NEWS
GLOBE Italy: Global Water Celebration “Rivers in Spring 2025” Brings Together Thousands in Mantua (Mantova) and Around the World
25 aprile 2025
On 21 March 2025, more than 4,000 students, educators, scientists, and local citizens gathered in Mantua, Italy, for the 25th edition of “Rivers in Spring”—a vibrant celebration of World Water Day. Held both in person, along the shore of Lake Mantua, and online across the globe, the event connected people of different ages and nations through learning about and protecting one of our planet’s most vital resources: water.
The 2025 main theme, “Glacier Preservation,” highlighted the alarming loss of glaciers around the world. Other key topics included microplastic pollution, the water–climate connection, and other critical issues related to sustainable water use.
Organized by GLOBE Italy, LABTER-CREA Mantova, Associazione GLOBE Italia APS, MMPT, and Deakin University, the event was made possible with the support of many local partners and the GLOBE Europe and Eurasia Regional Coordination Office (RCO).
Joyful and Diverse In-Person Celebration
The in-person event at Lungolago Gonzaga, on a lakeshore in Mantua, featured over 100 interactive stands filled not only with scientific presentation and experiments but also with creative workshops and hands-on water-themed activities. Schools from across Italy took part, creating a dynamic and joyful atmosphere.
Students led and explored activities on a variety of topics—from river biology and water quality testing to monitoring microplastics in the environment.
“Seeing so many young people excited about protecting water and learning science gives us real hope for the future,” said Sandro Sutti, coordinator of GLOBE Italy and one of the event’s main organizers.
A Truly Global Event
While the lakeside event was alive with activity, the GLOBE community also connected online. The international live broadcast, coordinated by Alessandra Sutti and Stuart Robottom, researchers from Deakin University (Australia), featured inspiring conversations with students and scientists, opening remarks from the GLOBE Europe and Eurasia RCO, and live glimpses into the activities in Mantua.
During the event, students from Belgium, Croatia, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Guatemala-Mexico, Costa Rica, India, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Taiwan, Thailand, Ukraine, and the United States presented their impressive water-related projects.
Meanwhile, a national broadcast in Italian connected schools from across the country, sharing their efforts and voices in support of clean water and environmental education.
“We are grateful to all GLOBE students, teachers, scientists, coordinators—and even non-GLOBE participants—who joined live or sent in videos,” said Stuart Robottom at the close of the international session. “Your energy, passion, and creativity continue to make the Earth a better place.”
🎥 Recordings are now available: