SDG14: Life Below Water
Supporting aquatic ecosystems through education
Fresh-water ecosystems (community outreach)
Bukhara State University has been actively involved in providing educational opportunities related to water management for local communities through various seminars, symposiums, and workshops. These initiatives aim to improve the understanding and practices of water management, addressing both local and global environmental challenges.
National Workshop on UI GreenMetric World University Rankings: In May, Bukhara State University hosted the first National Forum on UI GreenMetric World University Rankings for universities in Uzbekistan. This event brought together representatives from top-performing universities, including Tashkent State University of Law and Tashkent State University of Economics. The forum focused on sustainability and environmental responsibility, fostering collaboration among universities and sharing best practices in green campus initiatives.
Virtual Workshop on UI GreenMetric: In September, Bukhara State University conducted a virtual workshop for universities in Uzbekistan. This workshop emphasized the importance of sustainability in higher education and the role of universities in promoting environmental responsibility. Keynote speakers and experts from UI GreenMetric provided insights into the ranking system and its impact on universities worldwide. The event encouraged Uzbek universities to participate in the UI GreenMetric Rankings, promoting global comparisons and knowledge exchange.
Scientific-Practical Conference on Agricultural Innovation: In the same period, Bukhara State University organized a national scientific-practical conference on “Innovative Approaches to Agriculture and Plant Protection in Various Soil and Climate Conditions.” The conference addressed the impact of population growth, climate change, and resource demand on food security. Experts discussed innovative solutions for sustainable agriculture, highlighting the importance of efficient water management in agricultural practices.
These events and activities demonstrate Bukhara State University’s commitment to educating the local community on good water management practices and environmental sustainability. Through these initiatives, the university aims to foster a deeper understanding of ecological issues and promote responsible water management for a sustainable future.
Sustainable fisheries (community outreach)
Bukhara State University offers a master’s program in Bioeconomics which was designed within the EU “Erasmus+” program. The program offered 2 grants and 4 tuition-based quotas and welcomed undergraduates from all economic and mathematical backgrounds, agriculture and water management including forestry, fishery, agricultural technology, veterinary, Irrigation, etc. The program was offered in English including exchange programs with partner universities, and Summer Work and Travel.
Supporting aquatic ecosystems through action
Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans
Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans (events)
- International Symposium on Desert-Oasis Ecosystem: In October, Bukhara State University hosted an international symposium titled “Desert-Oasis Ecosystem under Climate Change: Problems and Solutions.” The symposium was organized in collaboration with various institutions, including Kazan Federal University and Tyumen State University. It addressed the challenges faced by desert-oasis ecosystems due to climate change and discussed innovative solutions. Experts and researchers shared their knowledge on sustainable practices and ecosystem preservation.
- Seminar on World Wetlands Day: In February, the Zoology and General Biology Department of Bukhara State University held a seminar dedicated to World Wetlands Day at the Bukhara Regional Department of Ecology, Environment Protection, and Climate Change. Professors and students discussed the importance of wetlands in biodiversity conservation and water management. They proposed the establishment of a state reservation in the Oyoq Ogtma Lake area to protect endangered plant and animal species. The seminar concluded with distributing certificates and appreciation gifts to active participants.
Maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity
Jayron Eco Center Expedition: In November, 70 students from Bukhara State University participated in an ecological expedition to the Jayron Eco Center. The expedition aimed to raise awareness about endangered species and the importance of ecological sustainability. Students learned about the classification of endangered species and contributed to environmental conservation by planting 100 saxaul trees. This hands-on experience emphasized the significance of preserving natural habitats and promoting sustainability.
Bukhara State University maintains land in the province of Bukhara, designed to grow fruitful trees of peaches and pears. The university staff continuously checks the soil and carries out necessary techniques to facilitate productivity.
Water-sensitive waste disposal
Water discharge guidelines and standards
At Bukhara State University, preventing water systems from pollution is one of the primary tasks in pursuing the sustainable development goal 6. The prevention of water pollution is provided through the following procedures:
- At Bukhara State University, the water quality in the system is checked by specialists from the water supply company who regularly visit the university campuses. The administration staff of the university joins them and uses special meters that check the level of various hazardous particles that could have entered the system.
- Wastewater treatment: all basins, tubs, and sinks in the buildings of Bukhara State University are equipped with special filters that prevent chemical pollutants and solid substances from entering the wastewater system. Additionally, posters are pasted above all wastewater hollows, informing about materials and fluids prohibited from flowing into the system.
- Stormwater management: all buildings of Bukhara State University are equipped with guttering which takes runoff of rain and melted snow from the rooftop to the underground drainage system and reduces flowing of toxic water into the lawns, streets, and other campus sites. The amount of runoff from rain and snow is stored in the underground tanks, cleaned by sedimentation and filters, and then used to irrigate vegetation areas. The reused water is measured by recording the liters of water that underground tanks are filled with.
Action plan to reduce plastic waste
- Plastic waste reduction: to reduce the use of plastic waste and to prevent it from entering the water system, the university has placed waste segregation containers across the campuses which indicates the right bin to throw the garbage. Plastic is also identified as an element to avoid flowing into the wastewater system on the posters about water conservation and preventing it from pollution.
- To reduce plastic use on campus, the university has designed a poster informing about alternatives to the use of plastic materials.
