmental DNA (eDNA). Based on a recently published study on local wetland surveys, the activity demonstrated how this molecular technique can be used to monitor wildlife and habitats in Macao by detecting genetic material left in the environment.
To complement the scientific demonstration, the booth also featured a new series of mangrove characters representing species commonly found in these coastal ecosystems. These visuals helped visitors better understand the diversity of organisms supported by mangrove habitats.
Student Engagement and Community Outreach
The success of the exhibition was made possible through the active involvement of USJ students, who assisted with running the activities and explaining the eDNA process to visitors. Their participation helped make the scientific concepts accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages, while also providing students with valuable experience in science communication and public engagement.
Regional Exchange and Conservation Dialogue
The Green Week Carnival also provided an opportunity for ISE to connect with conservation and environmental departments from across the region. Informal exchanges with representatives from different organisations allowed for discussions on shared challenges and potential collaborations related to biodiversity conservation in the Greater Bay Area and beyond.
ISE would like to express its sincere gratitude to the organisers for once again inviting the team to participate in this meaningful event. Opportunities to share research with the wider community play an important role in promoting environmental awareness and supporting the vision of a sustainable city that coexists with local biodiversity.
Huge thanks to the ISE Mangroves team, student volunteers from ISE and the USJ Green Club for for their passion and dedication in making sure the participants from the public gain knowledge and understanding of the importance of our wetlands, specially mangroves, through fun activities!
