The Department of Groundwater Resources has announced the results of the creative awards for groundwater in the Youth Groundwater Guardian project Year 1 under the theme "Our Aquifer, Our Future." This initiative aims to extend learning towards sustainability. The winning team received a trophy, a certificate, and a scholarship from the Department of Groundwater Resources.

Mr. Phadol Thawarakritrat, Director-General of the Department of Groundwater Resources, stated that the Youth Groundwater Guardian project Year 1, "Our Aquifer, Our Future," serves as a platform for Thai youth to express their ideas and create works that raise awareness about groundwater in line with the context, culture, and societal changes. It marks the beginning of innovation and creativity, providing a stage for youth to showcase their abilities while fostering a sense of responsibility for natural resource conservation through participatory learning. This initiative aims to lead to sustainable groundwater management. The Department of Groundwater Resources plans to continue this project in 2026 to welcome new ideas, promote potential, and support the creative power of the younger generation.

The activity aims to impart knowledge on groundwater management and conservation to youth aged 15-20. After selecting from over 161 youth teams nationwide, the committee chose 20 teams with outstanding works that reflect understanding, creativity, and approaches to raising awareness about groundwater that can contribute to sustainable community and societal development. The selected projects were presented for today's competition, and the Department of Groundwater Resources evaluated the submissions based on specific criteria.

The first-place award went to the project titled "The Hidden Drop" by the Aquamarine team from Satriwithaya School, Bangkok, which received a cash prize of 30,000 baht, a trophy, and a certificate. This project presented the innovation "Outdrop Virtual Reality," a VR experience designed to allow viewers to explore the world of groundwater, from the water cycle to the impacts of unsustainable use, through a 360-degree experience and sound.

The project also featured a mascot named "Dropdrop," designed as a groundwater droplet that expresses sadness when water is harmed and joy when people value and conserve it.

The first runner-up award went to the project "LANDSCAPE FOR CHANGE" by the LSP team from the Landscape Technology program at Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi, Pathum Thani, which received a cash prize of 20,000 baht, a trophy, and a certificate. This project presented knowledge on landscape technology to improve urban areas, increasing groundwater absorption. It highlighted that most urban areas are covered by hard surfaces, known as Concrete City, which prevents water absorption and leads to other issues like flooding and increased heat. This project aims to transform cities into sponges that can absorb more water into the soil, emphasizing the relationship between urban areas and groundwater.

The second runner-up award went to the project "AquaMind: Pilot Project" by the Chindamanee Aqua Vengers Team from Chindamanee School, Bangkok, which received a cash prize of 10,000 baht, a trophy, and a certificate. This project presented a policy innovation aimed at raising awareness about groundwater, using schools and students as intermediaries to connect with various sectors, including the public, families, communities, private sectors, and government, ensuring accessibility and sustainability across the country. The Pilot Project consists of five main activities and a framework for activities, including success evaluation that schools in Thailand can adapt based on their environment and context.

The commendation award went to the project "Groundwater Hunters: Chachoengsao 2600" by the DeepFlow Benchama 2 team from Benchamarachuthit School 2, Chachoengsao, which received a cash prize of 5,000 baht, a trophy, and a certificate.

The Popular Vote award went to the project "Badal Balance" by the Well Guardians team from Sri That Pittayakhom School, Udon Thani, which received a cash prize of 5,000 baht, a trophy, and a certificate.