IFOP Attends Science Fair at Playa Ancha University

With a fair focused on environmental protection, the traveling magazine “Cambalache” from the University of Santiago de Chile (USACH) arrived at UPLA to present its ninth edition, dedicated to ocean preservation and the importance of marine species.

In this new issue, the magazine featured researchers from the university’s Faculties of Engineering and Natural and Exact Sciences, who presented their work on the aforementioned topics.

The event, organized by the UPLA’s General Directorate of Environmental Outreach, was attended by students from various high schools and colleges in Valparaíso, who were able to interact and learn about caring for nature and marine animals through games, experiments, and demonstrations. The event also included the participation of students from the UPLA Environmental Hub and the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP).

The USACH magazine “Cambalache” tour arrived at UPLA. Ana María Fernández Tapia, Vice Rector of Community Relations at the University of Santiago de Chile, explained that “this has been a magazine focused on disseminating the knowledge produced by our universities, and this has been the second year of the tour. The goal is to share knowledge on environmental issues and how to protect the oceans in a more entertaining way, not so far removed from what we do at the university. This time, the articles were written by experts from the UPLA School of Engineering and the School of Natural and Exact Sciences, covering various topics.”

The rector of the Universidad de Playa Ancha, Carlos González Morales, praised the initiative and commented, “The magazine ‘Cambalache’ is a traditional resource that disseminates our nation’s scientific knowledge and today places special attention on the care of our oceans. The visit of the students who came to the event from various educational institutions in Valparaíso is important, as it is important for them to learn about respect for nature, and the oceans in particular.”

Attendees participated in two talks given in the Dr. Félix Morales Pettorino Classroom. The first was “Water Desalination” with USACH researcher Paula Madariaga; and the second was “Effects of Desalination in the Valparaíso Region” by María José Díaz of the UPLA Environmental Hub. Additionally, the UPLA TV report “Sea Turtles: From Costa Rica to Chile” was shown.

Ilia Cari Leal, a researcher at the Fisheries Development Institute (IFOP), explained that “of the seven species of sea turtles that exist worldwide, five are in Chile. Currently, some of these turtles are threatened with extinction because their populations have declined due to various anthropogenic threats such as overfishing, pollution, and others. It’s good to encourage children at an early age to learn how we can protect the oceans.”

USACH’s “Cambalache” Magazine Tour Arrives at UPLA

Experience

Vanessa Agüero Villarroel, a teacher at Alfredo Nazar Feres High School in Valparaíso, stated, “For the children and for everyone, it’s a wonderful experience to get out of the classroom and learn somewhere else. Having the fair allows them to interact, play, and learn about the ocean—I learned it myself. The children take away fond memories, and I think it’s something we’ll want to repeat. We’d like them to visit our school so everyone can learn about the oceans.”