AIT has fresh-water ecosystems (community outreach) Offer educational programmes on fresh-water ecosystems (water irrigation practices, water management/conservation) for local and national communities.

Source 1:Water Engineering and Management (WEM) – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

Source 2:Natural Resources Management (NRM) – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

AIT has Sustainable fisheries (community outreach) Offer educational programme or outreach for local or national communities on sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture and tourism.

Source 1:PowerPoint Presentation (ait.ac.th)

Source 2:Aquaculture and Aquatic Resources Management (AARM) – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

AIT have Conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans (events) Support or organise events aimed to promote conservation and sustainable utilisation of the oceans, seas, lakes, rivers and marine resources.

Source 1:Eyes on the Mekong to Combat Plastic Pollution – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

Source 2:AIT-SEI Session on World Water Week 2022 – WEM

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has a well-defined policy to ensure the sustainable harvesting of food that comes from aquatic ecosystems on its campus. As outlined in the AIT Environment Policy and Annex 6 – Food Use and Waste, AIT is deeply committed to offering sustainable food on its campus. The policy promotes the reduction of food waste and environmentally responsible food procurement and provision. AIT’s goals include minimizing food waste per person by 30% and encouraging a 25% increase in organic food production and non-organic composting, both from the 2022 baseline, by 2026. This demonstrates AIT’s dedication to fostering sustainable food practices and actively reducing food waste, aligning with broader environmental sustainability objectives.

Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: For Evidence, please refer to Annex 6 on Food Use and Waste (page 15).
Source1: AA-1-2-9 Sustainability Policy

AIT work directly to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity, of both plants and animals, especially ecosystems under threat.

UNESCO, AIT and UNSW agree that further tests are necessary, together with some basic scientific research, to develop this promising new technology in order to obtain science-based data and knowledge for wider and possibly profitable applicability, that can be useful for the production of biofuel (wood-chips, wood-pellets; charcoal), which in turn would reduce the transport of diesel fuel, for example to the Maldives and many other Small Island Development States, that depend on the import of fuel. Importantly, floating mangrove plantations do not place any pressure on freshwater resources which is especially important for small islands. Efforts to advance environmental, social and economical targets of the United Nations Development Goals without creating a competing need for freshwater to capture carbon are beneficial indeed. 

Source 1:What if Mangroves Could Float on Top of the Oceans? – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

Source 2:NRM contributes to conservation efforts, biodiversity preservation, and responsible development practices of Khao Yai National Park – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

AIT have Technologies towards aquatic ecosystem damage prevention (direct work) Work directly (research and/or engagement with industries) on technologies or practices that enable marine industry to minimize or prevent damage to aquatic ecosystems.

Source 1:AIT Aquaculture | The Aquaculture program of Asian Institute of Technology – AIT, Thailand

Source 2:Bangchak Group, UNESCO and AIT to Explore Floating Mangroves for Blue Carbon Storage and Green Energy | Bangchak Corporation

The Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP) of the Asian Institute of Technology with operation capacity : 1500 m3/day was constructed in 2012 by the Ranhill Water Technologies (Thai) LTD (RWTT), with the concept of BOT (Build, Operate and Transfer) Agreement.  As per the agreement dated 22 June 2011, RWTT would construct the plant, operate, and maintain the plant during the payback period. The construction of the AIT WWP was completed on 18 July 2012. Since then Ranhill has been running the plant to treat wastewater collected from the AIT campus. On 1 January 2019, the waste water treatment plant ownership was transferred from RWTT  to AIT.  Since then AIT contracted RWTT to operate and provide maintenance services.

The WWTP collects the wastewater from the 133.12 hectares AIT campus which comprises both residential and academic areas, through 13 sewage pump sumps located throughout the campus. The water is treated as per the THAI obligation of the water treatment control standards of the Ministry of Science as per the below table.

The treated water which is maintained safe to avoid any kind of pollution is sent from the WWTP into the AIT canal system and partially to the external Canal / Klong in Klong Lunag. To save the piped water supply, the canal water in turn is used for watering the plants throughout the campus through a sprinkler system. Treated water helps to maintain the water level in canals and thereby also helps to maintain an aqua ecosystem in canals in the dry season. 

Source 1:Water Conscious usage and Care – Office of Facilities and Assets Management (ait.ac.th)

Source 2:AIT Waste Water Treatment – Office of Facilities and Assets Management

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has a comprehensive action plan in place to reduce plastic waste on its campus. The AIT Environment Policy, along with Annex 4 – Solid Waste and Plastics, clearly outlines AIT’s commitment to minimizing waste, especially plastic waste, and fostering environmentally sustainable practices. The policy’s goals include implementing a 100% waste segregation in academic areas by 2024 and reducing plastic use across the campus by 50% by 2025. Moreover, AIT is actively working toward achieving a 100% zero plastic policy for non-biodegradable plastics by 2030 and eliminating single-use plastics on campus from 2022. These goals and measures reflect AIT’s dedication to addressing plastic waste and aligning with its sustainability objectives.

Source 1:AA-1-2-9 Sustainability Policy
Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: Please refer to Annex 4 on Solid Waste and Plastics (page 11).

Evidence 1

The Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has instituted a comprehensive policy and action plan to address the prevention and reduction of marine pollution resulting from land-based activities. AIT’s Aquaculture and Agro-Aquaculture Policy, as outlined in Annex 9, reflects the institution’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. The policy aims to promote sustainable aquaculture practices, taking into consideration the ecological well-being of oceans, seas, and marine resources. AIT’s goals include reducing water use, integrating alternative energy sources, improving water treatment infrastructure, and enhancing biosecurity measures in aquaculture facilities. These measures align with AIT’s commitment to reducing marine pollution and ensuring that land-based activities have a minimal adverse impact on marine ecosystems.

Source: AA-1-2-9 Sustainability Policy 
Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: Please refer to Annex 9 on Aquaculture and Agro-Aquaculture (page 21).

Evidence 2
The Environment Policy implemented by the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) aims to ensure a sustainable and eco-friendly campus environment, which notably encompasses efforts to reduce pollution in the water bodies or marine areas within the campus. This policy underscores AIT’s commitment to maintaining the cleanliness and environmental health of water bodies on its premises. By adhering to this policy, AIT actively seeks to prevent and diminish any form of pollution that may affect the marine ecosystems within its campus, contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible campus environment.

Source 2:AIT Environment Policy.pdf
Created in January 2013
Reviewed annually
Comment: This refers to a policy that was imposed to maintain a sustainable environment-friendly campus that includes reducing Marine (water body on the campus) pollution.

AIT has a comprehensive plan in place to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of related aquatic ecosystems within its campus, in alignment with its Nature and Ecosystems Policy. The institution is dedicated to preserving its natural environment, fostering a green living space, and providing essential habitats for aquatic life. A key element of this plan includes the establishment of “no touch” areas within the campus, which are left in their natural state, allowing them to serve as habitats for various species while reducing maintenance activities such as grass cutting and associated carbon emissions. AIT is committed to managing and restoring trees and waterways, conserving habitat space, and closely monitoring the campus’s biodiversity. By adopting these measures, AIT is taking significant steps to safeguard and enhance aquatic ecosystems on its premises, promoting a sustainable and environmentally responsible approach.
 
Source 1:AA-1-2-9 Sustainability Policy Created on 8 Dec 2021
Comment: Please refer to Annex 5 on Nature and Ecosystems (page 13).
AIT is committed to maintaining 70% of current forest cover with multiple tree species and improving the waterways to provide a green living environment and habitats for fish and wildlife species.

The AIT Regional Resource Centre for Asia and the Pacific (AIT RRC.AP)​​ organised a training programme titled “Organising a Training Programme on National Mercury Monitoring”

The training programme was conducted to familiarize the training packages and templates developed under the earlier phase of the project as well as help participants with necessary resources to develop and facilitate local training programmes on accurate mercury monitoring and analyses in their countries. It addressed different monitoring needs and priorities of each laboratory by providing methodologies and skills of mercury monitoring in various environmental and biological media. Supplemental technical information and hands-on demonstration of mercury analyses were demonstrated to deepen participants understanding of mercury monitoring and quality data collection and analysis for better science-based policy making and implementation.

Source1:| RRC.AP (ait.ac.th)

AIT have Programs towards good aquatic stewardship practices Develop and support programmes and incentives that encourage and maintain good aquatic stewardship practices.

Source 1:Marine Plastics Abatement (MPA) students visit Tokyo to gain hands-on experience and knowledge about Japan’s best practices – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

Source 2:Marine Plastics Abatement (MPA) – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

AIT have collaborated with the local community in efforts to maintain shared aquatic ecosystems.

Phra Chedi Klang Nam Mangrove Forest in Rayong, Thailand, serves as an exemplary site where the Natural Resources Management (NRM) program at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) has actively collaborated with local communities and conservation efforts. NRM’s engagement in this unique coastal ecosystem goes beyond academic study—it represents a profound commitment to preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices.

Source 1:NRM and Phra Chedi Klang Nam Mangrove Forest – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)

Source 2:Supporting National Action Plans on Marine Debris – Geoinformatics Center (ait.ac.th)

AIT have Watershed management strategy Have implemented a watershed management strategy based on location specific diversity of aquatic species.

Source 1: AIT Global Water Sanitation Center – Webinar – 2 – Asian Institute of Technology

Source 2:Thailand-China’s Collaboration on Sustainable Watershed Development in the context of the “Future Earth” Program – Asian Institute of Technology (ait.ac.th)