United Nations Sustainable Development
Goal 14: Life below water
Collaboration for shared aquatic ecosystems. Collaborate with the local community in efforts to maintain shared aquatic ecosystems.
The University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) actively collaborates with the local community to maintain and protect shared aquatic ecosystems. Here are some examples:
Blue Heart Sunshine Coast: This initiative is a collaboration between UniSC, the Sunshine Coast Council, and other local stakeholders. It focuses on restoring and managing wetlands in the Maroochy River catchment, improving water quality, and providing habitats for wildlife.
Coastal Health Report: UniSC works with the Sunshine Coast Council to monitor the health of coastal ecosystems. This project assesses water quality, fish populations, and the impacts of human activities, providing valuable data for coastal management.
Community Engagement Programs: UniSC’s Office of Engagement leads various community-focused initiatives, including educational workshops and volunteer opportunities related to aquatic ecosystem conservation. Coast4D is a UniSC next-generation citizen science coastal monitoring program that uses the community and artificial intelligence to make 3D models of the beach to better understand and plan for erosion and changes to the beach ecosystem, dune vegetation and turtle nesting.
Sustainable Water Management on Campus: UniSC implements innovative water conservation techniques, such as using recycled water for irrigation and cooling systems. These practices not only conserve water but also serve as a model for sustainable water use in the community.
Summary
These collaborations highlight UniSC’s commitment to working with the local community to protect and sustain aquatic ecosystems.