UNESCO requires each Geopark to be grounded in solid scientific expertise. At the Scheldt Delta Geopark, this foundation is safeguarded through our Scientific Advisory Board.
The Board currently consists of 28 members, including three coordinators and a chair. Together, the chair and coordinators, provide overall direction and maintain close contact with the Geopark’s core team. But who are these people? We’d love to introduce them to you. We begin with the Dutch coordinator of the Scientific Advisory Board, and core team member of the Geopark: Drs. Archana Sadhoeram.
You studied Earth Sciences in Amsterdam, not the most common choice! What made you decide to pursue this field?
In secondary school I took all the science subjects, and I didn’t want to let go of them in my further studies.
At the same time, I had broad interests; Psychology, English Language & Literature, Archaeology, and even Teacher Training for Primary Education were on my list. After reading up on different programmes and attending several open days, I made my choice! The broad scope of Earth Sciences appealed to me, especially how it ties back to the sciences I enjoyed in school. And to be honest, I think my childhood habit of collecting rocks and seashells probably played a subconscious role in that decision too."
The Geopark is a cross-border collaboration, so many of your colleagues speak with a Flemish accent. Is that easy for you to understand? And how’s your 'Zeeuws dialect'?
As a child I used to watch Belgian TV shows on the channel 'Ketnet', so I picked up the Flemish accent quite naturally, and I’ve never had trouble understanding it. I think it always sounds so polite and friendly, which I really appreciate! I can understand the 'Zeeuws dialect' quite well, too, but speaking it fluently is a bit more challenging. If I’m honest, I’d rather speak with a Flemish accent, it comes more easily to me!
Earth scientists are often passionate travellers. What’s your favourite holiday destination?
Italy! Not so much for the mountains and geology. But more for the lovely Mediterranean climate, the charming medieval villages, and of course the delicious pizzas and sorbet!
People say you always have a smile on your face and radiate positivity. But surely there’s a film that makes you tear up?
Plenty! Homeless to Harvard, The Kite Runner, Titanic, pretty much every Disney film... Lately, I find something that touches me deeply in almost every movie I watch. It seems to get worse as I get older. The older I get, the more emotional I become!?
And finally, do you have a life motto or a quote that inspires you?
One of my favourite quotes is: ‘If people sat outside and looked at the stars each night, I bet they would live a lot differently.' from Bill Watterson."
