SDG 14: Life Below Water
14.4
SDG14: Life Below Water is a critical global goal aimed at conserving and sustainably managing marine resources and ecosystems. Kuwait, with its extensive coastline along the Arabian Gulf, has a special responsibility to contribute to the protection of marine life and the preservation of the marine environment. The American University of the Middle East (AUM) in Kuwait recognizes the significance of SDG14 and has undertaken various initiatives to address the challenges faced by Kuwait's marine ecosystems.
Marine Conservation and Awareness
AUM actively promotes marine conservation and awareness among its students, faculty, and the wider community. The university conducts seminars, workshops, and awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of marine life and the threats it faces, such as overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation. These initiatives aim to foster a greater sense of responsibility and encourage sustainable behaviors.
Research and Data Collection
AUM supports research initiatives that focus on marine ecosystems and aquatic biodiversity. Faculty and students engage in projects related to marine biology, ecology, and oceanography. These research efforts provide valuable data on the state of Kuwait's marine environment and contribute to informed conservation strategies.
Sustainable Fisheries and Aquaculture
Kuwait has a significant fishing industry, and AUM recognizes the importance of sustainable practices in this sector. The university collaborates with governmental agencies and local fishing communities to promote sustainable fishing practices and aquaculture. This includes research on fish stock assessment and the development of sustainable aquaculture techniques.
Pollution Control and Mitigation
Kuwait's marine environment faces challenges from pollution, including oil spills and plastic waste. AUM actively participates in cleanup initiatives along the coastline and supports research on pollution control and mitigation. The university also encourages students to reduce plastic usage and promotes responsible waste disposal.
Marine Conservation Partnerships
AUM collaborates with environmental organizations, governmental bodies, and international partners dedicated to marine conservation. These partnerships enable the university to engage in broader regional and global initiatives aimed at protecting marine life and ecosystems.
Education for Sustainable Practices
AUM integrates sustainability principles into its curriculum, emphasizing the importance of responsible marine resource management. Courses related to environmental science, marine biology, and ecology highlight the significance of SDG14 and prepare students to become advocates for the protection of life below water.
Public Engagement and Advocacy
AUM encourages its students and faculty to actively engage in advocacy efforts related to marine conservation. Through participation in local and international conferences, workshops, and advocacy campaigns, the university community can influence policy and raise awareness about the importance of SDG14.
In conclusion, the American University of the Middle East (AUM) in Kuwait recognizes the importance of SDG14: Life Below Water and is actively involved in various initiatives to address the challenges faced by Kuwait's marine ecosystems. By promoting awareness, conducting research, supporting sustainable practices, and collaborating with partners, AUM contributes to the global effort to conserve marine life and ensure the sustainability of life below water for current and future generations.
The American University of the Middle East (AUM) celebrated World Water Day on March 22 by organizing an online event for students that included various activities and competitions.
The event started by giving an overview about World Water Day (WWD), the challenges the planet is facing regarding water, this year’s theme, which is Valuing Water, and by discussing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) especially SDG6 - Clean Water and Sanitation.
Dr. Suat Kasap, Associate Professor in the Electrical Engineering Department at the College of Engineering and Technology, talked during the event about the types of water on our planet and about responsible consumption; what each person can do as an individual to help combat the crisis the planet is facing concerning water.
Water and SDG-related topics are widely reflected in the graduation projects of AUM students and graduates and this was touched upon during the event as well. Some of the graduation projects related to water include a smart irrigation system, a clean water quality monitoring system using IOT, an automated plant watering system using Arduino, a water leak detection system, and a smart cooling system for water tanks in Kuwait.
Students who attended the event via Zoom participated in a trivia quiz competition at the end of the session that included questions about the challenges the world is facing regarding Water.
A week prior to the event, AUM asked students to submit a piece of art related to this year’s WWD theme. A jury shortlisted the artwork and displayed them during the event where students voted for the best digital art and best painting and prizes were distributed to the winners in the arts competition and the trivia quiz.
As part of the global initiative, which encourages people to clean the beaches in their area, AUM students accepted the challenge and cleaned the Anjafa Public Beach.
Selected examplary student projects on SDG14. Life Below Water
Generating electrical power from sea waves in Kuwait: Kuwait mainly depends on oil and is considered to be a nonrenewable source of energy. This can badly affect Kuwait's environment, economy, human health, and marine creatures. As a result of this energy source, the rate of pollution and global warming is increasing. The project aims to design a prototype to evaluate the operation of an electricity generating unit in Kuwait to produce electrical energy depending on the renewable source which is seawater. In this project, an overview of the potential choices that can be implemented in Kuwait regarding hydropower is presented. In addition, the magnetic-induction-based prototype is proposed for the utilization of sea wave energy.
Seaweed Bioplastic - First Place in AUM Startup Challenge 2022 and among Finalists in Babson Student Global Challenge 2022: The idea consists of opening a factory that produces degradable and consumable bioplastic made from seaweed
Team members: Mohammad AlKharashi and Mohammad Al Mansour
Re-Rub - Third Place in AUM Startup Challenge 2022: Since Kuwait has one of the largest tire yards in the world, the project aims to use recycled tires materials, which are rubber and steel to produce home furniture.Team members: Omar Bassel Abu Orf, Hanen Awad, and Sana Tabashir
Thereafter, Seaweed team participated in Babson build UG 1-week program experience from 11-15 of July 2022 at Babson college, Boston. The students were congratulated for their performance during the Babson Student Global Challenge and received their certificates as Finalists of the competition.
Water is one of the research themes at AUM:
Journal articles
Sea and Sky Photography by Students
A photography activity was led under the theme “Sea and Sky” to promote aquatic stewardship.
The following photos were taken by AlKawthar Awad, Industrial Engineering Student.
