SDG 14: Life Below Water
Conserve Water, Preserve Life
Conserve Water, Preserve Life
Supporting Sustainable Development Goal 14, Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) continues its commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and promoting sustainable coastal development. Through activities such as the International Coastal Clean-Up Day, the Bayug Island Coastal Project Inspection, and Mangrove Planting in collaboration with LGU Iligan during the Grand Alumni Homecoming, the university champions marine conservation, coastal rehabilitation, and community awareness. These initiatives strengthen partnerships that ensure cleaner seas, thriving biodiversity, and a healthier environment for generations to come.
MSU-IIT’s National Service Training Program Civic Welfare Training Service (NSTP CWTS), led by their class instructor, Mr. Jaypee S. Yongco, partnered with Barangay Hinaplanon Kagawad, Rio Gonzaga, to plant over 600 mangrove propagules and conduct a coastal cleanup at Bayug Island, Hinaplanon, Iligan City on November 24, 2024......
Aquaponics presents a promising solution to mitigate the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the rural communities of Mindanao. This innovative system enables the simultaneous production of vegetables and fish (through aquaculture), providing a dual source of income and enhancing food security while improving the overall well-being of community members. Through this project, beneficiaries in the barangays of Lugait and Iligan City will gain essential skills and learn effective aquaponics methods, empowering them to harness this technology as an alternative livelihood. By implementing aquaponic farming techniques, participants can not only generate income but also contribute to revitalizing the local economy; especially for those heavily impacted by the pandemic. This initiative aims to equip communities with the tools they need to thrive, fostering resilience and self-sufficiency in the face of ongoing economic challenges.
Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of technology, through the Department of Marine Science, organized a community outreach initiative in Panguil Bay aimed at conserving local crab and shrimp populations, essential to both biodiversity and community livelihoods. Faculty and students engaged local fishers and community leaders, presenting recent research findings that revealed troubling declines in these species due to factors such as overfishing, habitat degradation, and water pollution. These insights prompted meaningful discussions with fishers, who shared their own experiences, describing how crab and shrimp numbers have dwindled and how habitats have visibly changed over the years. This collaboration provided invaluable traditional knowledge, with community members detailing local seasonal patterns, preferred fishing practices, and significant habitat shifts, all of which impact the sustainability of these species.
The officers of the Marine Science Society at MSU-IIT organized a coastal cleanup event at Iligan Bay, rallying students and faculty alike to take part in conserving and protecting local marine habitats. With gloves, collection bags, and a shared mission, participants spread across the beach to remove plastic waste and debris threatening the bay’s ecosystem. Throughout the cleanup, society officers took the lead, guiding volunteers and explaining the significance of each piece of waste removed. Faculty members joined in, sharing insights on how marine pollution affects biodiversity, and commending the student-led initiative. The officers also coordinated data collection, cataloging types and quantities of collected debris to contribute to broader research on coastal pollution patterns. This event highlighted MSU-IIT’s dedication to practical conservation and active learning. This cleanup fostered a sense of responsibility among students, aligning their efforts with the global call for sustainable ocean management.
The 2024 ICUNSSI highlights multidisciplinarity in its theme, “Belongingness and Interconnectedness: Magnifying Development and Innovation.” The theme is sub-grouped into three tracks: Well-being, Economics, and Environment. Each track covers specific SDGs. Well-being includes SDGs such as No Poverty, Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, Quality Education, Clean Water and Sanitation, Affordable and Clean Energy, Sustainable Cities and Communities, and Peace, Justice, and Strong Communities. The Economics track covers Decent Work and Economic Growth; Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure; Reduced Inequalities; Responsible Consumption and Production; and Partnerships for the Goals. The Environment track includes Climate Action, Life on Land, and Life Below Water.
In a collaborative effort to protect and conserve fish resources in Iligan City, the Department of Marine Science at Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology has partnered with the local government unit and the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council to study the reproductive biology of commercially important fish species. Through this collaboration, researchers and community stakeholders collected data on essential reproductive parameters, such as spawning seasons and maturation stages, to inform conservation measures and fishing regulations. By understanding the reproductive cycles of these species, the project aims to support sustainable fishing practices that align with natural breeding patterns, helping to ensure the long-term viability of local fisheries and contributing to food security for future generations. This collaboration exemplifies a united approach to maintaining the health and productivity of shared aquatic resources in Iligan City.
A study on the assessment of Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria levels in the mussel Mytella strigata from Tangub, Misamis Occidental, and Baroy, Lanao Del Norte, Philippines. This research aimed to provide insights into the microbial quality of the waters in these areas and to use mussels as bioindicators of ecosystem health. High levels of these bacteria can indicate contamination from human or animal waste, suggesting that the water quality may be compromised. The findings revealed concerning concentrations in certain areas, pointing to potential sources of pollution and highlighting the need for improved waste management practices.This assessment not only contributed to the monitoring of aquatic ecosystem health in Tangub and Baroy but also underscored the role of Mytella strigata as an effective bioindicator of water quality. The study serves as valuable evidence for local environmental agencies and communities to implement conservation measures and protect public health.
Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) actively supports Science Immersion Programs for Junior and Senior High School students as a vital part of its commitment to fostering good aquatic stewardship practices. These programs offer students, educators, and community members hands-on experience in monitoring and conserving aquatic ecosystems, covering activities like water quality testing, biodiversity assessments, and ecosystem health monitoring. By providing resources, expert guidance, and access to field sites, MSU-IIT empowers participants to understand the importance of sustainable practices firsthand. This immersive approach not only enhances scientific literacy but also instills a sense of responsibility for protecting local water resources. Through Science Immersion Programs, MSU-IIT is cultivating a community of informed stewards who are equipped to contribute to the long-term health of aquatic environments in the region.