Khon Kaen University

SDG Alignment for Bachelor of Science Program in Fisheries

Overall SDG Alignment Evaluation:

The Bachelor of Science Program in Fisheries is holistically aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, with a profound emphasis on aquatic resource management, food security, and environmental stewardship. The curriculum is meticulously crafted to produce graduates capable of addressing the complex challenges facing global and local fisheries through a combination of scientific knowledge, practical skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset. The program's core focus on sustainable aquaculture, fisheries resource management, and water quality makes it a primary contributor to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By advancing knowledge in fish nutrition, breeding, and processing, it directly supports the goals of SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) and SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being). Furthermore, its emphasis on business management, innovation, and responsible production aligns with SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). As a comprehensive academic program, it inherently promotes SDG 4 (Quality Education) and fosters the global partnerships essential for SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

        Khon Kaen University is a leading higher education institution that is committed to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The university has developed its Bachelor of Science Program in Fisheries (Revised Curriculum 2022) using the Outcome-Based Education (OBE) method. This curriculum integrates advanced technology and innovative ideas to help address challenges such as food security and pollution from aquaculture.
        The program includes core courses in economic fisheries, such as Aquatic Ecology (AG 171 102), Water Quality Management (AG 171 213), and the Fisheries Research Project (AG 171 498), as well as Fisheries Cooperative Education, which combines academic study with practical operation to establish a "Zero Waste Aquaculture" model. Students get to work with local communities to design new fish farming systems that maximize water and feed efficiency, following the principles of the BCG (Bio-Circular-Green) Economic model. The program also teaches students how to add value to by-products (leftover materials) from fish farming.
        Because of this, communities have seen real outcomes, such as a 65 percent reduction in waste released into water sources, and a 30 percent increase in the amount of high-quality protein produced per unit area. These achievements help strengthen and make the fisheries value chain more sustainable in the long term, ensuring a reliable source of safe, high-quality protein to eat.
        This curriculum's activities are clearly and strongly aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially SDG 2: Zero Hunger (promoting food security and sustainable agriculture), SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production (developing production models that minimize waste and use resources wisely), and SDG 14: Life Below Water (conserving and managing fisheries and water resources sustainably).

Best Practices

        Bachelor of Science Program in Fisheries at Khon Kaen University has helped sustainable development by giving young people in remote areas educational opportunities and improving the agricultural learning experiences. On August 22, 2025, the Fisheries Program at the Faculty of Agriculture, provided an opportunity for 28 teachers and students from Ban Nalom School in the Prayoen District of Khon Kaen Province, to conduct a field study on aquaculture and industrial insect systems. This integrated knowledge from the course, AG184 210 Integrated Aquaculture, was part of the Bachelor of Science in Fisheries program. It helped students see things from several points of view and encouraged young people to pursue careers in sustainable agriculture.
        Associate Professor Dr. Siripawi Charoenwatthasak, and Mr. Kampol Thaiso, the manager of the fisheries unit, along with students from the Fisheries Department, led the school group through five learning stations. These included the semi-buoyant egg model showing how fish embryos develop, the aquarium ecology station showing underwater ecosystems balance, the ornamental fish breeding model showing how live birth fish species work, the frog life cycle station showing biological changes, and finally, the reptile station showing crocodiles and turtles.
        The 28 students learned a lot about aquaculture and ecosystem management through these activities and could help them grasp fisheries science and possible modern agriculture careers. This program not only expanded educational access to youth in remote areas, but it also taught them about sustainability awareness and natural resource conservation from a young age. It also made them interested in agriculture careers and encouraged them to keep studying in fields related to sustainable development, as well as building an international cooperation network of multi-level educational institutions that work together to improve education quality in the region as a whole.
        This activity is clearly in line with SDG 4: Quality Education. Target 4.7 aims to give all learners the knowledge and skills they need to promote sustainable development, including education for sustainable lifestyle. Target 4.a focuses on upgrading education facilities that meet the needs of children and people with disabilities to make sure that learning environments are safe and free of violence. It helps SDG 2. Zero Hunger by teaching young people about sustainable aquatic food production and how to manage agricultural resources more effectively. This gives them the tools they need to help make sure of food security in the future. Finally, it fits with SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities by giving underprivileged and remote-area youth more chances to learn and get academic knowledge at the university-level. This helps close the gap in education and makes sure that everyone has equal access to high-quality learning resources.