Outreach and Engagement
Reporters: Dr. Chanyut Sudtongkong
Asst. Prof. Porntep Wirachwong
Evidence Date: 7 November 2024
Related SDGs: SDG 14
Related SDGs:
Related Indicator: 14.2.1
Trang Aquarium: Boosting community knowledge about freshwater ecosystem conservation at RUTS
October 16, 2025
Trang Aquarium is located on the RUTS campus (Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya). It acts like a very important resource for educating people about fresh-water ecosystems.
Operating under the specific framework of SDG 14 Indicator 14.2.1: Outreach and Engagement, the facility’s primary goal is clear: to enhance public understanding, support freshwater biodiversity conservation, and actively promote the sustainable use of these essential resources.
Freshwater environments are very small—less than one percent of the Earth’s surface. But they are critically important, supporting ten percent of global animal species and serving vital roles for residences, agriculture, industry, and transport. Despite their necessity, these systems currently face severe threats from overuse, climate change, invasive species, and habitat degradation.
To combat this lack of awareness, the aquarium delivers educational programs specifically for the local community, students from nearby schools, and the general public. The educational format includes organized visits where aquarium staff provide lectures on freshwater ecosystems.
The exhibition itself is divided to maximize learning:
• The indoor section showcases freshwater fish species from Thailand, particularly rare or endangered species facing extinction threats.
• The outdoor section features a large simulated freshwater ecosystem.
This targeted outreach on biodiversity and aquatic knowledge draws a significant crowd, hosting over 100,000 visitors in 2024, including local residents, students, and both domestic and international tourists who come to learn about these environments. Additionally, Trang Aquarium offers free service to students and residents living around RUTS.
The RUTS Trang Aquarium serves a vital educational role, significantly advancing the community’s understanding of Thailand’s freshwater ecosystem conservation.
Related Links:
https://nrei.rmutsv.ac.th/ruts/en/home
