BRIEF DESCRIPTION

With an emphasis on reducing the effects of the university's operations on regional biodiversity, AASTMT created the "Monitoring IUCN and Conservation Policy" as a comprehensive framework to protect species included on the national conservation lists or the IUCN Red List. All visitors, employees, contractors, suppliers, and students participating in activities on AASTMT campuses or in locations impacted by the university are subject to this policy. Its main goal is to safeguard and keep an eye on threatened species while encouraging moral research and conservation methods. Every member of the AASTMT community is guaranteed to actively participate in research and species protection projects thanks to the policy.

The promotion of non-lethal research techniques for the study of threatened species is a key element of the policy. AASTMT encourages departments and educational institutions to support non-invasive sampling methods, like collecting fluids, seeds, or feathers, in order to reduce harm to animals and enhance study on the natural histories and conservation requirements of species. Furthermore, even while the policy stresses the value of scientific review, it cautions against unduly onerous or complex legislative procedures that could obstruct vital conservation initiatives. When specimen collection is required, particularly for species with extremely tiny populations, researchers must show that these actions are critical to the survival and recovery of the species.

The SDG 15 Officers compile data on species conservation, monitor its implementation, and ensure its effectiveness. AASTMT pledges to create reports, allocate funds from its sustainability budget for monitoring, research, and educational initiatives. Training programs will strengthen staff and students' participation in species protection initiatives. AASTMT is committed to responsible environmental stewardship and biodiversity conservation.

1. SCOPE

The primary objective of this policy is to identify, monitor, and protect any species listed on the IUCN Red List or national conservation lists that inhabit areas affected by AASTMT’s operations. This policy aims to guide the creation and enforcement of regulations to protect these species, while encouraging ethical research practices related to endangered species. The policy applies to all members of the AASTMT community, including students, staff, contractors, vendors, and visitors.

1. Aims of the Policy

Through initiatives, research, and training, AASTMT will be at the forefront of finding sustainable social, economic, environmental, and technical solutions to global problems. AASTMT can achieve pioneer innovation through its operations and may set an example for other sectors and universities.

AASTMT policy aims to:

• promote and support research to enhance knowledge about the natural history and conservation requirements of globally threatened species. Schools and departments with relevant expertise are encouraged to facilitate this research, which should be closely integrated with conservation programs focused on protecting these species. Familiarize students with the related international conventions about climate change.
• avoid enforcing legislation that could impede conservation efforts, such as regulations that involve the fatal collection of specimens from globally threatened species, unless absolutely necessary. While scientific scrutiny is essential, the process for obtaining permits should not be overly complex or time-consuming. Ensure that students in the maritime sector are fully aware of UN SDG 14 and the UN's motivation for such a goal.
• supports non-lethal sampling methods such as the collection of body fluids, feces, hair, feathers, seeds, roots, and leaves. Schools and departments are encouraged to simplify the process of obtaining permits for such non-lethal samples from species identified as threatened by the IUCN.
• conducting research on globally threatened species must ensure their work contributes to the improvement of the species’ conservation status. Research should provide critical insights that aid in the protection and recovery of these species.
• studying species listed as Vulnerable or Endangered under IUCN criteria, scientists must demonstrate that the collection of specimens will not significantly increase the risk of extinction. Research should be essential for the conservation of the species, particularly when dealing with populations of less than 1000 mature individuals.
• For species classified as Critically Endangered (fewer than 250 mature individuals), the lethal collection of specimens should only be permitted if the proposed research is crucial for enhancing the species’ survival. Such collection should be avoided unless it is clearly necessary for the species' conservation.

1. INTRODUCTION

Monitoring IUCN and Conservation Policy" outlines the framework developed by the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport (AASTMT) to safeguard species listed on the IUCN Red List, as well as those identified in national conservation registers. This policy serves as a critical tool for monitoring, protecting, and promoting the conservation of endangered species across areas influenced by AASTMT’s operations. It establishes guidelines for conducting ethical research on threatened species and emphasizes the importance of non-invasive research methodologies. The policy applies to all members of the AASTMT community, including students, staff, and external stakeholders such as contractors and vendors. It prioritizes responsible research practices and encourages the development of knowledge on species conservation while adhering to regulatory compliance. By fostering collaboration between schools and departments, the policy ensures that conservation efforts are in alignment with both global and national conservation objectives. Additionally, it emphasizes the university’s role in contributing to biodiversity conservation through structured monitoring, reporting, and resource allocation, further solidifying AASTMT’s commitment to environmental sustainability and species protection.

POLICY STATEMENT

AASTMT is committed to the protection and conservation of species listed on the IUCN Red List and national conservation lists. This policy aims to identify, monitor, and safeguard any endangered species affected by the university’s operations. AASTMT promotes ethical research practices, supporting non-lethal sampling methods, and ensures that all activities conducted by its community members, including students, staff, contractors, and visitors, adhere to conservation guidelines. Through responsible management, research, and collaboration with conservation organizations, AASTMT seeks to contribute meaningfully to global biodiversity conservation efforts.

In order to guarantee that the conservation status of threatened species is regularly assessed and that the necessary steps are taken to reduce any dangers, AASTMT commits to collaborating closely with conservation organizations, regulatory agencies, and local authorities. The school is dedicated to creating a sustainable culture in which campus administration, community involvement, and scholarly study all incorporate biodiversity conservation.

In accordance with the most recent scientific findings and conservation regulations, AASTMT will periodically assess its monitoring procedures and revise its plans. This will guarantee that the organization continues to take the initiative to reduce the loss of biodiversity and help preserve the ecosystems that are impacted by its activities.

1. Procedures and Forms:
   1. Procedures:

• Create species’ list on the IUCN Red List or national conservation lists that live in regions affected by AASTMT's operations, do an initial environmental assessment.
• Update species lists frequently in response to modifications to national conservation databases or the IUCN Red List.
• Conduct all studies and activities on AASTMT campuses or associated with its activities adhere to ethical research standards, especially when it comes to the preservation of endangered species.
• Pieces of Advice may be given from the SDGs workforce committee to each participant in the implementation process.
• Give non-lethal sampling techniques (such as collecting bodily fluids, hair, or seeds) priority in order to get the data that is required while causing the least amount of harm to the species.
• forbid actions that would put a species in risk, like the killing of specimens, unless they are judged necessary for the species' preservation and authorized through the appropriate procedures.
• Acquiring licenses for research involving endangered animals. This involves putting in place a quick approval process that guarantees the study is essential to the preservation of species and cuts down on delays.
• Researchers to justify their findings and show that they won't increase the likelihood of further decline or extinction when investigating species with small or severely endangered populations.
• The AASTMT SDG 15 officers will supervise ongoing monitoring of the species found in the environmental assessments.
• Provide the SDG 15 officers with an annual report that summarizes all study results, conservation initiatives, and policy
• Organize frequent training sessions for employees, contractors, vendors, and students to make sure everyone on campus understands their roles under this policy.
• Arrange seminars and educational events that emphasize the value of preserving species that are classified by the IUCN, as well as non-invasive research methods and biodiversity conservation tactics.
• Create a compliance framework that allows for the reporting and investigation of IUCN monitoring policy violations, such as unauthorized specimen collection or detrimental activity.
  1. Forms:

• Initiative suggestion form.
• Conservation actions taken.
• Recommendations for policy updates

1. Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Examine and accept conservation-related research applications.
• Create yearly reports that provide an overview of policy compliance and monitoring activities.
• Organize yearly policy evaluations in collaboration with university stakeholders and outside experts.
• SDGs 15 officers is responsible for following up on the policy implementation and providing support as required.
• Students: Get involved in initiatives implementation as required, Follow the guidelines and contribute to the protection of species while on AASTMT campuses.

1. Objectives:
   1. Identify, monitor, and protect any species listed on the IUCN Red List.

1.1 Guide the creation and enforcement of regulations to protect these species.

1.2 Encouraging ethical research practices related to endangered species.

1. Performance indicators:

1. The number of initiatives carried out annually.
2. The number of students involved.
3. Courses providing SDG 13, 14, and 15 awareness.
4. Annual reviews and updates.

1. Action plan:

AASTMT uses a systematic strategy to execute the IUCN Monitoring Policy, which includes action plans and performance tracking. Monitoring endangered species, encouraging ethical research, raising community awareness, and upholding conservation rules are the main goals of key performance indicators. Success is measured through regular evaluations of training attendance, research project results, and species populations.

Initial environmental evaluations, ongoing species monitoring, effective research permit procedures, and extensive education and training are all emphasized in the action plan. Effective biodiversity protection requires yearly policy evaluations, cooperation with conservation groups, and appropriate resource distribution. By taking these steps, AASTMT pledges to protect threatened species and promote a culture of moral conservation and research.

11 A review program