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Environmental, Social and Economic Sustainability
A green globe sat in some soil and surrounded by plants and grass
An icon showing a graphic of a fish beneath waves

Examples of our actions towards SDG 14 Life Below Water

Our conservation projects cover both on land and below water. For example the maintenance/creation of ponds and the recreation of long lost ponds is a key priority, we record populations of amphibians, a clear indication of water quality, and we have otters breeding along the river.

Read our brochure on commitment to preserve nature The Paris Climate Agreement & Future Sea Level Ris

Research

One of our professors has used genetics to identify the birthplace of a grey whale which was discovered nearly halfway round the world from its native habitat, a new record for the longest recorded distance for a marine mammal, fish or reptile.The sighting of this whale so far from its native habitat could have conservation implications if they are able to explore new habitats in a changing world.
Whale migration raises conservation questions
Grey whale tale by NOAA and Dr. Steven Swartz

Living the Values

Durham University operates an employer supported volunteering scheme, enabling University staff members to volunteer for up to 5 days (or 35 hours) per year during worktime. Opportunities range from individual placements utilising an individual’s professional experience, to departmental team challenges involving practical tasks. Read our story on Seaham beach clean
Volunteer story on Seaham beach clean
rubbish on beach

Wider student Experience

We organise free lectures on a host of topics, for example 'Human Healthcare and the Ocean'. Healthcare Ocean are a group of motivated individuals from healthcare, marine science, environmental/public health, commercial shipping and active living. We work in our own time to ensure ocean health is considered and where appropriate included within healthcare strategy.
Find out more about our free events
blue pattern

Global

Antarctic sea ice is an important part of the climate system, because it affects the transfer of heat and carbon between the oceans and the atmosphere, and supports unique ecosystems which are intricately linked to cycles of sea ice advance and retreat. Find out how there is uncertainty about how Antarctic sea ice and its ecosystems will respond to a warming climate.
Reconstructing Antarctic sea ice environments
Sea birds flying

Policy and Governance

Durham research has been at the forefront of developing methods to measure the efficacy of fish passes. Accordingly, a wide variety of stakeholders (including the European Union, Environment Agency, and Natural England) have altered their policies to improve river connectivity for a wider range of fish species.

Prof Lucas's research has been at the forefront of developing methods to measure the efficacy of fish passes. The team demonstrated that conventional fish passes can be ineffective for a variety of species. Accordingly, a wide variety of stakeholders (including the European Union, Environment Agency, and Natural England) have altered their policies to improve river connectivity for a wider range of fish species.
Reducing Impacts of River Engineering Infrastructure on Fish Migration
fish swimming in sea

Annual Report - SDG 14

Throughout our annual report we highlight examples where our work is contributing towards the SDGs. For example we have introduced strong environmental policies & procedures. We’re working to reduce our carbon emissions and to promote increased awareness of environmental issues. We have produced an updated Sustainability Action Plan using the Climate Action Toolkit from EAUC, to improve our performance in strategic areas such as waste and water
Annual report - SDG 14
blue water splash
SDG 14 river close up

SDG 14 Catchment and Rivers

A key focus of the Catchments and Rivers cluster is on monitoring and modelling the interactions and feedbacks between geomorphology, hydrology, vegetation, and water chemistry in hillslope and river systems. Find out more about the various work of our researchers in this area

Catchments and Rivers

More examples of our work towards SDG 14

 

Maintaining aquatic ecosystems

Durham University's Biodiversity Plan is committed to preserving and enhancing our rich ecosystems, with particular focus on those at risk. We collaborate with local, regional, and national government agencies, industry, and communities to protect surrounding aquatic ecosystems. Through our "Enhancing Biodiversity (2022-2032)" initiative, Durham demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding natural environments.

 

Our staff and students actively participate in regional beach clean-ups, and we host free events, such as Human Healthcare and the Ocean, to emphasise the critical role of aquatic ecosystems in community wellbeing. Additionally, our Department of Biosciences collaborates with government organisations and industry on initiatives like the "Reducing Impacts of River Engineering Infrastructure on Fish Migration and Dispersal" impact case study. Further information can be found in the links below.

A4_Biodiversity_Strategy_DIGI-(2).pdf

Biosciences Impact Case Studies

Seaham beach clean (May 2022) - Staff Blog

Human Healthcare and the Ocean - Durham University

Inverted SDG 14 icon