Latest News Archives | Pass NetZero

October 2026 Progress Report

lucy zhao — Thu, 22 Oct 2026 13:53:22 +0000

Continued research momentum, International Collaboration, and Strategic Milestones

Since the last reporting period, Pass NetZero has made substantial progress in transitioning from field experimentation to laboratory analysis and results generation. Between June and October 2026, all five master’s students advanced their research, with several completing experiments and moving into data analysis and thesis writing. The programme’s two university research meetings, held in August at NUST and October at LUANAR, provided opportunities to review findings, address technical challenges, and strengthen research quality.

Major Research Updates

Steven Chirwa (LUANAR): Completed his Kauma wastewater treatment experiment and full statistical analysis. The combined Typha and Phragmites treatment achieved the strongest results across all measured parameters and stored approximately 19 times more carbon than the unplanted control. Steven also attended a DAAD GeoTraining summer school in Germany, opening opportunities for GIS and satellite remote sensing collaboration.
Veruschka Dumeni (NUST): Completed her Goreangab Dam microcosm trial and TN/TP nutrient analysis. Heavy-metal analysis is nearing completion, with further work underway to distinguish plant-driven nutrient removal from the effects of an early algal bloom.
Fenni Amadhila (NUST): Completed CHNS carbon analysis of Ulva samples and mortar testing using freshwater plant species. Preliminary results show better strength retention with freshwater biomass, with data analysis and thesis writing now underway.
Ellen Kachulu (LUANAR): Successfully established a local Spirulina culture, formulated fish feeds containing different Spirulina concentrations, and completed five fish-sampling events. Final sampling and data analysis remain pending.
Hilia Hatutale (NUST): Launched her wastewater phytoremediation experiment and improved the setup following seedling mortality and pump problems. Biomass is prepared for heavy-metal analysis, although laboratory access restrictions and instrument backlogs continue to delay final sampling and results.

Major Organizational Updates

Research Standards and Collaboration: A common reporting standard now requires all students to include statistical variation and measurement uncertainty. Cross-project collaboration has expanded through freshwater biomass testing for sustainable cement applications.
International Partnerships: Steven’s German training has established a pathway for GIS research along the Lilongwe River. Volunteer GIS specialist Meghan Hale has completed Namibia site maps, with Malawi mapping planned next.
Funding and Strategic Partnerships: The UNDP GEF Small Grants Programme proposal for Malawi, developed with YOBO, is ready pending the opening of the funding call. The Windhoek River Walk initiative has advanced to the second stage of the UN-Habitat / IsDB / Earthna process.
Communications and Outreach: The first version of the Pass NetZero documentary has been produced to support engagement with funders and partners. The programme is also preparing to participate in the IEC Stuttgart conference and COP31 in Antalya.
Programme Coordination: Lessons from laboratory delays, seasonal challenges, and differing university calendars will inform improved research planning and better-synchronised progress meetings for December 2026.

We commend all five students for their continued research progress and thank our supervisors, international experts, volunteers, and partners for their contributions to Pass NetZero’s mission of advancing wetland restoration, carbon sequestration, and sustainable environmental solutions.

Read our full 6-week progress report here

The post October 2026 Progress Report appeared first on Pass NetZero.

September-October 2025 Progress Report

lucy zhao — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 10:26:01 +0000

Research and strategic expansion on track and ongoing

We achieved significant milestones over the past two months! Notably, we were able to successfully procure experimental materials despite supply chain challenges, implement plant acclimatization protocols, and transition to active experimentation phases!

Major Research Updates:

UNZA (Zambia) expansion continues with the submission of a research agreement proposal to address mining-related water contamination and wetland methane emission challenges
International collaboration opportunity in Eastern Europe may emerge with interest from West Ukrainian National University to collaborate on greenhouse gas monitoring systems
NUST research team in Phase II with three students actively conducting experiments and procurement of all plant species
LUANAR research team ready to initiate Phase II after proposal defenses scheduled for November 2025

Major Organizational Updates:

Successful recruitment of three new team members with two as our Fundraising Interns and one as our Volunteer
Additional volunteer recruitment planned for enhanced online visibility

These past couple of months have brought in new team members and new opportunities for Pass NetZero, with encouraging research updates from our students!

Read our full 6-week progress report here

The post September-October 2025 Progress Report appeared first on Pass NetZero.

Big Welcome to our Newest Team Members!

lucy zhao — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 07:22:54 +0000

Pass NetZero is incredibly excited to welcome our three newest members to the team!

Our two Fundraising Interns, Arvind and Shubham, will be spearheading our fundraising efforts by researching potential funding opportunities, creating fundraising materials, and conducting critical outreach.

Our Volunteer, Sophie, will be providing key research and administrative support as we continue advancing our goals and mission.

About our new team members and why they chose PNZ

Arvind: “I’ve always been interested in finance and how it shapes real change. Being able to use it for something meaningful makes the work feel special. At Pass Net Zero, I get to be part of something bigger—helping the environment. It’s a small step, but it feels good to contribute.”
Shubham: “I’m an MBA student specializing in finance, with a background in aerospace engineering. I’m passionate about driving business engagement in climate action, especially around sustainability, carbon capture, and the financing of net-zero transitions. At Pass NetZero, I aim to help strengthen corporate partnerships that accelerate meaningful environmental impact.”
Sophie: “I believe the climate crisis is deeply gendered and intersectional — its burdens fall heavily on women and girls, and on communities in the Global South. That’s why I support Pass NetZero’s community-driven approach to advancing net-zero goals across Africa, funding local research, and empowering local communities!”

We’re so grateful to have the skills, passion, and expertise all three have to offer! Welcome to the PNZ team!

The post Big Welcome to our Newest Team Members! appeared first on Pass NetZero.

Pass NetZero at COP15

lucy zhao — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 11:56:58 +0000

On July 23-31, 2025, Pass NetZero had the opportunity to attend COP15 in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe!

COP15 is the 15th meeting of the Convention of the Contracting parties, with this year’s theme being “Protecting Wetlands for the Common Future.” This conference brings together world leaders, governments, and organizations from 172 different jurisdictions to champion for the protection and conservation of the world’s wetlands and ecosystems.

With our funding, we sponsored the attendance of four master students, two from Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and two are from Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources (LUANAR), to broaden our international networks and learn about current policies and initiatives.

Over the seven days of COP15, our students connected with organizations and leaders around the world, presented their research, and advocated on behalf of Pass NetZero and the work we’re doing together to advance wetland climate resilience.

This experience is a part of the Pass NetZero commitment to not just create more knowledge within the aquatic carbon capture and sequestration fields but also to train and inspire wetland leaders of today and tomorrow.

See below for pictures of our time at COP15. And yes, our president, Mr. Claude Martinet, was proudly representing Pass NetZero at the conference too!

The post Pass NetZero at COP15 appeared first on Pass NetZero.