UGM, through its MOOC platform, offers a comprehensive course on Watershed Management aimed at improving public understanding of integrated and systematic approaches to managing watershed areas. The program introduces core concepts, analytical methods, and management models used to assess and address watershed challenges. It also highlights comparative practices from multiple countries, enabling participants to evaluate diverse strategies and adopt relevant lessons for local contexts. By providing accessible and high-quality learning materials, UGM supports capacity building and promotes more effective and sustainable watershed management initiatives.

UGM strengthens Indonesia’s blue economy through strategic collaboration with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, marked by ministerial lectures and three cooperation agreements supporting fishermen’s welfare, blue carbon development, and marine conservation. Its community service program deploys students nationwide to advance sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and eco-tourism, including mangrove planting and marine environmental outreach in the Banda Islands. UGM also conducts river ecosystem restoration through clean-up and fish-stocking activities. At PIAT, red tilapia cultivation applies zero-waste sustainable aquaculture to provide affordable, high-quality fish and improve community nutrition.

UGM deployed 90 Community Service Program students to Bunaken, Sangihe, and Talaud through cooperation with the Manado City Government and KAGAMA North Sulawesi. The students implemented programs supporting natural resource management, economic development, and community welfare. In Bunaken, activities included mangrove planting, coral reef transplantation, and establishing a tourist information center, all supported by local government and alumni.

UGM strengthens coastal conservation through workshops on carbon stock assessment in mangrove ecosystems and community-based interventions, including mangrove planting in Batam and Berau, coastal protection support in Kotabaru, and beach cleaning in Kupang, reflecting its commitment to climate action and sustainability.

UGM ensures that food on campus from aquatic ecosystems is sustainably harvested. Circular Letter No. 1797/2020 supports sustainable consumption, and later regulations mandate reusable or biodegradable materials for campus events and prohibit plastic or styrofoam use. These measures help ensure that food derived from aquatic ecosystems is harvested responsibly and served in environmentally conscious ways. Collectively, these policies align with campus sustainability goals and reduce ecological impact.

UGM promotes sustainability through policies on responsible food sourcing, local agricultural support, and strict waste reduction in food services. Complemented by student programs on sustainable fish-based culinary practices, these initiatives reinforce environmentally conscious and resource-efficient food consumption across campus.

UGM works directly (research and/or engagement with industries) to maintain and extend existing ecosystems and their biodiversity. UGM’s Fisheries Department leads national efforts to maintain aquatic biodiversity through research dissemination platforms like the annual SEMNASKAN seminar. The 2024 event gathered researchers from 32 institutions, focusing on topics such as tropical aquaculture, fisheries management, and disease control. Findings are compiled in publicly accessible proceedings, facilitating knowledge exchange and practical application in Indonesia’s fisheries sector.

Wanagama Eco-Edu Forest demonstrates UGM’s long-term ecological restoration success in a karst landscape, serving as a research and training forest while providing year-round springs and community benefits. It functions as a living laboratory for conservation, biodiversity studies, and student sustainability initiatives.

UGM’s Aquaculture Study Program was established to advance science and technology in sustainable aquatic resource utilization. To enhance practical learning and industry relevance, it partners with PT FishTx Indonesia, enabling research collaboration and exposure to modern aquaculture practices for students

UGM implements strict water discharge standards that comply with regional and national regulations, including quality monitoring aligned with the Ministry of Health and Yogyakarta regional policies. Wastewater from laboratories, dormitories, hospitals, and canteens is treated through multiple WWTPs, with daily inspections and monthly laboratory testing. Stormwater is managed through infiltration wells, retention ponds, and green infrastructure to reduce pollution. These systems ensure that water discharged from campus facilities protects ecosystems, wildlife, and community health.

UGM implements comprehensive wastewater and stormwater management aligned with national and regional regulations, supported by daily WWTP operations and routine water quality monitoring. Through greywater recycling, rainwater harvesting, and pre-treatment systems, UGM reduces pollution, conserves groundwater, and ensures safe discharge standards across academic, medical, residential, and commercial facilities on campus.

UGM enforces a comprehensive plastic reduction plan supported by strategic regulations in the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan and multiple circular letters. Policies require waste segregation, prohibit plastic containers in canteens, and encourage the use of reusable containers by all academicians. Vendors using plastic packaging must adjust prices or undergo contract review, reinforcing behavioral change. These measures cultivate a campus-wide culture of sustainability and significantly reduce plastic pollution.