SDG 14: Life Below Water
Conserve Water, Preserving Life: Advocating for Marine Conservation
Conserve Water, Preserving Life: Advocating for Marine Conservation
On September 21, 2024, the Department of Marine Science at the College of Science and Mathematics successfully hosted the International Coastal Clean-Up in Brgy. Fuentes, Iligan City. This globally recognized event underscores the university's commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns perfectly with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The initiative directly supports SDG 14: Life Below Water, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of our oceans, seas, and marine resources. The enthusiastic participation of faculty, staff, and students demonstrated a collective dedication to combating marine pollution and protecting our coastal ecosystems.
The clean-up effort went beyond simply removing trash; it represented a tangible contribution to a healthier planet. By actively engaging in this crucial activity, participants directly addressed the reduction of marine pollution, a key target of SDG 14. The event also contributed significantly to SDG 13: Climate Action, recognizing the interconnectedness of environmental issues. Coastal clean-ups enhance resilience to climate-related hazards and natural disasters, aligning with Target 13.1 of SDG 13. The university's commitment to this initiative demonstrates a proactive approach to climate change mitigation and adaptation.
The WE CARE Office recently inspected one of the extension projects from the College of Science and Mathematics (CSM), titled “Science-Based Approach to Coastal Greenbelt Rehabilitation of Bayug Island, Iligan City.”
This Initiative, led by Assoc. Prof. Maria Reina Suzette B. Madamba From the Department of Biology, has been in progress for three years and is set to conclude in December 2024. On-site, we also had Mr. Gabriel D. Ombi-On, the training assistant designated for the project.
As part of the Grand Alumni Homecoming celebration, the Department of Marine Science, in partnership with the WE CARE Office and the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Iligan City, spearheaded a mangrove planting activity on December 8, 2024, at the Marine Center in Fuentes, Barangay Maria Cristina, Iligan City. The purpose of this activity is to aid the rehabilitation program of mangroves in the coastal areas of Fuentes, Brgy. Maria Cristina, Iligan City and strengthen the climate change adaptation and mitigation of the coastal community.Beyond restoring vital coastal habitats, the activity also served to enhance the resilience of the local community to climate-related impacts. By increasing mangrove cover, the initiative helps buffer storm surges, reduce coastal erosion, and sequester carbon — all critical elements in addressing the adverse effects of climate change.