SDG 14 in numbers
The graph shows Thammasat University’s research on SDG 14 (Life Below Water) from 2015 to 2023, beginning with 17 publications in 2015, peaking at 29 in 2017, and dipping to a low of 5 in 2019. Output rebounded to 18 in 2023, reflecting renewed focus on marine research after earlier declines.
Research in SDG 14 (2019 – 2024)
Navigating the Depths: Thammasat University’s Impactful Research on Protecting Life Below Water
Thammasat University scholars have made significant contributions to SDG 14, “Life Below Water,” through research on the sustainable management and protection of marine and coastal ecosystems between 2019 and 2024. Key research themes include:
1. Microplastic Pollution and Its Ecological Impact: Scholars have extensively studied microplastic contamination in aquatic environments, particularly in the Chao Phraya River and coastal aquaculture areas. This research focuses on the prevalence, distribution, and seasonal variations of microplastics, often contaminated with heavy metals, and their impact on marine ecosystems and human health.
2. Water Quality Assessment and Pollution Management: Numerous studies have monitored water quality parameters, including heavy metals, nitrates, and emerging pollutants in regions like Bangladesh’s coastal rivers and Lake Victoria. These efforts aim to support pollution mitigation and sustainable water resource management, aligning with SDG 14’s target of reducing marine pollution from land-based activities.
3. Aquaculture and Sustainable Fisheries: Research on sustainable aquaculture practices, including nutrient recovery systems, automated water quality monitoring, and feed innovations, aims to improve the sustainability and efficiency of aquaculture industries like shrimp and catfish farming, contributing to SDG 14’s goals for sustainable marine resource use.
4. Coastal Vulnerability and Ecosystem Resilience: Studies assess the vulnerability of coastal regions, such as Nakhon Si Thammarat and Krabi, to climate change impacts like sea-level rise and extreme weather. These efforts inform sustainable coastal management and ecosystem resilience strategies.
5. Marine Biodiversity and Biological Studies: Research on species-specific biology, including reproductive biology of aquatic species and ecological benefits of mangroves, supports biodiversity conservation and sustainable species management.
These research clusters reflect Thammasat’s integrated approach to SDG 14, contributing to the sustainable preservation of marine ecosystems through interdisciplinary solutions.
Outreach and Academic Services in SDG 14
Thammasat University has implemented community service projects aligned with SDG 14, focusing on the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. Two key projects reflect collaboration between various faculties and external organizations, fostering knowledge and innovation for sustainable marine conservation.
The first project, led by the Faculty of Commerce and Accountancy, is the “Innovative Community Enterprise Development Project for the Wat Phla Seaweed Cultivation Learning Center.” This initiative, in collaboration with the Wat Phla community in Rayong Province, introduces innovative seaweed cultivation methods, including farming sea lettuce, grape seaweed, and pepper seaweed. The project enhances the community’s income and promotes marine biodiversity conservation. Additionally, it integrates business management and accounting knowledge to improve product management and marketing. As a result, the community enterprise’s monthly income grew from 5,000 baht to 50,000 baht within 4-5 months.
The Faculty of Law organized the seminar “Disputes and Solutions to Coastal Land Encroachment,” which invites participants to discuss coastal land use issues affecting marine ecosystems. The seminar proposes solutions to land disputes and promotes environmental conservation through legal frameworks, enhancing understanding of marine resource management.
These projects exemplify interdisciplinary collaboration between business science, accounting, and law to promote sustainable marine resource conservation. Beneficiaries include local communities, community enterprises, environmental enthusiasts, and external stakeholders, who can apply the acquired knowledge in community and policy settings, further contributing to sustainable marine management.
Featured Stories
Paddle for Change: Thammasat University’ Fight Against River Plastic Pollution
In response to Thailand’s ranking as the 5th largest contributor to global plastic waste in 2018, Thammasat University launched the Paddle for the Chao Phraya campaign to clean waterways and raise awareness about plastic pollution. Led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pirinya Tevanarumitrkul and supported by the Department of Environmental Quality Promotion and the Pollution Control Department, volunteers kayaked along the Chao Phraya River, collecting waste and educating the public on reducing plastic use and waste management. The initiative won the Best Practice Project award from the Sustainable Universities Network in 2019.
The campaign expanded in 2019 with a 350-kilometer journey across 10 provinces, collecting over 3,215 kilograms of waste, including hazardous materials, and hosting workshops on waste segregation. In December 2022, it continued with Paddle for Bang Pakong, a 240-kilometer cleanup, engaging local residents and environmental groups in sustainable practices.
By 2023, the campaign expanded to other rivers and introduced eco-tourism initiatives like “Eco-Tourism Kayaking,” combining adventure with environmental education. This grassroots effort not only cleans waterways but also educates local communities about plastic pollution and sustainable practices, helping prevent waste from entering the sea and threatening marine life.
