Twenty-two undergraduate students from the School of Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE) at Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) visited Wutong Island in the afternoon of Nov. 21. This field trip was led by ESE Deputy Dean and Chair Professor Liu Junguo.

Wutong island is located in an industrial park in Bao’an District of Shenzhen, which design and construction integrated the concept of “sponge city.” A lot of green infrastructure is applied here, such as a green roof, rain garden, pervious pavement, and artificial wetlands. All of this infrastructure can purify rainwater, reduce the heat, sequestrate carbon dioxide and reduce noise pollution.

The students showed great enthusiasm for this trip and interest in nature-based solutions in the urban area. Through the trip, they got a better understanding of water resource management and nutrient cycling in the ecosystem. Prof. Liu Junguo encouraged the students to be innovative and creative and to integrate scientific knowledge with engineering practices.

The students were undertaking the elective course of “Theory and Practice of Environmental Management in China,” led by SUSTech University Council Chairperson Guo Yurong. The course seeks to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the implementation of the major policies of environmental management in China through lectures and on-site visits. Students are encouraged to partake in field trips to learn more about management.