For ARU, SDG 14 is not only about protecting oceans and marine biodiversity but also about safeguarding the freshwater, coastal and estuarine environments on which our communities depend.
Sustainable Development Goal 14 focuses on conserving and sustainably using oceans, seas, coasts and freshwater ecosystems. The East of England, where our campuses are based, is already considered to be on the frontline of England's water scarcity challenge, with concerns that future water shortages here could constrain housing, economic development and environmental protection if action is not taken.
At the same time, our host region has globally important freshwater and coastal ecosystems. The East of England contains internationally significant chalk aquifers that provide much of the region's drinking water and feed its globally distinctive chalk streams. These rivers are among the rarest freshwater habitats on Earth, with approximately 85% of the world's chalk streams found in England and around 29% located in East Anglia. Yet, these globally important ecosystems face growing pressures from over-use, pollution and climate change. Protecting these water environments is therefore both a regional and international responsibility.
The University's location also places it within reach of some of the UK's most important coastal environments. Essex is home to extensive saltmarshes, estuaries and coastal communities that are increasingly exposed to climate-related challenges including sea-level rise, coastal erosion, flooding and ecosystem change. These coastal systems provide critical habitat for wildlife, store carbon, support fisheries and contribute to local economies and community wellbeing. As climate change intensifies pressure on both marine and freshwater environments, research and education that improve understanding of water resilience, environmental stewardship and sustainable resource management become increasingly important.
Through research, education, partnerships and sustainable campus practices, we contribute to understanding and addressing the environmental challenges facing water systems in the East of England and beyond.
Our research work covers areas including marine pollution, freshwater security, coastal and aquatic ecosystems, climate resilience and environmental conservation.
Protecting life below water depends on developing the knowledge and skills needed to understand, manage and restore aquatic ecosystems. At ARU, students experience specialist, research-led teaching.
We support SDG 14 through sustainable food procurement, water conservation, pollution prevention, responsible waste management and biodiversity-sensitive estate management.
We work with partners to address some of the challenges facing freshwater and marine environments, from plastic pollution and water security, to climate resilience and habitat restoration.
Last updated: October 2026
To request additions, corrections or changes to the information in these pages, please contact: Dr Zareen Bharucha: [email protected]. Please use the subject line ‘ARU SDG’.