Life Below Water

KFUPM is committed to preserving aquatic ecosystems throughout the campus and the country by actions, education, and research.

Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education

The university is aware of the importance of education when it comes to SDGs. Therefore, various educational programs were offered to the public regarding water ecosystems, sustainable fishing, and the damages of overfishing. Several workshops were held which are part of a national project, entitled, “Evaluation of Irrigation Water Allocation System and Water Quotas to the Project Areas and the Extent of Utilization of the Automated Irrigation System Compared to the Previous Irrigation System and the Identification of Deficiencies and Treatment”

Regular awareness campaigns are held in this regard. This is a document shared by the EHS department to the public, which gives an overview of water use statistics and some practices to save water. A workshop was conducted together with the representatives of the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture last May 23, 2021 to discuss the “Development of Saudi Fisheries and the protection of the essential fish habitats in the Saudi waters of the Arabian Gulf”. This workshop was offered to the community, both to academic and to general population. In addition, a workshop aimed at sustaining the fish sector and increasing fish stocks was organized. The workshop was attended by many interested parties, including the leadership of the border guards in the eastern region and representatives of the Fishermen's Association, to learn how the fishery resources team views the protection of some types of fishes and shrimps, as well as their habitats.

KFUPM CEMS (Center for Environment and Marine Studies) organized events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilization of the seas and marine resources. For example, “Optical Properties and Remote Sensing of Coastal and Open Ocean Environments" and "Coral Ecosystem in The Western Arabian Gulf is at Risk" was organized The center also worked directly on research projects with the industry to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity. For example, The Manifa Bay protection project with Saudi Aramco. In addition, the center is working with different partners to develop technologies that enable the marine industry to minimize or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems.

Water-Sensitive Waste Disposal

On a regular basis, the EHS department carries out a number of environmental assessments inside KFUPM, including water quality assessments, to ensure that any activities undertaken on campus comply with the national and international environmental quality standards.

To prevent water pollution, especially from plastic waste, KFUPM started a recycling initiative at the campus which is expected to maintain a cost-effective and efficient waste management program that focuses on reducing, reusing, and recycling general waste, including plastic.

Maintaining a Local Ecosystem

CEMS has Initiatives which are targeted at protecting the fragile coastal and marine ecosystems in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. For example, modeling to estimate the impact of the construction activities (Manifa Bay protection) or Avoiding Biodiversity Hotspots from developmental activity. Furthermore, by using modern technology, CEMS monitor the health and changes in marine habitat, which will help policymakers, engineers, scientists, and other interested groups to utilize marine resources or to make informed decisions that would help to protect and conserve the fragile and sensitive marine habitats.

Supporting Documents