🌊 Oceans & Waterways

The Oceans & Waterways sub-area deals with the oversight and sustainable management of marine and freshwater environments. This includes protecting oceanic and riverine ecosystems, monitoring water quality, and addressing pollution, overfishing, and habitat degradation. Professionals work on preserving marine biodiversity, restoring aquatic habitats, and ensuring water resource health through policies and regulations. They also conduct research to understand the impacts of climate change and human activities on water bodies.

Oceanography

Oceanography is the scientific study of the ocean's physical, chemical, biological, and geological characteristics. This includes analyzing ocean currents, marine ecosystems, and the chemical composition of seawater, as well as understanding the impact of ocean processes on global climate. Key skills involve employing advanced research techniques, interpreting oceanographic data, and applying findings to address environmental challenges.

Coastal Protection

According to the UNEP, 37% of the world’s population lives within 100km of the sea. This calls for a focus on coastal protection, which is the implementation of strategies to safeguard shorelines from erosion, flooding, and other forms of environmental degradation. This includes deploying both natural and engineered solutions such as constructing seawalls, restoring mangroves and wetlands, and undertaking beach nourishment projects. Applicable skills include assessing coastal vulnerabilities, designing and implementing protection measures, and monitoring their effectiveness.

Marine Pollution Remediation

Marine pollution remediation addresses and mitigates the effects of pollutants in oceanic and waterway environments to restore ecological health. This approach utilizes technologies and methods such as oil spill cleanups, plastic waste removal, and chemical treatments to reduce contamination. Essential skills include monitoring pollution sources, applying remediation techniques, and assessing their effectiveness.

Marine Ecosystem Conservation

Marine ecosystem management involves the preservation of the health and biodiversity of oceans and coastal environments. This includes implementing conservation measures, managing marine protected areas, and addressing threats such as overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution. Essential skills involve conducting ecological assessments, developing policies, and coordinating management strategies among various stakeholders.

Freshwater Ecosystem Conservation

Freshwater ecosystem management encompasses overseeing and restoring the health and functionality of rivers, lakes, and wetlands to support biodiversity and maintain ecological balance. This process involves managing water quality, controlling invasive species, and restoring natural hydrological processes. The key skills are assessing ecosystem conditions, developing and applying management strategies, and monitoring ecological outcomes.