University of Rizal System

The University of Rizal System (URS) actively implements Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water through various initiatives, programs, and curricular offerings. As a leading higher education institution in the Province of Rizal, URS recognizes the importance of the health of oceans, seas, and marine ecosystems to ensure sustainable development.

URS offers undergraduate and graduate courses in agriculture and fisheries for its Tanay, Cardona, and Rodriguez campuses. The programs focus on the scientific study of marine ecosystems, aquatic biodiversity, and the impact of human activities on water bodies. Students are equipped with the knowledge to address issues such as marine pollution, overfishing, and coral reef degradation. It provides programs focusing on sustainable fisheries management and aquaculture practices as part of its curriculum. These programs emphasize environmentally friendly and economically viable practices to ensure the health and sustainability of aquatic resources, particularly in the Philippines, which has a significant fishing industry. With the Laguna Lake sketching the municipalities in the Province of Rizal, it has been part of the thrusts and priorities of the academic institution to engage in programs, projects, and activities that will result in the mutual benefit of the natural body of water and the community living in it. 

With its partnerships and social responsibility, the university spearheaded training programs that educate local communities, particularly those near coastal areas, on the principles of community-based resource management. This includes how communities can sustainably manage their marine and freshwater resources, ensuring long-term viability while preserving biodiversity. Also, it ensures that environmental protection will be the top priority as it conducts training sessions on waste management strategies to prevent water pollution, such as plastic waste reduction and lake cleanup initiatives. These programs teach participants how to reduce, recycle, and safely dispose of waste to prevent it from entering waterways and oceans.

The university collaborates with national and local government agencies, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Bureau of Fisheries (BFAR), and Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), as well as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), to help implement national marine policies and promote marine conservation at the grassroots level. URS is also involved in programs that protect freshwater ecosystems, such as river and watershed conservation efforts. These programs often include water quality monitoring, biodiversity assessments, and community outreach on preserving freshwater resources. The university also educates and advocates for sustainable fish farming practices that minimize environmental impacts and promote the efficient use of resources.

The University of Rizal System (URS) ensures that with solid support for sustainable life on water, its curricular offerings, training programs, community-based activities, and research projects will integrate marine conservation, sustainable aquaculture, water resource management, and environmental advocacy into its academic landscape and plans for investment and implementation. It plays a critical factor in preparing the students and the community to preserve and restore the health of aquatic ecosystems. These future initiatives will strengthen the university’s commitment to advocate for sustainable development and protect the planet's water resources for future generations.