Sustainable Development Goal 14 (SDG 14) focuses on the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas, and marine resources to ensure their health and productivity for future generations. Oceans play a vital role in maintaining the Earth’s climate system, supporting global biodiversity, and providing food, livelihoods, and cultural value to millions of people around the world. SDG 14 emphasizes the need to reduce marine pollution, minimize the impacts of ocean acidification, regulate sustainable fishing practices, and protect coastal and marine ecosystems. It also highlights the importance of strengthening scientific knowledge, marine research, and technology transfer to enhance ocean conservation efforts.

At the University of Kelaniya (UOK), the principles of SDG 14 are integrated into academic research, teaching, and community engagement, particularly through the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management and the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS). The university conducts extensive research on coastal and marine ecosystems, including studies on microplastic contamination, mangrove conservation, and the socio-economic impacts of fisheries and climate change in areas such as the Negombo Lagoon and Muthurajawela wetlands.

At the postgraduate level, UOK offers specialized programs such as the MSc in Environmental Management and the MSc in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management, alongside MPhil and PhD research opportunities focusing on aquatic ecology, fisheries, and wetland conservation. These programs equip students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills to address real-world environmental challenges. 

Student Handbooks

1. M. Sc. Degree in Aquaculture and Fisheries Management

2. M. Sc. Degree in Environmental Management

3. B. Sc. Honors Degree in Environmental Conservation and Management

4. B. Sc. Honors Degree in Zoology

In addition to offering formal degree programs, the University of Kelaniya also hosts dynamic outreach and experiential learning events through the Department of Zoology & Environmental Management and its student Aquatic Club. 

AQUA 2025 

AQUA 2025 is a flagship exhibition organized by the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, Faculty of Science, University of Kelaniya, to promote awareness and education on the conservation and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. Held under the theme “Water, Life & Legacy: Nurturing the Blue Planet,” the exhibition serves as an interactive platform bringing together students, researchers, policymakers, and the general public to celebrate and understand the importance of aquatic biodiversity.

The event features live displays of indigenous, endemic, exotic, and invasive aquatic species, highlighting the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka’s freshwater and marine environments. Informative exhibits, research posters, and multimedia presentations showcase ongoing research and innovations in areas such as aquatic ecology, climate change adaptation, fisheries management, and pollution control.

In addition to exhibitions, AQUA 2025 includes the AQUA Forum, a series of expert panel discussions focusing on key environmental challenges such as water resource management, climate resilience, and biodiversity conservation. The forum encourages interdisciplinary dialogue and provides a platform for sharing scientific knowledge and sustainable practices that contribute to Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.

The event also engages schools and community groups, fostering environmental stewardship among younger generations through educational activities, demonstrations, and interactive sessions. By combining scientific outreach, public education, and student participation, AQUA 2025 reflects the University of Kelaniya’s enduring commitment to promoting environmental sustainability and protecting the delicate balance of aquatic life.

Clubs and Organizations 

Aquatic Club – University of Kelaniya

The Aquatic Club of the University of Kelaniya, established under the Department of Zoology and Environmental Management, is a student-led organization dedicated to promoting the conservation, research, and sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems. The club provides a vibrant platform for undergraduate and postgraduate students passionate about aquatic biology, fisheries, oceanography, and environmental science to engage in academic, research, and outreach activities.

Through hands-on learning and community engagement, the Aquatic Club aims to enhance students’ practical knowledge of aquatic biodiversity while fostering environmental responsibility. The club regularly organizes field visits, awareness programs, and workshops on topics such as water quality monitoring, sustainable fisheries, wetland ecology, and microplastic pollution.

One of the club’s signature initiatives is the AQUA Exhibition, a large-scale educational event that showcases aquatic species and research innovations while raising public awareness about the importance of aquatic resource conservation. The club also contributes to university-wide sustainability projects in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), national agencies, and non-governmental organizations working on coastal and freshwater conservation.

Web Page: Aquatic Club – University of Kelaniya

Facebook: Aquatic Club - UOK

ENCM Society – University of Kelaniya 

The Environmental Conservation & Management (ENCM) Society is a vibrant and proactive student body representing undergraduates enrolled in the ENCM degree program at the University of Kelaniya. 

While its scope is broad covering all aspects of environmental conservation the ENCM Society plays a meaningful role in aquatic and marine ecosystem awareness, restoration, and outreach, thereby contributing to the Life Below Water agenda.

Web Page: ENCM Society – University of Kelaniya 

Facebook: ENCM Society – University of Kelaniya 

Programs

The completion of our mangrove plantation project හරිත පවුර Phase 3 on the 14th of December 2024 marks another step toward a sustainable future. A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to this achievement, with special recognition to American and Efird Lanka (Pvt) Ltd for their valuable collaboration.

Let’s keep the spirit of conservation alive!

Zoology Society – University of Kelaniya 

Annual Beach Cleanup Programs at the University of Kelaniya 

The University of Kelaniya demonstrates its strong commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water through a series of annual beach cleanup programs organized by various student clubs, societies, and university bodies. These initiatives serve as a powerful reminder of the university’s dedication to marine conservation, sustainable coastal management, and environmental stewardship.

Each year, student-led organizations such as the GreenSpire Club, Environmental Conservation and Management (ENCM) Society, Aquatic Club, Zoology Society, Rotaract Club of the University of Kelaniya, ZeroPlastic UOK, and the Chemical Society join forces to conduct large-scale coastal cleanup campaigns across Sri Lanka’s beaches, including Crow Island, Negombo, Hikkaduwa, and Beruwela. These events bring together hundreds of volunteers—students, academic and non-academic staff, and members of the local community to remove marine debris, plastics, glass, and other waste materials that threaten aquatic life and coastal ecosystems.

One of the landmark events in recent years was the Crow Island Beach Cleanup 2025, organized by the GreenSpire Club in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS), Center for Beach Cleanups Sri Lanka, and several partner NGOs. The program successfully removed over 200 kg of waste, which was segregated and properly disposed of through recycling and waste management channels. Similarly, the ENCM Society, often working alongside the Aquatic Club, has conducted coastal cleanups in Hikkaduwa and Beruwela, complemented by awareness campaigns on marine pollution, sustainable fishing, and coastal biodiversity protection.

The Rotaract Club of UOK and ZeroPlastic UOK have also played a major role in organizing community-oriented cleanup events, combining volunteer action with environmental education. Their projects, such as Project Marine Harmony and Clean Beach, Green Future, integrate coastal restoration with advocacy for reducing single-use plastics and promoting circular economy practices. The Chemical Society of UOK, along with the Green Practice Committee (GPC) of the Faculty of Medicine, has also conducted parallel beach cleanups in Negombo and nearby coastal zones, emphasizing collective responsibility for environmental conservation.

2. Research on Coastal and Lagoon Ecosystems

Academic staff and postgraduate researchers of UOK’s Department of Zoology and Environmental Management continuously monitor aquatic ecosystems such as the Negombo Lagoon, Muthurajawela Wetlands, and Kelani River Basin. Studies focus on microplastic contamination, heavy-metal accumulation, biodiversity assessment, and climate-related salinity changes. 

3. Water Quality and Pollution Surveillance

Undergraduate and postgraduate research projects at UOK involve regular water-quality monitoring across rivers, lakes, and estuarine systems. Parameters such as pH, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, salinity, and organic matter are measured using standard laboratory protocols and GIS-based mapping. Data are analyzed using software such as MINITAB 19 and ArcGIS to visualize spatial changes in ecosystem health. 

4. Student-Led Citizen Science and Awareness Programs
Student organizations including the Aquatic Club, ENCM Society, and Zoology Society—play a central role in citizen-science-based ecosystem monitoring.

• They organize beach cleanups at Crow Island, Hikkaduwa, and Negombo, collecting baseline data on coastal litter composition.

• Through the AQUA Exhibition 2025, students displayed live aquatic species and educational materials highlighting the impacts of pollution, eutrophication, and invasive species on ecosystem health.

• The Centre for Sustainability Solutions (CSS) provides technical support and digital platforms for data recording and awareness dissemination.

Collaboration for Shared Aquatic Ecosystems 

Beyond formal agreements, UOK’s faculty, student societies, and research units work hand in hand with coastal communities, local fishermen, school groups, and municipal authorities to co-manage lagoons, mangroves, and estuaries. Through these collaborations, local knowledge and scientific expertise are combined—residents assist in field monitoring, restoration, and cleanups, while UOK provides technical training, data analysis, and project oversight.

Student clubs such as the Aquatic Club, ENCM Society, Zoology Society, Rotaract Club, and ZeroPlastic UOK often engage community members in coastal rehabilitation, mangrove planting, beach cleanups, and water quality awareness campaigns. These joint activities strengthen community ownership of aquatic resource conservation and promote sustainable practices at the grassroots level. More.........