17 July 2024, Nakhon Si Thammarat — Walailak University (WU) has issued its Action Plan to Minimize Physical, Chemical, and Biological Alterations of Aquatic Ecosystems, reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding water resources and promoting sustainable environmental management on and off campus.

The plan involves key university units such as the Center for Smart Farming and Landscaping Architecture, the School of Science (Marine Science), and the Center for Scientific and Technological Equipment, which oversee research, monitoring, and sustainable ecosystem practices.

To protect on-campus water resources, WU has designated preserved zones such as ponds, reservoirs, and streams, banning fishing and other harmful activities, with a 5,000-baht fine for violations. Regular surveys also ensure no alien species enter campus water systems. In 2024, researchers noted an increase in snakehead fish at the Pruk Sachon Reservoir, leading WU to allow regulated fishing to maintain ecological balance.

The university also introduced the Bot CDT Mobile Application, an IoT-based flood alert system that provides real-time water and weather monitoring to prevent polluted or invasive waters from entering campus ecosystems.

Further measures include promoting biodegradable materials under the Policy on Prohibiting the Use of Foam for Food Packaging and Reducing Plastic Use on Campus, and minimizing chemical pollution through the use of eco-friendly cleaning products and Trichoderma for pest control in agriculture.

Beyond campus, WU contributes to sustainable fisheries management in Ban Don Bay through the Thai Fishery Improvement Project (FIP), supporting blue swimming crab conservation and combating overfishing.

Through this action plan, Walailak University strengthens its leadership in aquatic ecosystem conservation, advancing its vision of sustainability through innovation, research, and community collaboration.