SDG 14

LIFE BELOW WATER

SDG Resources

SDG14: LIFE BELOW WATER

Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. In Bahrain, both the government and educational institutions like Applied Science University (ASU) are actively contributing to this goal.

Government Initiatives in Bahrain

The Kingdom of Bahrain has implemented several measures to protect and preserve marine ecosystems:

Mangrove Restoration: In 2021, Bahrain committed to quadrupling mangrove coverage across coastal areas by 2035 as part of its plan to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060 and preserve marine life. In June 2023, the target was doubled to planting 460,000 mangroves in 2023, with 110,000 mangroves successfully planted in 2022.
Marine Biodiversity Protection: The government has protected several species of fish from the threat of fishing and unlawful capture, including dolphins and certain species of sharks.
Sustainable Fishing Practices: Bahrain has implemented regulations to ensure sustainable fishing practices, aiming to maintain fish populations and protect marine habitats.

Applied Science University’s (ASU) Commitment to SDG 14

Applied Science University (ASU) in Bahrain actively supports SDG 14 through various initiatives:

Coastal Clean-Up Campaigns: ASU’s Community Engagement Office, in cooperation with Al Eker Charitable Society, organized a campaign to clean the coast of the village of Al-Aker, located opposite the university building. This initiative involved academic and administrative staff, university volunteers, and local community members, demonstrating ASU’s commitment to preserving marine environments.
Environmental Awareness Programs: ASU conducts programs and workshops to raise awareness about marine conservation and the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems among students and the broader community.

Through these efforts, both the Bahraini government and ASU demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing SDG 14, ensuring the conservation and sustainable use of marine resources.

Marine Biodiversity

https://sdgs.gov.bh/Goal/?ID=maVqVzx8FlrWJpD4NUhFEQ

The Kingdom of Bahrain announced, in 2021, its commitment to quadruple the mangrove coverage across coastal areas by the year 2035, part of its plan to achieve net-zero by 2060 and preserve marine life. In June 2023, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Prime Minister announced the doubling of the previously announced target of planting 230,000 mangroves in 2023 to 460,000, in an effort to further accelerate the plans. In 2022, Bahrain successfully planted 110,000 mangroves. Efforts have continued throughout 2023, with the 100,000-mangrove seeding planted in May.

Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education

The university contribute to this through research papers and events, some of these are detailed below:

Research Paper Titled “Rainwater Harvesting Systems: An Urban Flood Risk Mitigation Measure in Arid Areas”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674237023000534

The research paper titled “Rainwater harvesting systems: An urban flood risk mitigation measure in arid areas” by Hdeib and Aouad explores the potential of rainwater harvesting (RWH) systems as a measure to mitigate urban flood risks in arid regions. The study specifically focuses on assessing the effectiveness of RWH systems in reducing flood depth and extent in a residential area in Bahrain.

This research project directly relates to SDG 13: Climate Action by supporting aquatic ecosystems through education and sustainable water management practices. By analyzing the potential use of RWH systems to mitigate urban flood risks, the study promotes sustainable water management strategies, which are essential for preserving aquatic ecosystems and adapting to climate change impacts.

The research project emphasizes the importance of RWH systems as a sustainable water supply solution in arid areas. By capturing and utilizing rainwater, these systems reduce the dependence on conventional water sources, such as groundwater and surface water. This approach helps to preserve freshwater resources, ensuring their availability for aquatic ecosystems and other environmental needs.

Furthermore, the study highlights the role of education in promoting the adoption of RWH systems and sustainable water practices. By assessing the effectiveness of RWH systems in reducing flood risks and enhancing the resilience of the built environment, the research provides valuable insights that can be used for educational purposes. It raises awareness among stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public about the potential benefits of implementing RWH systems in arid regions to mitigate flood risks and support sustainable water management.

Through this research project, Dr. Rouya’s work contributes to SDG 13 by promoting climate action through sustainable water management practices. By advocating for the use of RWH systems as a flood risk mitigation measure, the research supports the conservation of water resources, protection of aquatic ecosystems, and the overall resilience of urban areas in arid regions. Additionally, the educational aspect of the research project facilitates knowledge dissemination and capacity building, empowering communities to take action towards sustainable water management and climate resilience.

BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering

https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/03.1-CIVIL-Module-Descriptor-2023-2024.pdf

Within the Civil Engineering programme taught at the university in collaboration with London Southbank University, there is a module titled with Environmental Engineering, below is the module descriptor:

BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering

https://www.asu.edu.bh/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/03.1-ME-Module-Descriptors-2023-2024.pdf

Within the Mechanical Engineering programme taught at the university in collaboration with London Southbank University, there is a module titled with e Dynamics and System Modelling, below is the module descriptor:

Community Engagement Office at ASU Organised a Campaign to Clean the Coast of East Al Eker

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

On Saturday, 26 January 2019, Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University in collaboration with Al Eker Charitable Society, and with the participation of One Heart Media Team; organised a voluntary campaign to clean the coast of East Al Eker. The campaign aims to preserve the environment and public coasts of the Kingdom of Bahrain and raise the level of awareness and responsibility of the members of the University and the community. The campaign included cleaning of the coast from plastic, paper, glass and other impurities to preserve wildlife in Al Eker, which includes the mangroves and migratory birds. The campaign volunteers included Academic and Administrative Staff, Students and Graduates of the ASU, volunteers from the village of Al Eker, and participants from the local community.

Community Engagement Office at ASU Organised the Second Campaign to Clean the Coast of East Al Eker

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Hisham bin Abdulrahman Al Khalifa, the Governor of Capital Governorate, Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University in collaboration with Capital Governorate, Al Eker Charitable Society,( وثيقة محافظة العاصمة للتطوع ); organised the second voluntary campaign to clean the coast of East Al Eker. Dr Mohammad Yousef, Vice President for Administration, Finance and Community Engagement and Acting Vice President for Academic Affairs and Development, Mr Hassan Al Madani the Deputy Capital Governor, and Dr Abdulwahid Al-Nakal, the Board Member of Capital Municipal Council had attended and participated in the campaign that was held on Saturday, 23 February 2019. Participants of the campaign included ASU Staff and Students and alumni, and members and volunteers from Al Eker Charitable Society, ( وثيقة محافظة العاصمة للتطوع ), One Heart Media Team, Positive Wings Voluntary Team, and some volunteers from the local community. Twenty mangrove trees have been planted during the campaign to preserve the environment and public coasts of the Kingdom of Bahrain, and raise the level of awareness and responsibility of ASU members and the community.

Applied Science University Visited the United Nation House

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

Within the initiatives of the Community Engagement Office at Applied Science University and in coordination with the Department of Political Science and College of Law, ASU visited the United Nation House in Manama on Tuesday, 5 February 2019. ASU was presented by Dr Mohammad Al-Hamami, Manager of Community Engagement Office, Mr Thaer AlRamini Member of CE Office and Student Care, and a Number of Academic Staff included Dr Khaleel Ibrahim, Dr Samer AlDuros, Mrs Ghada Ihsan, Dr Rajab Ebrahem, Dr Ammar Al-Sammarraee, Dr Radwan Kharabsheh, and Students from Political Science Department and College of Law. During the visit, Mr Samir Al-Darabi, the United Nations Information Center Director talked about UN responsibilities, roles and activities. After that, HE Mr Amin El Sharkawi, the Resident Representative of UNDP in Bahrain delivered a Lecture about Sustainable Development Goals. ASU Academic Staff and Students participated in discussions on the topics raised during the visit.

At the end of the Visit, Dr Mohammad Al-Hamami, Manager of Community Engagement Office at ASU thanked the UN House in Manama for the warm reception; he praised the role played by the UN to achieve the objectives of Sustainable Development Goals, and stressed the readiness of ASU to cooperate in supporting UN initiatives in various fields. He pointed out that the students who participated in the visit are specialised in Political Sciences and Law so that the theory is linked to the application in their study. The visiting delegation included professors of various disciplines to open the way for building cooperation frameworks between the two parties. The Academic Staff who participated in the visit presented ideas and discussed prospects of cooperation that can be made between ASU and UN House.

Campaign to Clean the Coast of East Al Eker

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

Within the initiatives of the Applied Science University for community Engagement and service, the Community Engagement Office, in cooperation with the Al Eker Charitable Society, organized a campaign to clean the coast of the village of Al-Aker (opposite the university building), which comes as a continuation of the previous series of campaigns that the office implemented in cooperation with the Society, on Saturday 26th November, 2022 at 3:30 p.m., with the participation of a large number of academic and administrative staff, the University Volunteers Club, and volunteers of Al Eker Charitable Society.

A Campaign to Provide and Install Solar-Powered Lamps

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

As part of the Applied Science University’s initiatives for community engagement and service, The ASU Community Engagement Office, in cooperation with Al Eker Charitable Society, organised a campaign to provide and install (13) solar-powered lamps to light different locations in the village of Al-Aker on Thursday, June 15, 2023, with the participation of a number of academic and administrative staff, university students, and the local community.

Green metric Ranking

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

The University is committed to supporting and preserving the environment and is considered one of the leading institutions in the region in the field of environmental sustainability. The university has taken several innovative initiatives to protect the environment, improve the quality of life, and promote environmental awareness among students, staff, and the local community. One of the university’s initiatives to protect and preserve the environment is the provision of energy-efficient lighting systems in the campus and other buildings. The university also collaborates with the local community in organizing campaigns to clean beaches and green spaces and promote agriculture to improve public health and the environment. In addition, the university collaborates with local government and community organizations to organize environmental awareness campaigns and participate in environmental conservation and development initiatives. The university encourages its staff to contribute to environmental protection and improve the quality of life. Applied Science University has achieved a high ranking in the 2022 UI Green Metric World University Rankings, ranking first among private universities locally, 35th among Arab universities, and 407th globally. The university’s ranking in this prestigious position is due to its commitment to achieving sustainable development in all its economic, social, and environmental aspects, and its focus on green environmental standards. The university’s building design considers environmentally friendly considerations, with sustainable building materials used in construction. The university places great importance on protecting the environment, improving the quality of life, and promoting the use of renewable energy such as solar energy. The university is also working to improve its operational processes to reduce natural resource consumption, waste, and harmful emissions.

Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Action

The university takes actions for supporting aquatic ecosystems though its engineering programmes modules and several evets, some are detailed below:

Engineering Programmes

https://www.asu.edu.bh/courses/beng-hons-civil-engineering/

Some courses of the Civil Engineering program are directly related to the environment and sustainability applications.

Course Titles:

Environmental Engineering
Hydraulics
Soil Mechanics
Construction Engineering
Principles of Engineering Science 2
Current Topics in Civil and Construction Engineering

Some common courses of Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering programs are directly related to the environment and sustainability applications. (https://www.asu.edu.bh/courses/beng-hons-architectural-engineering/)

Course Titles:

Engineering Science 1
Principles of Engineering
Engineering Research Methods
Innovation, Enterprise and Management

Some courses of Architectural Engineering directly related to the environment and sustainability applications. (https://www.asu.edu.bh/courses/beng-hons-architectural-engineering/)

Course Titles:

Integrated Design and Construction
Design Procedures for Architecture 1
Design Procedures for Architecture 2
Building Information Modelling
Energy Conservation in Buildings
Design Project

The content and the assessments of the foregoing courses have practical activities, experiments, and analysis of the following:

Energy saving, renewable energy sources, electricity consumption, water quality, water recycling, and construction management sustainability. The students learn and apply how to improve the quality and preserve the resources for human health and welfare, as well as ‎the marine life. ‎

Community Engagement Office at ASU Organised a Campaign to Clean the Coast of East Al Eker

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

Community Engagement Office at ASU Organised the Second Campaign to Clean the Coast of East Al Eker

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

Applied Science University Visited the United Nation House

https://www.asu.edu.bh/community-engagement/community-engagement-booklet/

Maintain Ecosystems and Their Biodiversity

The Graduation Project course of the Civil Engineering program at ASU offers various student project disciplines that contribute to maintaining ecosystems and their biodiversity. These disciplines include:

Quality Assurance and Integrity of Deep Foundations Using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): This project focuses on ensuring the stability and safety of deep foundations, which play a crucial role in supporting infrastructure projects while minimizing disturbances to the surrounding ecosystems.
Assessment of urban flood risk potential and design of stormwater systems: This project aims to assess and mitigate the risks associated with urban flooding, which can have detrimental effects on ecosystems. The design of efficient stormwater systems helps manage rainfall runoff and prevent flooding, thus protecting ecosystems.
Flood inundation modelling of natural channels for different probabilities of occurrence: This project involves studying flood patterns in natural channels and developing models to predict and understand their behaviour. By analysing flood inundation, effective measures can be implemented to protect ecosystems and reduce the impact of floods.
Design of water supply systems for an urban area: This project focuses on designing sustainable water supply systems for urban areas, considering the needs of both human populations and ecosystems. Proper water management ensures the availability of water resources for ecosystems and supports biodiversity.
Design of sewage water networks for an urban area: This project involves designing efficient sewage water networks that effectively collect and treat wastewater. Proper sewage management prevents pollution and contamination of ecosystems, preserving their biodiversity.
Design of rainwater harvesting systems: This project aims to design and implement rainwater harvesting systems, which promote sustainable water use and reduce the strain on natural water sources. By utilizing rainwater, ecosystems can maintain their water balance and support biodiversity.
Greywater treatment system in households and design of stormwater systems: This project focuses on developing greywater treatment systems that recycle and reuse wastewater generated from households. Additionally, the design of stormwater systems ensures proper drainage and minimizes the impact on ecosystems.
Strengthening concrete beams using different techniques: case studies (using environmental solutions): This project explores environmentally friendly techniques to strengthen concrete beams, reducing the need for new construction and minimizing the ecological impact of infrastructure projects.
Strengthening concrete slabs using different techniques (FRP/steel): Case studies (using environmental solutions): This project investigates methods to strengthen concrete slabs using eco-friendly techniques such as fibre-reinforced polymers (FRP) or steel reinforcement, contributing to sustainable construction practices and ecosystem preservation.
By offering these project disciplines, the Graduation Project course in Civil Engineering at ASU aims to integrate ecological considerations and promote sustainable practices that maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity.

Technologies Towards Aquatic Ecosystem Damage Prevention

The Graduation Project course of the Civil Engineering program at ASU offers student project disciplines that contribute to technologies aimed at preventing damage to aquatic ecosystems. These disciplines include:

Quality Assurance and Integrity of Deep Foundations Using Non-Destructive Testing (NDT): This project focuses on ensuring the stability and integrity of deep foundations, which can have a significant impact on aquatic ecosystems. By utilizing non-destructive testing techniques, potential risks to nearby water bodies can be identified and mitigated.
Assessment of urban flood risk potential and design of stormwater systems: Urban floods can cause severe damage to aquatic ecosystems. This project involves assessing the potential risk of urban flooding and designing efficient stormwater systems to manage and control the flow of water, minimizing the negative impact on aquatic environments.
Flood inundation modeling of natural channels for different probabilities of occurrence: Understanding the behavior of floodwater in natural channels is crucial for preventing damage to aquatic ecosystems. This project focuses on developing flood inundation models that can predict the extent and impact of floods, aiding in the design of effective mitigation measures.
Design of water supply systems for an urban area: Sustainable water supply systems are essential for maintaining the health of aquatic ecosystems. This project involves designing water supply systems that ensure a reliable water source for urban areas while minimizing the negative impact on nearby water bodies through proper water management practices.
Design of sewage water networks for an urban area: Proper management of sewage water is vital to prevent contamination and damage to aquatic ecosystems. This project aims to design efficient sewage water networks that effectively collect and treat wastewater, minimizing the release of pollutants into water bodies.
Design of rainwater harvesting systems: Rainwater harvesting systems contribute to preventing damage to aquatic ecosystems by reducing the reliance on freshwater sources. This project focuses on designing systems that collect and store rainwater for various purposes, reducing the strain on natural water bodies and promoting sustainable water use.
Greywater treatment system in households and design of stormwater systems: Household greywater, if not managed properly, can have adverse effects on aquatic environments. This project involves designing greywater treatment systems that recycle and reuse wastewater, reducing the pollution load on water bodies. Additionally, the design of stormwater systems considers the proper drainage and filtration of water to prevent contamination.
By incorporating these project disciplines into the Graduation Project course, the Civil Engineering program at ASU aims to promote technologies and designs that prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems. These projects emphasize sustainable practices, effective water management, and the reduction of pollutants, all of which contribute to the protection and preservation of aquatic environments.

Water Sensitive Waste Disposal

Some courses in the Civil Engineering and Architectural Engineering programs are directly related to the environment and sustainability applications. These courses provide knowledge and skills that can contribute to water-sensitive waste disposal practices. Specifically, the courses cover topics such as energy saving, renewable energy sources, electricity consumption, water quality, water recycling, and construction management sustainability. By studying these subjects, students gain an understanding of how to improve the quality of water resources and preserve them for human health and welfare, including marine life. In the context of water-sensitive waste disposal, the courses equip students with the necessary tools to address the proper management and treatment of waste materials, particularly those that could potentially affect water resources. Some relevant aspects covered in the courses include (https://www.asu.edu.bh/college-of-engineering/programmes/):

Environmental Engineering: This course focuses on the application of engineering principles to environmental issues. It covers topics such as waste management, water treatment, and pollution control, which are essential for water-sensitive waste disposal.
Hydraulics: Hydraulics deals with fluid behaviour and its application in engineering systems. Understanding hydraulic principles is crucial for designing efficient water disposal systems and managing water resources effectively.
Soil Mechanics: Soil mechanics is concerned with the behaviour of soil and its interaction with structures and water. It provides insights into the design and construction of foundations, drainage systems, and waste containment facilities, ensuring proper waste disposal without negatively impacting water resources.
Construction Engineering: This course covers various aspects of construction project management, including sustainability considerations. Students learn about sustainable construction practices, waste reduction, and environmentally friendly construction techniques that minimize the impact on water resources.
Energy Conservation in Buildings: This course explores strategies for reducing energy consumption in buildings, including the efficient use of water resources. Proper management of water in buildings contributes to sustainable practices and reduces the overall environmental impact.
Integrated Design and Construction: This course emphasizes the integration of sustainable design principles into architectural and construction processes. Students learn how to incorporate water-sensitive waste disposal practices into the overall design and construction of buildings.

By studying these courses, students gain the knowledge and skills required to implement water-sensitive waste disposal practices. They learn how to manage waste materials effectively, reduce pollution, conserve water resources, and ensure the preservation of water quality. These efforts contribute to a sustainable approach to waste disposal and help protect both human health and the marine life that depend on clean and healthy water ecosystems.

Maintaining a Local Ecosystem

The course ” Environmental Engineering” offered in both the Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering programs is directly related to the environment. It focuses on practical activities, experiments, and analysis of water quality in different locations of Bahrain. The course aims to educate students on improving water quality, preserving it for human health and welfare, and protecting marine life. In the Graduation Project course of the Civil Engineering program (Project), students work on projects related to ecosystem improvement and preservation. These projects align with the course’s focus on environmental engineering and emphasize the importance of protecting and enhancing ecosystems.

Dr. Rouya is currently involved in a university project on Urban Flood Risk Assessment based on GIS and a hydrodynamic model. The project aims to develop urban flood risk maps to assist government efforts in upgrading and maintaining stormwater infrastructure. Additionally, the project seeks to raise awareness and provide guidance on implementing strategies to protect populations and assets from the risk of rain floods.

Dr. Rouya and Marwan Aouad have co-authored a paper titled “Climate change adaptation: The opportunities of crowdsourced data to monitor the effectiveness of stormwater management systems.” The paper is currently undergoing revision for the “International Conference on Sustainable Futures” scheduled for December 5th and 6th, 2023, in Abu Dhabi.

Another research project led by Dr. Rouya focuses on watershed management and the development of coupled hydrological and hydraulic models for water resources management and flood risk mitigation. Two papers have been published as part of this project:

Paper 1 Citation: Hdeib R., Abdallah C., Colin F., Brocca L., Moussa R., 2018. “Constraining coupled hydrological-hydraulic flood model by past storm events and post-event measurements in data-sparse regions.” Journal of Hydrology, October 2018, Volume 565, pages:160-176. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jhydrol.2018.08.008

Paper 2 Citation: Hdeib R., Moussa R., Colin F., Abdallah C., 2020. “A new cost-performance grid to compare different flood modelling approaches.” Hydrological Sciences Journal, Feb. 2020. https://doi.org/10.1080/02626667.2021.1873346

These projects and research align with the sustainable development goal (SDG) 15 indicators related to minimizing alteration of aquatic ecosystems, monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems, promoting good aquatic stewardship practices, collaborating for shared aquatic ecosystems, and implementing watershed management strategies based on the diversity of aquatic species in specific locations.