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   ​Executive Summ​ary

Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14), "Life Below Wat​er," Goal 14 | Department of Economic and Social Affairs is one of the fundamental pillars for achieving sustainable development globally. It focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources to ensure the balance and sustainability of marine ecosystems for future generations. The importance of this goal stems from increasing environmental challenges such as marine pollution, loss of biodiversity, overexploitation of marine resources, and the impacts of climate change on coastal and marine ecosystems. Stemming from Vision 2030, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has given special attention to this goal by launching qualitative initiatives aimed at reducing marine pollution, protecting coral reefs, and developing the fisheries sector and sustainable marine tourism, thereby enhancing its position as a country overlooking the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf. In this context, Saudi universities, led by Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, play an active role in supporting this goal through education, scientific research, and community initiatives that focus on marine sustainability, spreading environmental awareness, and finding innovative solutions to challenges related to marine resources, which aligns with national efforts to protect life below water and achieve sustainable development.

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Interlinkages with other Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 14 (Life Below Water) is closely linked to many other Sustainable Development Goals, as more than three billion people depend on marine and coastal biodiversity for their livelihoods, reflecting its direct impact on eradicating poverty (Goal 1) and eradicating hunger (Goal 2) by providing food and income for millions of families. Healthy oceans are also a key component in combating climate change (Goal 13) due to their role in absorbing carbon and mitigating its effects. Marine ecosystems are closely linked to Life on Land (Goal 15), as land pollution directly affects seas and oceans. In addition, sustainable consumption and production (Goal 12), shifting to clean energy (Goal 7), and improving water and sanitation (Goal 6) are all crucial factors in ensuring the sustainability of life below water.​

Saudi Government efforts to achieve SDG 14: 

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia attaches great importance to Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water), based on its recognition of the importance of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf as primary sources of marine biodiversity and sustainable economic development. As part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has launched a package of qualitative initiatives aimed at protecting marine ecosystems and ensuring the sustainable use of their resources. Prominent among these efforts are the Saudi Green Initiative and the Middle East Green Initiative, which focus on enhancing marine environmental protection, reducing emissions, and addressing the impacts of climate change on coasts and seas. ​The Kingdom also exerts extensive efforts to reduce marine pollution resulting from industrial and maritime activities, enhance marine waste management programs, and protect coral reefs, which are a natural treasure of high value for biodiversity and ecotourism. The state has also given attention to regulating fishing activities and developing aquaculture as a means to ensure food security and the sustainability of fish resources. In addition, it has expanded marine protected areas to safeguard endangered species. On another front, the Kingdom is working to develop sustainable marine tourism through mega-projects such as the Red Sea Project, which balances tourism development with the preservation of the marine environment, enhancing Saudi Arabia's position as a global ecotourism destination. The Kingdom also actively participates in international and regional agreements for the protection of seas and oceans and supports scientific research and environmental studies that focus on confronting climate change and its effects on marine life.

These integrated efforts reflect the Saudi government's commitment to achieving a balance between economic development and marine environmental protection, and reaffirm its leading role in supporting Sustainable Development Goal 14 regionally and internationally, ensuring the sustainability of marine resources for future generations.

Role of Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) in achieving Goal 14


 Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University is one of the leading educational institutions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that actively contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14: "Life Below Water." Through a range of academic, research, and community activities, the university demonstrates a strong commitment to preserving marine ecosystems and promoting environmental sustainability through a large number of initiatives and activities, including:

  • ​Faculty members and students at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU) conduct research on marine ecosystems, focusing on the impact of pollution, climate change, and human activities on marine organisms. Collaborative research projects with government agencies and international organizations contribute to protecting marine biodiversity.
  • The university offers courses and workshops related to marine science, environmental conservation, and sustainability. Islamic teachings related to responsibility for natural resources are integrated into academic programs, emphasizing the ethical duty to protect marine ecosystems.
  • ​The university organizes events such as beach cleanups and awareness workshops to educate students and the community about the importance of protecting marine resources. Campaigns highlight the impact of plastic pollution, overfishing, and unsustainable practices on marine systems.
  • The university collaborates with local communities to promote sustainable fishing practices and marine environmental protection efforts. Partnerships with non-governmental organizations and government initiatives maximize the university's impact in achieving marine environmental sustainability.
  • IMSIU reduces its contribution ​to marine pollution by encouraging waste reduction, recycling, and responsible waste disposal practices within the university campus. Initiatives include eliminating single-use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives in line with marine conservation goals.
  • The university integrates Islamic principles related to environmental ethics and stewardship of nature into its marine environmental conservation initiatives, focusing on lectures and seminars on the role of faith in promoting sustainable practices and respect for marine life.


Periodic scientific lectures in the departments of the College of Science concerning the conservation of life below water

The Central Unit for Training and Development and the scientific committees in the departments of the College of Science, especially the departments of Physics, Biology, and Chemistry at the university, regularly organize scientific lectures and seminars concerned with the conservation of water resources, pollutants, diagnostic methods, and methods that contribute to reducing marine pollution and treatment methods. Researchers in the college study physical and chemical changes in different ecosystems.

Some examples: A lecture titled "Easy Preparation of New Nano-Composites from Waste for Water Pollution Treatment" presented by His Excellency Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid Ahmed.

A lecture presented by Associate Professor Dr. Imad Omar Mohammed Al-Ghailoufi, which discussed the use of nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and metal oxides in absorbing heavy metals from polluted water.


Link to College of Science lectures and seminars

Lecture link

Lecture link​​


Lecture on the role of Green Chemistry in environmental protection

The College of Science at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, represented by the Marketing, Business, and Social Responsibility Unit, organized an event on the occasion of World Environment Day titled: "The Role of Green Chemistry in Environmental Protection" on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the College Panorama. The event aimed to enhance environmental awareness among the university community and highlight the importance of green chemistry in reducing environmental and water pollution and providing innovative scientific solutions to preserve natural resources for future generations.

Dr. Aidah Bint Salman Al-Farraj, Vice Dean of the College of Science for Female Student Affairs, opened the event with a welcoming speech, affirming the role of green chemistry as a science and a vision that seeks to balance industrial progress with environmental protection, especially water sources. She also pointed out that the college's role extends to spreading awareness and contributing to addressing environmental issues through scientific research and practical application.

The event included interactive scientific experiments illustrating how sustainable chemical technologies can contribute to building a safe and sustainable environmental future.​


Lecture link


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Signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with the Saudi Water Authority

The Saudi Water Authority signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University to enhance cooperation in scientific research, training, and capacity building in the water sector. The agreement includes specialized training programs, exchange of expertise, organization of conferences and workshops, and development of educational initiatives to support the labor market. It aims to qualify national cadres capable of facing sectoral challenges, fostering innovation, and managing resources sustainably.

Activity link

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Synthesis of a new chemical compound x2)3N2C(x2−TiO in the Chemistry Department

​​​Dr. Khadijah Mohammed Qutbi presented a lecture on the preparation of the x2)3N2C(x2−TiO nano-composite. The project focuses on preparing light- absorbing nano-chemical materials used in treating environmental pollution in water, air, and sanitary sewers. TiO2 was modified using nitrogen-containing compounds to expand its light absorption capacity, providing innovative solutions for treating inorganic pollutants.

Lecture link

World Microbiology Day

Under the supervision of the Student Clubs Unit, the Science Club organized the World Microbiology Day event. The Science Club at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, under the supervision of the Student Clubs Unit, organized an event on the occasion of World Microbiology Day, aiming to introduce students and the university community to the mysterious and exciting world of microorganisms. The event highlights the importance of these microscopic organisms in our daily lives, whether as friends who support our health and environment, or as potential enemies that require their monitoring and understanding. The event provided an opportunity for participants to discover the secrets of this hidden world and learn about its vital role in nature, health, and science, through interactive activities and innovative educational presentations.

An opportunity for participants to discover the secrets of this hidden world and learn about its vital role in nature, health, and science, through interactive activities and innovative educational presentations.

Activity link

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Water Laboratories and Projects

Through its water laboratories and educational programs, the university aims to manage water resources sustainably, ensure the quality of drinking water and its freedom from harmful pollutants and pathogenic organisms, while emphasizing the importance of natural minerals and dissolved salt for human health. The university's programs also include field visits to the Ministry of Water to learn about methods of establishing water systems, rationalizing consumption, and providing practical training for students on water treatment technologies.


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Two research labs in the College of Science win research lab support program

The Research, Development, and Innovation Authority announced the selection of Imam University among the winners in the research lab support program in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where three research labs from the university won research lab   support grants, including two research labs in the College of Science, namely:

Research Laboratory - Environment/Water Treatment (RLAEWT): Under the supervision of Dr. Lotfi Al-Khuzami from the Chemistry Department (within the national research priority in energy and industry).

Nano-Second LASER Research Lab (NSLRL): Under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Khaled Abnaouf Ahmed from the Physics Department (within the national research priority in energy and industry).

News link

Use of Nanoparticles and Magnetic Particles in Water Treatment

University researchers, in collaboration between the Chemistry Department and research teams, conducted studies on the use of nanoparticles and magnetic particles to remove heavy metals from polluted water. The results were published in specialized scientific journals such as Water Science & Technology and Desalination and Water Treatment.

His Excellency Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid Ahmed presented a lecture titled "Easy Preparation of New Nano-Composites from Waste for Water Pollution Treatment."

Lecture link

Cooperation Agreement with Green Solutions Company

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University signed a cooperation agreement with Green Solutions Company, which specializes in sustainable energy and environmentally friendly    technologies.

This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the areas of design, training, and awareness, with a special focus on renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging technologies. This initiative strengthens the shift towards clean energy sources and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which falls within the scope of responsible consumption and production of resources.

His Excellency Dr. Ihab Abdelhamid Ahmed presented a lecture titled "Easy Preparation of New Nano-Composites from Waste for Water Pollution Treatment."

Lecture link

Cooperation Agreement with Green Solutions Company

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University signed a cooperation agreement with Green Solutions Company, which specializes in sustainable energy and environmentally friendly    technologies.

This agreement aims to enhance cooperation in the areas of design, training, and awareness, with a special focus on renewable energy systems and electric vehicle charging technologies. This initiative strengthens the shift towards clean energy sources and reduces reliance on fossil fuels, which falls within the scope of responsible consumption and production of resources.

University cooperation agreement with Green Solutions Company


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Conclusion

Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University actively contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 Life Below Water (SDG 14) through an integrated system of academic, research, and community activities. The university has focused on studying marine ecosystems and understanding the impact of pollution, climate change, and human activities on marine organisms, in cooperation with government agencies and international organizations to enhance the protection of marine biodiversity.

The university also offers educational programs and workshops in marine science, environmental conservation, and sustainability, integrating Islamic principles related to responsibility for natural resources to foster ethical awareness towards the marine environment. Its efforts also include community initiatives such as beach cleanups, awareness campaigns about the impact of plastics and overfishing, and cooperation with local communities to promote sustainable fishing practices.

In addition, the university has adopted on-campus practices to reduce marine pollution, including waste reduction, recycling, and responsible waste disposal, while promoting sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

Through these integrated efforts, the university has succeeded in combining education, research, and community service to support marine sustainability, develop qualified cadres capable of facing marine environmental challenges, and contribute to protecting life below water, in line with Saudi Vision 2030 and global Sustainable Development Goals.