Al-Ayen Iraqi University – SDG 15 Progress Report (2024)

1. Introduction and Overview

Al-Ayen Iraqi University (AUIQ) has made significant strides in research aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) during the year 2024. SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss. This report outlines key research contributions made by AUIQ that support these objectives, emphasizing their impact and relevance.

2. Detailed SDGs Contributions 

Initiatives and Activities: 

1. The College of Education at Al-Ayen Iraqi University participated in the “Al-Mirbad Festival” through various activities led by students from the Chemistry and English departments. The event included entertaining chemistry experiments, artistic displays, English plays and poems, and a tree-planting initiative under the campaign “Al-Ayen Plants.” This participation supports SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting creativity, environmental awareness, and student engagement in sustainable community activities.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2109

2.The Engineering Technical College at Al-Ayen Iraqi University organized a tree-planting initiative at the Open College of Education in Al-Nasiriya to promote environmental sustainability and improve the local climate. Supervised by the college administration and a group of engineering students, the campaign included planting various trees such as jasmine, olive, and acacia to combat desertification and expand green spaces. This initiative supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by fostering environmental awareness, enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to sustainable community development.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1940

3.The Dean of the College of Education, Dr. Hussein Barghouth Marhoon Al-Husseini, and the Assistant Dean for Scientific Affairs, Dr. Jalal Shinta Jabr, represented Al-Ayen Iraqi University in Dhi Qar Forum for the Sustainability of Antiquities and Marshes, held under the theme “Our Heritage and Marshes Are the Identity of Our Nation.” Hosted by the Southern Technical University – Al-Shatra Technical Institute, the event emphasized cultural and environmental preservation. This participation supports SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and SDG 15 (Life on Land) by promoting heritage conservation and environmental sustainability.

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2079

4. The Dean of the College of Law, Assistant Professor Dr. Khalid Kadhim Awda Al-Ibrahimi, participated in the fifth Al-Rafidain Forum (RCD Forum) in Baghdad, in the presence of Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani and more than 1,000 political and academic figures from 35 Arab and foreign countries.The fifth forum, entitled "The Future of Humanity: Crises and Solutions," aims to showcase a positive image of Baghdad. Participants will discuss international, regional, and local issues related to the future of humanity, the transformations in the general situation both domestically and internationally, and ways to overcome these crises. This initiative advances SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities)  and  SDG 16, SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).  

Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/2063

5. As part of its sustainability and health initiatives, Al-Ayen Iraqi University has installed an advanced water filtration and purification system to ensure clean and safe water for use across campus facilities. This initiative contributes to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) by promoting efficient water management and ensuring access to safe, purified water within the university environment.

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SDG 15 Progress Report: Al-Ayen Iraqi University

1. Introduction and Overview

Al-Ayen Iraqi University (AUIQ) has made significant strides in research aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land) during the years 2023. SDG 15 focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting the sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, managing forests sustainably, combating desertification, and halting biodiversity loss. This report outlines key research contributions made by AUIQ that support these objectives, emphasizing their impact and relevance.

Overview of Research Contributions for SDG 15

• Forecasting of meteorological drought using ensemble and machine learning models: This research focuses on using predictive models to address drought conditions, which are crucial for effective water management and ecosystem conservation.
• Application of bagging and boosting ensemble machine learning techniques for groundwater potential mapping in a drought-prone agriculture region of eastern India: Contributions to the management of water resources by identifying groundwater potential, which is vital for maintaining healthy terrestrial ecosystems.
• A review on e-waste contamination, toxicity, and sustainable clean-up approaches for its management: Addresses the issue of soil contamination through sustainable clean-up technologies, thereby promoting healthier land ecosystems.
• Bioremediation techniques for soil organic pollution: Mechanisms, microorganisms, and technologies - A comprehensive review: Explores various methods for cleaning polluted soil, supporting sustainable agricultural practices and land restoration.
• Assessing the Catastrophic Environmental Impacts on Dam Breach Using Remote Sensing and Google Earth Engine: Examines the impacts of infrastructure failures on ecosystems, emphasizing the need for sustainable land and water management.
• Metagenomic profiling of rhizosphere microbiota: Unraveling the plant-soil dynamics: Research that enhances understanding of plant-soil interactions, critical for maintaining soil health and supporting biodiversity.
• Groundwater level prediction for excessive agricultural irrigation to achieve SDGs: Vulnerability assessment using field-based empirical method: Promotes sustainable water usage practices, which are vital for sustaining agriculture and preserving land ecosystems.

Al-Ayen Iraqi University (AUIQ) has published a total of 13 research articles during 2023 that align with Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land). These publications encompass a wide range of topics including drought prediction, groundwater management, soil contamination and remediation, sustainable agricultural practices, land use changes, and biodiversity conservation. Each of these studies contributes to the university's commitment to advancing sustainable solutions for terrestrial ecosystems, promoting environmental stewardship, and supporting global efforts to combat deforestation, desertification, and biodiversity loss.

2. Supporting Documents and Links

References and links to relevant reports, publications, and university web pages that further elaborate on Al-Ayen’s efforts and achievements related to SDG 15.

Link: https://en.alayen.edu.iq/sdj/sub_details/100

The Sustainable Development Goals: Al-Ayen Iraqi University's Evolving Strategy Towards 2027

https://en.alayen.edu.iq/public/en/save_file/files/88168e6e6c98e106163890bee72924b8_.pdf