Progression into active experimentation, expert panels, and strategic milestones
Since the last reporting period, Pass NetZero has successfully transitioned from the planning phase to active data and evidence generation. The General Assembly (GA) held on 13 May 2026 marked a key milestone, with all five master’s students presenting their research progress to an international panel of supervisors and invited experts.
With all five research projects now in active Phase 2 experimentation, student cohorts in Namibia (NUST) and Malawi (LUANAR) are generating substantial datasets and achieving critical fieldwork objectives. This progress is supported by expanded international collaborations, updated evaluation frameworks, and advancements in our communications pipeline.
Major Research Updates:
- Fenni Amadhila (NUST): Objectives 2, 3, and 4 are substantially complete. Full CHNS characterisation data has been obtained, and mortar testing across three methods and three locations has been finalized.
- Veruschka Dumeni (NUST): Completed 4 out of 6 sampling events at the Goreangab Dam. Quantitative data has confirmed the baseline hypereutrophic status, with clear visual and parametric improvement trends emerging.
- Hilia Hatutale (NUST): Successful installation of the Dutch bucket system and procurement of both Cyperus species, with plant acclimatization having commenced on 14 May 2026.
- Steven Chirwa (LUANAR): The experiment at the Kauma Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) is fully operational, with bi-weekly data collection ongoing.
- Ellen Kachulu (LUANAR): Tanks have been set, fingerlings secured, and primary chemical sourcing completed, positioning the project at the threshold of immediate implementation.
Major Organizational Updates:
- International Expert Panel: The GA integrated feedback from external experts representing institutions in Chile (RAMSAR STRP), Botswana, Brazil, and Togo. Notably, Dr. Thaisa Michelan (Brazil) has proposed a dedicated 30-minute presentation for the student cohort.
- Documentary Production: Filmmaker Takondwa Senzani presented a 3-minute preview of the upcoming 15-minute Pass NetZero documentary. The initial Malawi footage focuses on community and educational engagement regarding wetland environments; filming will next transition to Namibia.
- Evaluation Framework Implementation: The GA marked the first deployment of the 100-point student evaluation framework, utilizing AI performance evaluations to assess reporting consistency and research quality to inform merit-based budget extensions.
- Funding & Collaborations: Concept papers are currently in preparation for UNDP SGP OP8 applications in both Namibia and Malawi. Additionally, the core team is exploring corporate ESG outreach and a new research collaboration approach with the AEST organization in Togo.
We commend the student cohort for their rigorous data presentations at the General Assembly and extend our thanks to the international panel of advisors for their continued technical guidance!