Calls to Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development. The oceans cover more than 70 per cent of the surface of our planet and play a key role in supporting life on earth. They are the most diverse and important ecosystem, contributing to global and regional elemental cycling, and regulating the climate. The ocean provides natural resources including food, materials, substances, and energy.
Al-Quds University is committed to conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development, recognizing the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and their biodiversity for environmental sustainability, social equity, and overall well-being. The university contributes to SDG 14 through various means:
Education in Marine Science, Environmental Sciences, and Sustainable Development: Al-Quds University offers undergraduate and graduate programs in marine science, environmental sciences, and sustainable development, providing students with the knowledge and skills needed to understand and address marine conservation and sustainability challenges. These programs focus on topics such as marine biodiversity, oceanography, pollution, and sustainable fisheries, preparing students for careers in various sectors.
Research on Marine Ecosystems and Conservation: The university conducts research on issues related to marine ecosystems and conservation, including studies on marine biodiversity, habitat restoration, pollution, and sustainable fisheries management. This research helps advance the understanding of marine ecosystems and their conservation, providing valuable insights for evidence-based policies and strategies.
Collaboration with Local and Global Stakeholders: Al-Quds University works with organizations to address marine conservation and sustainability challenges. Through joint research projects, workshops, and knowledge sharing, the university provides technical assistance and support to help these stakeholders develop and implement marine conservation and sustainability solutions.
Community Outreach and Capacity Building: Al-Quds University actively engages in community outreach programs that promote awareness about marine conservation and sustainability. These initiatives involve providing education and training to local communities on topics such as marine biodiversity, pollution prevention, and sustainable fisheries management, empowering them to take action and contribute to the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.
Advocacy and Policy Development: Al-Quds University plays a key role in advocating for policies and strategies that promote marine conservation and sustainability at local, national, and international levels.
Promoting Sustainable Practices on Campus: The university is committed to promoting sustainable practices on campus that contribute to marine conservation, such as reducing plastic waste, implementing sustainable procurement policies, and promoting responsible seafood consumption. These efforts help raise awareness about the importance of marine conservation and inspire students, faculty, and staff to adopt more sustainable lifestyles.
Fostering Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Marine Conservation: The university supports the development and commercialization of innovative technologies, products, and services that can contribute to marine conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. This includes providing resources and support to researchers, entrepreneurs, and start-ups, such as incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities, fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in marine conservation.
In summary, Al-Quds University is dedicated to achieving SDG 14 through a comprehensive approach that includes education, research, collaboration with local and global stakeholders, community outreach and capacity building, advocacy and policy development, promoting sustainable practices on campus, and fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in marine conservation, and the university contributes thoughout some activities including:
- Adopts a lot of research and studies on the development of natural resources and their optimal use and vital systems such as: fish project (مشروع السمك), Desalination project (مشروع تحلية المياه).
- Helping in enhance the conservation and sustainable use of marines and their resources by implementing international law as reflected in UNCLOS, which provides the legal framework for the conservation and sustainable use of oceans and their resources, as recalled in paragraph 158 of The Future We Want.
- Increase scientific knowledge, develop research capacity and transfer marine technology.
- By 2025, prevent and significantly reduce marine pollution of all kinds, in particular from land-based activities, including marine debris and nutrient pollution.
- Helping in sustainably manage and protect marine and coastal ecosystems to avoid significant adverse impacts, including by strengthening their resilience, and take action for their restoration in order to achieve healthy and productive oceans