Monitoring Aquatic Ecosystem Health through Technology and Community Engagement

Monitoring Aquatic Ecosystem Health through Technology and Community Engagement

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement Walailak University (WU) is committed to safeguarding and monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems in its surrounding areas through advanced scientific approaches. Strategically situated near key marine and freshwater resources, WU actively tracks ecosystem conditions to support sustainable management. The university employs cutting-edge technologies, including Geographic Information Systems (GIS), remote sensing, CTD sensor networks, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), to collect and analyze environmental data. The following highlights WU’s ecosystem monitoring efforts in Bandon Bay and the coral reef areas of Phuket. Monitoring Bandon Bay with GIS and Remote Sensing Bandon Bay, adjacent to WU, plays a critical role in supporting both local communities and marine biodiversity. To protect this vital ecosystem, WU researchers collaborate with government agencies and industry partners, including the Thai Frozen Foods Association…
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Water Quality Standards and Wastewater Management at Walailak University

Water Quality Standards and Wastewater Management at Walailak University

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement Walailak University has water quality standards and guidelines for water discharges to uphold water quality in order to protect ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and welfare. All of the water resources used on campus are from tap water extracted by WU on campus 100% and recycled wastewater. Chala Nusorn Water Works HouseWastewater Treatment Plant The Tap Water from Natural Rainwater Walailak University’s primary water supply is produced from natural rainwater collected in the Phuksa Chon and Chalanuson Reservoirs. The Chalanuson Reservoir, covering 329,385 m² with a capacity of 4.94 million m³, serves as the main source. The Chalanuson Water Supply Plant, with a production capacity of 400 m³ per hour (9,600 m³ per day), distributes tap water across the campus. Raw water is pumped from the reservoir…
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Technologies for Preventing and Minimizing Damage to Aquatic Ecosystems

Technologies for Preventing and Minimizing Damage to Aquatic Ecosystems

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement In 2024, Walailak University collaborated with government agencies, local authorities, and marine industry partners to implement projects that provide advanced technologies to minimize and prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems.Among these initiatives, the Bandon Bay Project employs Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing to monitor and mitigate ecosystem degradation across this expansive watershed. The university also established a CTD Sensor Network around coral reefs on Racha Island, delivering real-time data to support coral conservation and address climate change-related threats.To protect vulnerable marine species, the Aerial Survey Using UAV-Drone project monitors populations of dugongs, turtles, and dolphins in Krabi Province. Each project integrates cutting-edge technology with collaborative efforts, reflecting Walailak University’s commitment to sustainable marine industry practices and the protection of aquatic ecosystems. GIS and Remote Sensing Technologies…
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Direct Involvement for Preserving Freshwater, Coastal, and Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Direct Involvement for Preserving Freshwater, Coastal, and Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement As global environmental challenges intensify, the conservation of aquatic ecosystems has become increasingly urgent. Walailak University (WU) actively engages in research and community initiatives to protect and restore freshwater and marine ecosystems, with particular attention to species and habitats under threat.Demonstrating a strong commitment to ecological preservation, WU collaborates with local communities, government agencies, private sectors, relevant industries, and NGOs to implement impactful projects. These efforts aim to safeguard biodiversity, maintain ecosystem health, and ensure the sustainable management of freshwater, coastal, and marine environments. Maintaining Freshwater Ecosystem and Biodiversity: Community-Based Living Weirs for Plants and Animals Conservation In 2024, Walailak University collaborated with local communities, government agencies, and industrial partners—including the Department of Provincial Administration, Na Mai Phai Subdistrict Administrative Organization, the Subdistrict Agricultural Technology Transfer and…
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Walailak University Advances Global Excellence through Marine Conservation and Sustainable Resource Utilization

Walailak University Advances Global Excellence through Marine Conservation and Sustainable Resource Utilization

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement Walailak University is dedicated to the conservation and sustainable utilization of aquatic resources, taking direct action to maintain the health of ecosystems in rivers, lakes, and seas. The university’s efforts extend to the protection of oceans, freshwater bodies, and marine biodiversity.Through close collaboration with local communities, government agencies, private sectors, and non-profit organizations, Walailak University organizes and supports a variety of initiatives that promote the sustainable management of aquatic and marine resources. Activities such as constructing artificial fish habitats, repairing living weirs, and releasing juvenile blue crabs into the sea not only help restore and strengthen local ecosystems but also generate lasting social and economic benefits for nearby communities.These initiatives serve as valuable platforms for education, community engagement, and practical conservation. They highlight the importance of protecting…
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Free Educational Activities to Raise Awareness about Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices

Free Educational Activities to Raise Awareness about Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices

Blue Swimming Crab2025, Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement In 2024, Walailak University organized free outreach activities for local and national communities to raise awareness about overfishing, illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, and destructive fishing practices. These outreach activities were organized for local fishermen, students, youths, and the general public as part of Walailak University’s initiatives on the promotion of sustainable fishery in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Thailand. Public Seminar on Partnership Promotion for Sustainable Coastal and Marine Resources and Fisheries Management Walailak University has long collaborated with local fishermen in Tha Sala District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, to promote sustainable fisheries and the conservation of marine resources. Through continuous outreach and academic service activities, the University has aimed to enhance local awareness of environmentally friendly fishing practices and encourage the responsible use of marine resources…
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Free Educational  Outreach Programs on Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Tourism

Free Educational  Outreach Programs on Sustainable Fisheries, Aquaculture, and Tourism

Blue Swimming Crab2025, Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement In 2024, Walailak University offered various outreach programs on the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism for local and national communities. All of the outreach programs were provided to the communities freely without any cost to ensure access to educational opportunities among local agriculturists, aquaculturists, and the general public. The outreach programs include both marine biodiversity and freshwater biodiversity. Sustainable Management of Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries and Aquaculture Sustainable Blue Swimming Crab Fisheries In 2024, Blue swimming crab resources in Nakhon Si Thammarat and Surat Thani were still a predominant issue in the local fishery, as it has served as an economic aquatic animal, contributing to the local fishermen’s income and grassroots economy. Additionally, each year, there are new groups of fishermen who still do not…
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Free Community Educational Outreach Programs on Freshwater Ecosystems

Free Community Educational Outreach Programs on Freshwater Ecosystems

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement Walailak University has long recognized the critical role of freshwater management in sustaining local communities, agriculture, and ecosystems in Nakhon Si Thammarat Province. As a regional institution, the university is committed to providing community-based educational outreach programs that empower local residents with practical knowledge and skills in sustainable water management. By combining academic research with participatory learning approaches, Walailak University facilitates hands-on experiences and collaborative initiatives that promote the conservation and restoration of freshwater ecosystems.In 2024, Walailak University carried out several initiatives, including outreach programs in the Pak Phanang River Basin, the “Living Weir” project, and the development of a mobile cloud-based platform for agricultural water management in Don Tako Subdistrict. These programs aimed to enhance water security, support biodiversity, and improve the well-being of local and…
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Outreach Educational Activities for the Wider Community, Alumni, Local Residents, and Displaced People on the SDGs

Outreach Educational Activities for the Wider Community, Alumni, Local Residents, and Displaced People on the SDGs

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement In 2024, Walailak University continued its commitment to advancing education on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) among local communities, alumni, and displaced people. The initiative aims to strengthen literacy and awareness of sustainable development across all aspects of life, fostering a shared understanding of sustainability that is accessible to diverse groups.Walailak University, through the Center for Academic Services (CAS), serves as the primary driver of these efforts, delivering SDG-focused education through outreach programs, workshops, and community events. Diagnostic assessments are conducted during these activities to evaluate participants’ understanding of the SDGs and identify areas where further guidance or support is needed. Each outreach activity is designed to integrate SDG concepts, ensuring that participants not only gain practical knowledge but also understand its connection to global…
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Walailak University’s Continual Collaborations with NGOs: Protecting Marine Resources for SDG 14

Walailak University’s Continual Collaborations with NGOs: Protecting Marine Resources for SDG 14

Outreach and Engagement
Outreach and Engagement In 2024, Walailak University has continued working with NGOs to tackle SDG 14: Life Below Water through student volunteering programs, research programs, and the development of educational resources, as it is one of the leading universities in developing strategic solutions for freshwater and marine ecosystems. For this year, the Walailak University Marine Conservation Club still played pivotal roles in bringing volunteering students to implement various activities and outreach projects on marine resources conservation in collaboration with Trash Hero Tha Sala, a non-governmental organization working for creating a clean world that is free from plastic pollution. For the research program, Walailak University continued working with various NGOs on the blue swimming crab research project under Fishery Improvement Projects (FIPs). Additionally, WU developed educational resources in the form of online videos as…
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