SDG 14 - Life Below Water

Aim This policy is aimed at recognizing University’s commitment towards environment sustainability and minimizing the use of non-biodegradable plastic products on campus. Ilma University fulfills the corporate responsibility by employing the best practices related to the social and environmental well being of the society.

Purpose of Policy
Use of plastic products is becoming a serious threat to the global environment. There are different kind of plastic products being used including plastic bags, single-use plastic for food services and plastic bottles. Ilma University has the legacy of promoting environment friendly initiatives. Therefore, University under this policy commits to reduce the plastic usage to the minimum possible level.

Scope of Policy
The policy will be applied to all students, staff, 3rd party staff and faculty of the University. Policy will also be applied to all outsourced activities.

Policy Statement
Develop and implement an effective management plan to decrease the use and waste of plastic bags.
1. Encourage the use of biodegradable single-use plastic bags, recycled material, paper, or textiles as alternatives to single-use plastic bags.
2. Encourage use of non-disposable products.
3. Encourage new approaches to recycle plastic trash.
4. Encourage community-based efforts to reduce plastic waste in the environment.
5. In order to ensure that this policy is implemented successfully, the administration department must develop effective indicators to track and measure the reduction of plastic usage.
6. Developed indicators must be recorded and assessed on monthly basis.
7. Whenever possible, follow this policy in procurement activities as well.
8. A comprehensive report on the initiatives taken, policy implementations and its impact will be presented to the senior management at the end of every year.

Definitions
single-use plastic: Its includes all products that are made wholly or partly of plastic and are typically intended to be used just once and/or for a short period of time before being disposed off.
Biodegradable plastics: that can be decomposed by the action of living organisms, usually microbes, into water, carbon dioxide, and biomass. 

Policy Statement:

ILMA University is committed to responsible and sustainable sourcing of food products from aquatic ecosystems to promote environmental conservation, support ethical practices, and ensure the availability of quality seafood products. This policy outlines the principles and guidelines to be followed in the procurement and utilization of seafood and related products across our campus facilities.

Policy Guidelines:

Sustainable Seafood Sourcing:

ILMA University will prioritize the procurement of seafood products that are certified as sustainable by recognized certification bodies, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

Local Sourcing:

Whenever feasible, the university will source seafood from local and regional suppliers to support local economies and reduce the carbon footprint associated with transportation.

Traceability:

We will ensure that all seafood products come with proper traceability and documentation to verify their source, origin, and sustainability certification.

Menu and Vendor Selection:

ILMA University campus dining facilities will work with vendors who are committed to sustainable seafood sourcing and ethical fishing practices.

Seasonal Variability:

Menus will be adjusted to accommodate seasonal variability in seafood availability, thereby supporting the natural replenishment of aquatic ecosystems.

Education and Awareness:

The university will actively engage in educational initiatives to raise awareness among students, staff, and faculty about the importance of sustainable seafood choices.

Waste Reduction:

Efforts will be made to minimize food waste by managing portion sizes and implementing responsible food preparation practices.

Continuous Improvement:

ILMA University will regularly review and update this policy to align with the latest sustainability standards and best practices in seafood sourcing. Responsibility and Compliance:

All campus dining facilities, vendors, and suppliers are responsible for adhering to this policy and actively participating in efforts to support sustainable seafood practices.

ILMA University is dedicated to promoting responsible sourcing and consumption of seafood products to safeguard aquatic ecosystems, support ethical fishing practices, and ensure a healthier and more sustainable environment for all members of our community. We believe that this policy reflects our commitment to environmental stewardship and ethical practices.

ILMA University is pleased to announce its upcoming seminar on “Water Irrigation Practices: Enhancing Sustainability,” scheduled for May 4, 2022, at ILMA Main Campus. This seminar gathers experts, researchers, and stakeholders to explore innovative irrigation techniques, sustainable agriculture, and effective water resource management. The event underscores ILMA University’s commitment to addressing water scarcity challenges and fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and government organizations.

The seminar will feature esteemed keynote speakers and experts in the field who will share insights into challenges and opportunities in water irrigation practices. Open to all, the event aims to engage students, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals passionate about advancing sustainable water management. For registration and additional information, please visit ILMA University’s official website.

ILMA University continues its commitment to promoting research and education on vital issues, contributing to sustainable agriculture and water management practices. This seminar is a significant step toward enhancing sustainability in water irrigation and fostering responsible resource management.

ILMA University is excited to announce its forthcoming seminar, “Sustainable Utilization of Oceans and Seas,” scheduled for October 17, 2022. This seminar will bring together experts, researchers, and stakeholders to address pressing issues concerning the responsible and sustainable management of our oceans and seas.

The event will focus on a wide range of critical topics, including sustainable fisheries, ocean pollution mitigation, marine ecosystem preservation, and the exploration of ocean-based renewable energy sources. ILMA University, committed to fostering awareness and education on these vital issues, invites students, researchers, policymakers, and industry professionals to participate and contribute to the discourse on sustainable ocean practices and the preservation of our marine environments.

Global warming and extreme weather conditions such as tropical cyclones, heavy rain with flooding, and prolonged dry spells have risen in recent years. In this context, it is crucial to recognise that human influence is mostly to blame for these fast fluctuations in weather patterns, which may be pushing the earth's climate towards a point of no return, after which the negative consequences of climate change may become irreversible. This alarming revelation has prompted a sense urgency throughout the world to develop adequate systems, plans, and ways to tackle the issue. Therefore, Ilma has taken different initiatives to contribute to the efforts being to curb the climate change.

The current focus of the global response to the climate crisis is on development and implementation of mitigation and adaptation methods. Mitigation refers to the initiatives that can be taken to decrease the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Adaptation is about being prepared for climate change, and respond to both present, and expected future consequences of climate change.

Nearly three-quarters of the world's urban population now lives in developing nations that account for more than 90% of global urban population increase. Karachi, a mega city of Pakistan and the capital of Sindh province, is now country’s commercial hub. It generates 30% of Pakistan's industrial production and accounts for 95% of Pakistan's international trade (ADB, 2006a). City is experiencing various climate change effects including urban flooding and rising temperature.

Ilma University has developed shared action plans in collaboration with cantonment board of Karachi to take steps against the possible causes of climate change. These initiatives include plantation drives in different parts of the city, workshops and seminars for the awareness of the society individuals. Ilma has conducted an awareness workshop in which experts were invited to educate the audience about the ways they can contribute to protection against climate change.