Sustainable Development Goal 14

Life below water

The fourteenth of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals is Life Below Water - to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Approach

At Edinburgh Napier University, we recognise our responsibility to protect marine and freshwater ecosystems through the way we manage our operations. We reduce pollution at source by cutting single-use plastics, improving wastewater management, and managing run-off responsibly across our campuses.

Our procurement policies prioritise sustainable seafood and environmentally responsible suppliers, while our waste reduction initiatives keep plastics and other pollutants out of rivers and oceans.

Research

We make a significant contribution to marine and aquatic research. Our School of Applied Sciences and Centre for Conservation and Restoration Science leads research on marine biology, fisheries management, and aquatic ecosystems, helping to protect biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods. Projects range from safeguarding coral reefs and seagrass to improving fisheries governance and reducing ocean plastics.

By collaborating with governments, NGOs, and local communities, we ensure our research delivers real-world impact for oceans and coastal communities here in Scotland and around the globe.

Teaching

We embed sustainability and marine protection in our teaching as appropriate, preparing students to address the challenges of ocean health. From marine and freshwater biology courses to environmental science and conservation programmes like our MSc in Wildlife Biology and Conservation, our curriculum develops both technical expertise and an understanding of global sustainability goals.

Students gain hands-on experience through fieldwork, placements, and projects with industry and conservation organisations, equipping them to become leaders in protecting life below water.