From the Mekong Delta to the World: A/P Edward Park Presents Research at University of Padova

On 11th May 2026, A/P Edward Park from the Nanyang Technological University and National Institute of Education recently delivered an invited seminar at University of Padova (hosted by Prof. Paolo Tarolli) on the growing global challenge of sand mining and river instability. The lecture, titled “From the Mekong Delta to the World: Sand Mining, River Instability, and Pathways to Sustainable Management,” highlighted how intensive human activities and climate change are reshaping tropical rivers and deltas worldwide, with the Mekong Delta presented as a key case study of the Anthropocene.

The visit also included collaborative fieldwork in vineyard landscapes near Verona, where researchers examined climate-related challenges such as soil erosion and hydrogeomorphic instability in Mediterranean agricultural systems. In addition, meetings were held with the international office at University of Padova to discuss potential future collaborations in education, including undergraduate exchange opportunities and joint summer school programmes focused on sustainability challenges in Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean region.

A/P Edward Park and Prof. Paolo Tarolli’s research team.

A/P Edward Park delivering a seminar at the University of Padova.

Meeting with International Office at the University of Padova.