The Center for Academic Services of Walailak University is driving excellence towards global recognition in the THE Impact Ranking. This is part of the Project for Strategic Planning and Enhancing Marine Ecosystem Conservation and Restoration for the Use of Marine and Coastal Resources (Year 1). In collaboration with the Local Fisheries Association in Ban Nai Tung and network partners, a fish house construction activity to conserve marine and coastal resources was held from April 26-28, 2024, at the Blue Swimming Crab Bank and Coastal Fishery Learning Center in Ban Nai Tung, Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province.
The objective of this activity is to raise awareness about the importance of food sources and to provide shelter for young aquatic animals. Also, it aims to pass down knowledge and wisdom from generation to generation. Additionally, this activity supports coastal community organizations in their efforts to restore and increase marine life populations, creating significant tourist attractions and generating jobs and income for local residents. This promotes conservation in line with Sustainable Development Goal: SDG14 Life Below Water, which focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources.
The event is officially opened by Mr. Bancha Sukkaew, Director General of the Department of Fisheries, with an address by Asst. Prof. Dr. Amonsak Sawusdee, Director of the Center for Academic Services. Additionally, the event is attended by representatives from the public and private sectors, various organizations, companies, teachers, students, university staff, youth, and interested members of the public.
In addition to the fish house construction activities and the release of young blue swimming crabs into the sea, the event features beach cleanup activities and a seminar activity on “Integrating Collaboration for Sustainable Marine and Coastal Resource Goals.”
There also are four learning stations:
- Waste Management
- Cooking
- Shipbuilding
- Fishermen’s School for Marine Resource Conservation
These stations provide knowledge and raise awareness among students and participants, promoting conservation and the sustainable utilization of marine resources. Also, these activities align with several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- SDG 14: Life Below Water (conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources for sustainable development)
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger (end hunger, achieve food security and improved nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture)
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals (build cooperation with various networks and related agencies)