Baku State University (BSU) is committed to promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship on campus. Recognizing the importance of aquatic ecosystems, BSU aims to implement policies and practices that ensure the sustainable use and preservation of these vital resources. This policy outlines BSU’s commitment to sustainable food sourcing, water quality, plastic waste reduction, marine pollution prevention, and ecosystem protection.

Sustainable Harvesting of Aquatic Foods

BSU is committed to ensuring that all food sourced from aquatic ecosystems and provided on campus is sustainably harvested. This includes seafood and other aquatic products used in campus dining facilities and events.

Action Plan:

• Supplier Standards: Work with suppliers who adhere to sustainable fishing and aquaculture practices.

• Menu Planning: Prioritize and promote seafood options that are sustainably sourced and in-season, reducing the demand for overfished species.

• Education and Awareness: Provide information to students, staff, and faculty about the importance of sustainable seafood choices and how they contribute to ecosystem preservation.

Water Quality Standards and Guidelines

BSU will uphold water quality standards to protect ecosystems, wildlife, human health, and welfare. The university will establish guidelines for water discharges to minimize pollution and degradation of aquatic environments.

Action Plan:

• Water Quality Monitoring: Regularly test campus water sources and discharges for pollutants and adhere to national and international water quality standards.

• Wastewater Treatment: Implement advanced wastewater treatment processes to ensure safe discharge and reuse of water.

• Training and Compliance: Train staff and relevant stakeholders in water management practices and compliance with environmental regulations.

Plastic Waste Reduction

BSU is dedicated to reducing plastic waste on campus by implementing strategies that minimize usage, encourage recycling, and promote alternatives.

Action Plan:

• Plastic-Free Campus Initiatives: Encourage the use of reusable containers and cutlery in campus dining facilities. Provide alternatives to single-use plastics.

• Recycling Programs: Strengthen recycling programs to ensure proper disposal and management of plastic waste.

• Awareness Campaigns: Run educational campaigns to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices among the campus community.

Prevention of Marine Pollution

BSU commits to preventing and reducing marine pollution from all activities, particularly land-based operations that can affect marine environments.

Action Plan:

• Pollution Control Measures: Implement measures to control pollutants from campus activities, such as proper disposal of hazardous materials and reducing runoff.

• Community Engagement: Collaborate with local communities and organizations to promote practices that prevent marine pollution.

• Research and Innovation: Support research initiatives focused on innovative solutions for marine pollution prevention.

Minimizing Alterations of Aquatic Ecosystems

BSU aims to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems to preserve their natural state and biodiversity.

Action Plan:

• Ecosystem Assessments: Conduct regular assessments of nearby aquatic ecosystems to identify and mitigate potential threats.

• Habitat Restoration Projects: Engage in projects that restore and rehabilitate degraded aquatic habitats.

• Sustainable Landscaping: Incorporate water-efficient landscaping practices on campus to reduce ecosystem disruption.

Aquatic Stewardship Programs

BSU will develop and support programs and incentives that encourage good aquatic stewardship practices among students, staff, and the community.

Action Plan:

• Stewardship Initiatives: Launch initiatives that promote conservation, such as clean-up drives, habitat conservation projects, and citizen science programs.

• Incentive Programs: Provide incentives for departments and individuals who demonstrate exemplary stewardship practices.

• Partnerships: Collaborate with environmental organizations to enhance stewardship efforts and share resources.

Watershed Management Strategy

BSU will implement a watershed management strategy that considers the location-specific diversity of aquatic species to ensure ecosystem sustainability.

Action Plan:

• Integrated Watershed Management: Develop an integrated approach to manage water resources, considering ecological, social, and economic factors.

• Species Conservation: Identify and protect critical habitats for diverse aquatic species within the watershed.

• Research and Data Collection: Support research to gather data on local aquatic biodiversity and inform management practices.