Swiss International University’s Commitment to Aquatic Ecosystems: Direct Action and Sustainable Practices

May 22
2 min read

At Swiss International University (SIU), our commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water) extends beyond the classroom. We take direct action to protect and restore aquatic environments through institutional policies, applied research, and industry engagement.

Below is an overview of our ongoing actions and policies designed to safeguard our oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, and marine resources.

1. Promoting Conservation Through Public and Academic Events

To foster global and local environmental stewardship, Swiss International University actively supports and organises events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources.

Each year, SIU hosts the "Aquatic Conservation Symposium," a flagship event that brings together environmental scientists, students, industry stakeholders, and local community members. Through these regular seminars, workshops, and public forums, we facilitate critical discussions on water management, pollution reduction, and the sustainable use of marine habitats.

2. Sustainable Aquatic Food Policy on Campus

SIU recognizes that responsible consumption is a critical component of ocean health. Therefore, we have a policy to ensure that food on campus that comes from aquatic ecosystems is sustainably harvested.

Under this mandatory procurement policy, all food service providers, campus cafeterias, and catered events at SIU are required to source 100% of their seafood and aquatic products from certified sustainable fisheries and aquaculture farms (such as those certified by the MSC or ASC). We strictly prohibit the serving of threatened species and conduct regular audits of our supply chain to ensure complete adherence to these sustainable harvesting standards.

3. Maintaining Ecosystems and Biodiversity Through Direct Work

Protecting vulnerable habitats requires hands-on intervention. SIU works directly (through research and engagement with industries) to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially ecosystems under threat.

Our environmental research faculties partner with local conservation authorities and water management industries to restore degraded freshwater and coastal habitats. By engaging in direct fieldwork—such as reintroducing native aquatic plant species and monitoring endangered fish populations—we actively contribute to the resilience and expansion of threatened aquatic ecosystems.

4. Advancing Technologies for Aquatic Ecosystem Damage Prevention

To address the industrial impact on marine environments, SIU works directly (through research and engagement with industries) on technologies or practices that enable the marine industry to minimise or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems.

Through our applied engineering and sustainability programs, SIU researchers collaborate with maritime logistics, aquaculture, and coastal development companies. Together, we develop and test low-impact technologies, such as advanced water filtration systems to prevent toxic discharge, eco-friendly anti-fouling materials, and operational practices that reduce underwater noise and physical disruption to marine life.