Suan Dusit University (SDU) fulfils its mission as a University for Sustainable Development, placing strong emphasis on public education, environmental communication, and community participation in conserving natural resources—particularly aquatic and marine ecosystems, which are essential to both the local economy and the well-being of society.
To promote the sustainable use of fisheries resources, SDU collaborated with the Suphanburi Provincial Government to organise an educational and awareness outreach activity focused on overfishing and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing within the Tha Chin River Basin area.
Collaborative Efforts to Build Community Understanding
On 25 December 2024, Suan Dusit University, Suphanburi Campus, provided the venue for the Suphanburi Provincial Executive Committee Meeting (No. 11/2567) at the Phuang Ngern Conference Hall, Chancharoen Building. The meeting was attended by the Vice President for Suphanburi Campus, the Deputy Governor, provincial government officials, and community representatives.
A key agenda of the meeting was the Report on the Enforcement of the Royal Fisheries Ordinance B.E. 2568 (2025), presented by the Special Task Force for the Control, Prevention, and Suppression of Illegal Fishing. The purpose was to disseminate information to local authorities and community representatives regarding measures to reduce overfishing and prevent the use of destructive fishing gear such as collapsible traps (lob pab dai or “I-no”) and phong pang nets that damage aquatic ecosystems. The session also highlighted the ecological impacts of unsustainable fishing on freshwater biodiversity in the Tha Chin River Basin, which supports numerous local fish species.
ที่มา : https://www4.fisheries.go.th/Local/index.php/main/view_activities/57/203412
Knowledge Dissemination and Awareness Building for Sustainable Fisheries
This meeting served as an open public forum for government agencies, the university, and local communities to exchange knowledge on sustainable fisheries management and aquatic ecosystem protection.
Suan Dusit University acted as a knowledge facilitator, providing academic expertise to enhance public understanding of sustainable fisheries management and aquatic ecosystem conservation principles.
In addition, SDU collaborated with provincial communication channels to promote environmental awareness campaigns, educating citizens on the environmental and ecological impacts of IUU fishing—such as the depletion of local fish populations, habitat destruction, and biodiversity loss.
The outreach encouraged local residents to participate in community-based monitoring and report illegal or destructive fishing activities to relevant authorities, fostering a shared sense of responsibility for conserving freshwater resources.
Outcomes and Impacts of the Educational Outreach
This outreach initiative yielded significant positive impacts across environmental, social, and institutional dimensions, demonstrating the university’s role in driving community-based environmental change.
From a community perspective, local fishers and residents of Suphanburi gained a better understanding of the fisheries law and sustainable resource use (responsible water use). They developed greater awareness of the importance of complying with legal frameworks and avoiding destructive fishing practices. The initiative contributed to behavioural change among fishers—shifting from unsustainable, harmful fishing methods to responsible and environmentally friendly fisheries.
From an environmental perspective, the removal of illegal fishing equipment from public waterways—such as canals and drainage channels in Bang Pla Ma District—helped restore balance to local aquatic habitats and enabled the recovery of native fish populations. These actions aligned with the principles of aquatic biodiversity restoration and the broader goals of sustainable ecosystem management.
From an institutional perspective, Suan Dusit University gained recognition as a key academic partner that bridges scientific knowledge between government agencies and local communities. The university served as an educational platform for environmental learning and awareness creation, supporting public engagement in protecting fisheries resources and maintaining ecological health within the province.
Overall, the project not only raised public understanding of overfishing and IUU fishing but also cultivated environmental citizenship, encouraging individuals to participate actively in conserving aquatic biodiversity and ensuring long-term sustainability.
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