Maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity (direct work)

Community Outreach Initiatives by King Salman International University for Ecosystem and Biodiversity Conservation in South Sinai, Egypt

Introduction

King Salman International University (KSIU), located in South Sinai, Egypt, plays a pivotal role in environmental stewardship through its community outreach initiatives. The university’s efforts extend beyond academia, engaging actively in:

1. Sustainable practices

2. Biodiversity conservation

3. Ecosystem management

These efforts reflect KSIU’s commitment to the local community and its natural heritage. This article highlights KSIU’s activities in biodiversity conservation and ecosystem maintenance through partnerships, fieldwork, and educational programs.

Community Engagement and Environmental Conservation

KSIU recognizes that preserving South Sinai’s unique ecosystems requires a collaborative approach, involving:

1. Education

2. Practical training

3. Direct community involvement

Key Initiative: Collaboration with ACSAD

In partnership with the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD), KSIU addresses environmental challenges posed by arid zones through:

1. Targeted research

2. Practical interventions supporting local biodiversity.

   (See: ACSAD Collaboration)

Field Training and Education for Sustainable Practices

1. Faculty of Desert Agriculture:

   Provides students hands-on experience through:

   1. Field trips to Sekem to learn about regenerative agriculture techniques that emphasize soil health and biodiversity-friendly farming.

   2. Workshops equipping students with sustainable agricultural skills.

      (See: Field Trip to Sekem)

2. Veterinary Medicine Program:

   Supervises students in Ras Sudr, where they engage in:

   1. Wildlife health management

   2. Preservation of local biodiversity

      (See: Veterinary Summer Training)

Specialized Research in Water and Soil Management

1. Water Scarcity Solutions:

   KSIU conducts research on water consumption technologies for drought-resistant crops like olive trees, addressing South Sinai’s critical water scarcity challenges.

   (See: Water Consumption Research)

2. Marine Biodiversity Studies:

   Basic Science students participate in field trips to Dahab to study the marine environment, fostering responsibility for marine conservation.

   (See: Marine Field Trip)

Beach Cleanup and Waste Management

1. In May 2021, KSIU organized a beach cleanup day to:

   1. Remove waste from local shorelines.

   2. Prevent pollutants from entering marine ecosystems.

   3. Instill a culture of environmental responsibility among students and the local community.

      (See: Beach Clean Day)

Collaborative Initiatives for Knowledge and Skill Development

1. Training with Egyptian Knowledge Bank:

   Organized courses on eco-friendly technologies to support biodiversity conservation.

   (See: Knowledge Bank Collaboration)

2. Collaboration with Cellixiza:

   Training sessions on cell culture techniques for use in wildlife management and veterinary care.

   (See: Cellixiza Training)

Representing Egypt on International Platforms

1. World Food Forum in Rome:

   Mariam Abd El Hady represented KSIU, Egyptian universities, and the Middle East, discussing sustainable food systems and environmental stewardship.

   (See: World Food Forum Representation)

Scientific Research on Sustainable Aquaculture

KSIU actively engages in research promoting sustainable aquaculture to:

1. Maintain ecosystems.

2. Support biodiversity.

Key Study: Nutrient Management in Aquaculture

1. Recent research by El Basuini et al. (2024) highlights eco-friendly dietary supplementation to:

   1. Enhance fish growth and immune response.

   2. Reduce waste runoff and disease prevalence.

   3. Minimize the need for chemical interventions, benefiting surrounding aquatic ecosystems.

See: [Study References]

• Aquaculture
• Fish Immune Response
• Aquaculture Reports
• Aquatic Food
• Food Sustainability