14.Life Below Water

Centurion University champions good aquatic stewardship practices through its CARES framework: Community Engagement, Academic Excellence, Research, Entrepreneurship, and Social Impact. The University actively expresses its commitment to safeguarding aquatic ecosystems through engaged efforts in these key areas.

Community Engagement:
Centurion University initiates its commitment to aquatic stewardship by actively engaging with local communities and fishermen. Advocating for sustainable fishing practices, responsible resource utilization, and water conservation, the University has significantly impacted nearby villages such as Paralakhemundi, Gajapati, Odisha. These efforts aim to raise awareness and foster responsible practices in aquatic resource management.

Academic:
Excelling in environmental conservation aligned with SDG 14, Centurion University’s academic efforts focus on preventing invasive species in fish culture, implementing waste reduction measures, and restoring ecological balance at Ramsagar. The commitment to local biodiversity is evident in initiatives like the Butterfly, Bees, and Cactus Garden. Academic research addresses invasive alien species in wetlands, contributing significantly to SDG 14 objectives and overall environmental sustainability.

Research:
Centurion University has made significant contributions through four key research papers on SDG 14 – Life below Water. These papers cover topics such as the impact of induced breeding on seed production, water quality analysis of Ansupa Lake, the discovery of Backlash Scorpionfish in Andaman Waters, and heavy metal accumulation in Pacific White Leg Shrimp at different growth stages. These research endeavors deepen the understanding of sustainable aquatic practices and contribute to the global efforts for life below water.

Entrepreneurship:
The School of Fisheries at Centurion University actively collaborates with local communities to maintain community freshwater ponds. Initiatives like weed clearance, ongoing pond monitoring, and disease surveillance ensure the well-being of these critical water resources. The University empowers local fish farmers with training and support for seed production and ornamental fish farming, thereby creating economic opportunities within these communities.

Social Impact:
Centurion University actively promotes sustainable aquaculture through events such as webinars and farmer training programs, with a focused emphasis on judicious water management. Embracing the CARES framework, the University engages with communities, conducts research, fosters sustainability, and creates a social impact to preserve aquatic ecosystems. The holistic approach underscores Centurion University’s commitment to SDG 14 and the overarching goal of ensuring life below water thrives sustainably.