Fapespa-supported project promotes air quality monitoring in Santarém
Initiative is highlighted during COP30 and involves students from Ufopa and EETEPA in generating data for environmental policies
During the programming of the 30th United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP30), the project "Air Caretakers," supported by the Amazon Foundation for Research and Studies (Fapespa), was presented in a panel at the booth of the Legislative Assembly of the State of Pará (Alepa), in the Green Zone, this Wednesday (19). The initiative focuses on monitoring air quality in the city of Santarém, in western Pará, and mobilizes more than 40 students from the Federal University of Western Pará (Ufopa) and the Technical School of Pará (EETEPA – Santarém).
Under the coordination of meteorologist and Ufopa professor Ana Carla Gomes, the project integrates teaching, research, and extension, promoting the training of young people as "guardians of the Amazon air." The proposal consists of creating a network of low-cost sensors to measure air quality in urban and peri-urban areas of Santarém, focusing on generating scientific data and environmental awareness.
"It is a research project that monitored air quality by combining low-cost sensors. We created our own prototype, based on existing technology, and we have the partnership of the Technical School of Santarém to strengthen the verticalization of education," explained Ana Carla.
Support for science and public policies
The professor also highlighted Fapespa's role in enabling the initiative.
"Fapespa is fundamental in this process. With the foundation's support, we were able to execute the project, form the network, and access important data and indicators for society," she emphasized.
In addition to being highlighted in the Green Zone, the project was also mentioned in the Blue Zone of COP30, in the Pavilion of Higher Ed Climate Action, as an example of an initiative that encourages young people to enter courses related to climate issues, such as Meteorology and Atmospheric Sciences.
Data to face climate change
The "Pilot Network for Innovation in Air Quality Monitoring in the Western Pará Region" emerges as a scientific and educational response to the effects of climate change, whose impacts — such as extreme events, changes in rainfall patterns, loss of biodiversity, and health risks — directly affect the Amazon.
In this context, monitoring air quality becomes a strategic tool for formulating public policies for climate mitigation and adaptation. The project operates aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting environmental education, citizenship, and youth engagement for a more sustainable society.
"The project contributes to the verticalization of education, promotes integration between teaching, research, and extension, and provides data that help in the formulation of public policies and in raising awareness among the population about the importance of the environment," concluded Ana Carla Gomes.
Text: Jeisa Nascimento, intern, under the supervision of journalist Manuela Oliveira.
