Sustainable Nitte
LIFE ON LAND
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Sustainable Development Goal LIFE ON LAND Green cover is fundamental to sustaining life on Earth, as it delivers critical ecosystem services including oxygen production, carbon sequestration, regulation of the water cycle, and provision of habitats for diverse flora and fauna. However, increasing anthropogenic pressures such as deforestation, poaching, and forest fires continue to disrupt ecological balance, resulting in significant environmental and socio-economic consequences. In this context, institutions of higher education like Nitte (Deemed to be University) play a crucial role in advancing forest conservation, promoting sustainable management of terrestrial ecosystems, and addressing land degradation, thereby contributing to the goals of SDG 15: Life on Land.
Universities serve as key drivers in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through their emphasis on environmental education, research innovation, and community-based conservation initiatives. Nitte (Deemed to be University) exemplifies institutional leadership in environmental stewardship by actively integrating sustainability into its academic and outreach activities. Through structured awareness programmes involving students, faculty, and the wider community, the University fosters a culture of ecological responsibility and encourages collective action towards protecting, restoring, and sustainably using terrestrial ecosystems, in alignment with the guiding principles of SDG 15.
PROACTIVE STEPS TAKEN BY NU
Nitte (Deemed to be University): Sustainable Campus Development and Green Initiatives
In alignment with the principles of SDG 15: Life on Land, Nitte (Deemed to be University) has consistently advanced sustainable campus development through structured environmental initiatives. As part of this commitment, the University established the Nitte University Green Initiative Project (NUGIP) on 30 May 2017. The project operates under a multidisciplinary committee chaired by the Honourable Vice-Chancellor and comprising the Registrar, Heads of Institutions (HOIs), NSS Officers, Purchase Officer, Estate Manager, faculty representatives, and external environmental experts. Functioning as a central coordinating body, NUGIP collaborates with NSS units, faculty, and students to implement diverse ecosystem conservation activities such as outreach programmes, Vruksha Bandhan, birthday tree-planting initiatives, Vanamahotsava celebrations, Swachh Bharat campaigns, environmental awareness drives, nature camps, Ayurveda-based field visits, and tree adoption programmes. These initiatives collectively strengthen sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and ecological stewardship.
Green Audit 2025
Nitte (Deemed to be University) conducts a Green Audit every year to assess its environmental performance and strengthen its commitment to sustainability. The Green Audit 2025 evaluates key areas such as biodiversity conservation, campus greenery, waste management, and sustainable resource utilization, ensuring minimal ecological impact. The audit serves as a vital tool for identifying gaps and implementing practical, cost-effective measures to enhance environmental sustainability. It also reflects the University’s commitment to continuous self-evaluation and improvement in maintaining a healthy and eco-friendly campus ecosystem. Findings from the audit guide the University in promoting biodiversity, reducing environmental degradation, and encouraging ecoconscious practices among students and staff, thereby contributing to the protection and restoration of terrestrial ecosystems.
https://nitte.edu.in/green-campus.php
Indoor Plants and Institutional Initiatives
Although indoor plants are not directly part of terrestrial ecosystems, they play a significant role in promoting environmental consciousness and improving micro-environmental quality. At A.B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, where outdoor green cover is relatively limited, efforts have been made to enhance indoor air quality through the strategic placement of wellmaintained plants in common areas. These plants contribute to oxygen generation and reduction of carbon dioxide levels, while also serving as constant reminders of the importance of biodiversity and ecological balance. The NSS unit of Nitte Institute of Hospitality Services conducted an activity titled "Breathing with the Leaves" on 22nd April 2025, to raise awareness about the benefits of indoor plants. The initiative aimed to educate volunteers on how indoor plants contribute to cleaner air, enhanced mental health, and a sustainable lifestyle. All these initiatives support the broader vision of a “Clean City, Green City” in alignment with SDG 15.
Tree Audit
The Tree Map of the Nitte University campus was unveiled by Prof. (Dr.) M. S. Moodithaya, Vice-Chancellor of Nitte (DU), marking a significant step toward strengthening the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
As part of this initiative, a comprehensive campus tree audit was conducted using a survey-based method to ensure accuracy. The audit documented detailed parameters for each tree, including species, height, girth, and precise geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude). These data points were systematically recorded to enable the estimation of carbon sequestration potential of the campus greenery. This scientific and data-driven approach not only enhances biodiversity documentation but also serves as a step towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Nitte-Miyawaki Forest
The Miyawaki Forest initiative reflects a scientifically grounded effort towards ecological restoration and sustainable land use. Developed using the Miyawaki method, the project involves highdensity, multi-layered plantation of indigenous tree species to accelerate forest regeneration and revitalise degraded land. Spanning an area of 6,534 sq. ft., the forest includes native species such as Neem, Benga, Kadamba, Mango, Golden Shower, Ashoka, Indian Blackberry, Kokum, Monkey Jack, Surahonne, Jackfruit, Red Sandalwood, and Cinnamon. This initiative enhances soil quality, strengthens biodiversity, and creates a self-sustaining forest ecosystem, thereby directly contributing to the conservation and restoration goals outlined in SDG 15.
Inauguration of Nitte-Miyawaki Forest
Programmes conducted
Sericulture Awareness Workshop Promoting Sustainable Rural Livelihoods
On 11 March 2025, the Department of Apparel Design & Fabrication Technology conducted a workshop on “Sericulture – Industry of Rural India” to highlight the sector’s economic importance and its role in creating sustainable rural livelihoods. Resource person Dr. I. K. Pai explained the fundamentals of sericulture, silkworm lifecycle, silk production processes and the impact of biotechnology and innovation in improving productivity. The session emphasized employment opportunities for rural communities, government support mechanisms and the relevance of research-driven practices, reinforcing the value of sericulture as a sustainable rural enterprise aligned with broader development goals.
Swachh Bharat Abhiyan/Swachh Bharat Shramadan/Cleanliness drives
Nitte Institute of Architecture (NSS Unit)
- Beach cleaning drive at Tannirbavi Beach (18 Jan 2025) with Young Indians Mangalore & Rotaract Club; 65 students participated in waste collection and awareness on marine pollution.
- Annual Special Camp at Moodubelle (3–8 Mar 2025): cleanliness drives, playground renovation, environmental awareness.
- Beach cleaning drive at Ullal (30 Sep 2025): 30 volunteers.
- Swachhta Abhiyaan (5 Apr 2025): waste management and civic responsibility awareness.
- “Clean Souparnika, Green Kollur” outreach (5 Jun 2025): plastic waste reduction awareness.
- Swachh Sena drive at Kadri (7 Sep 2025).
- Swachhata Shramadan at Hampankatta (7 Dec 2025) with Ramakrishna Mission: public premises cleaning.
- Beach cleanup at Someshwar Beach (19 Apr 2025) with Aquamarine Project, Govt. of Karnataka.
- Swachhta Action Plan 5.0 drive (26 Oct 2025): 40 volunteers involved in cleanliness activities.
- Swachhata drive at Kudremukha National Park (12 Oct 2025) with Karnataka Forest Department; 28 students and 6 faculty participated.
World Environment Day/Vanamahotsava/Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam
On 5 June 2025, Justice K. S. Hegde Institute of Management observed World Environment Day through a campus tree-planting drive involving the Director, faculty, staff, and students, organised by the Samvedhana Association to promote ecological awareness and sustainable green practices. The NSS and Youth Red Cross (YRC) units of NGSM Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences also conducted Vanamahotsava to raise awareness on environmental protection and instil a sense of responsibility towards safeguarding nature. Extending these efforts, the NSS Unit of Nitte Institute of Professional Education, in collaboration with the Energy, Environment Conservation & Go Green Cell and Lions Shakthi Mangaluru, celebrated Vanamahotsava Day on 8 July 2025 with an awareness programme followed by the plantation of 30 saplings by guests, volunteers, and staff to enhance campus greenery. The Nitte Institute of Physiotherapy also commemorated the occasion by conducting a plantation drive themed “Ek Ped Maa ke Naam, ” involving faculty and students in land preparation, sapling plantation, and courtyard cleaning activities, collectively reinforcing sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, and environmental stewardship in alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land.
Bird Watering Drive
On 7 May 2025, the Department of Civil Engineering, in association with the Sustainability Club of NMAM Institute of Technology, organised a Bird Watering Drive to promote environmental awareness and compassionate coexistence with nature by placing water bowls across campus green areas to support urban biodiversity and provide hydration to birds during summer, thereby contributing to ecosystem conservation and aligning with SDG 15: Life on Land, along with Sustainable Cities and Communities and Climate Action.
Implications of Climate Change – Awareness Talk
In alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land, Nitte Institute of Communication, in association with the Institution’s Innovation Council and Environmental Club, organised an awareness talk on “Implications of Climate Change” on 27 March 2025 with Dr. Anirban Chakraborty, Director of Nitte University Centre for Science Education and Research, as the chief guest. The session highlighted the impacts of global warming, sustainable solutions, and the critical role of educational institutions in promoting environmental awareness and ecological responsibility.
Visit to MRF Facility, Paduva – Experiential Learning on Sustainable Waste Management
The Department of Biotechnology Student Association (Phoenix), in collaboration with the Sustainability Cell, Nitte DU, organised an educational visit to the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Paduva for final-year Biotechnology students. The visit provided hands-on exposure to large-scale waste segregation, recycling, and sustainable resource management, with the facility processing approximately 7 tons of waste daily. Materials such as plastics, paper, jute, and textiles are efficiently processed, with nearly 200 kg of plastic reused in road construction and other materials repurposed into industrial products, demonstrating circular economy practices and reducing land pollution in line with SDG 15.
Improved Varieties and Good Agricultural Practices for Sustainable Arecanut Gardens – Interactive Session
An interactive session on “Improved Varieties and Good Agricultural Practices for Sustainable Arecanut Gardens” was conducted by Dr. N. R. Nagaraja, Senior Scientist at ICAR–Central Plantation Crops Research Institute, Vittal, jointly organised by the SDG Cell, Nitte University, NUCSER, and the ATAL Incubation Centre. The programme provided practical insights into sustainable agriculture, including soil test–based fertilisation, efficient irrigation, intercropping, and innovative approaches such as biodegradable ecopots and soilless media, thereby promoting long-term land productivity and ecological sustainability. The session included around 10 farmers, faculty members, and 30 students.
Green, Energy and Environment Audit Certification – Institutional Sustainability Initiative
Nitte (Deemed to be University), Mangaluru, received NABCB certification for its exemplary environmental sustainability practices following the successful completion of Green, Energy, and Environment Audits for 2025. The certification recognises the University’s commitment to renewable energy, efficient resource management, and environmental stewardship aligned with SDG 15.
Horticulture and Landscaping: Scope and Career Potential – Capacity Building Session
The Institution’s Innovation Council at Nitte Institute of Architecture organised a session on “Horticulture and Landscaping: Scope and Career Potential” on 6 March 2025. The programme featured interactive discussions and a campus tour, providing practical exposure to plant sciences, landscape design, and sustainable landuse practices, thereby encouraging biodiversity conservation and environmentally responsible career pathways in alignment with SDG 15.
Nurture the Nature for a Better Future – Expert Talk
In alignment with SDG 15: Life on Land, the Department organised an expert talk titled “Nurture the Nature for a Better Future” by Dr. Satheesha Nayak B, Professor of Anatomy, MAHE, Manipal on 13th March 2025. The session highlighted real-life experiences and impactful initiatives in waste management and environmental stewardship, motivating students to adopt sustainable practices and take personal responsibility towards protecting terrestrial ecosystems. The talk fostered strong awareness on practical sustainability approaches and community participation in environmental conservation.
Managing Electronic Waste: Building a Cleaner and Greener Tomorrow – Awareness Talk
The NSS Unit of NMAM Institute of Technology organised a talk on “Managing Electronic Waste: Building a Cleaner and Greener Tomorrow” on 23 October 2025, with Dr. H. Lakshmikantha, Environmental Officer, KSPCB, as the resource person. The session addressed the environmental hazards of improper e-waste disposal and emphasised recycling, sustainable waste management practices, and government initiatives, thereby contributing to the reduction of land pollution and supporting SDG 15 objectives.
Weed control activity at Nitte institute of hospitality services
Under the joint initiative of the NSS Unit and Youth Red Cross Wing, a weed control drive was successfully conducted on 9th September 2025 at NIHS. As a part of the drive, mechanical choppers were effectively used to remove overgrown weeds, ensuring thorough and eco-friendly weed control without the use of chemicals. The students worked together to clear pathways, clean garden areas, and dispose of waste responsibly, contributing to a cleaner area.
Special Campaign for Disposal of Pending Matters 5.0 – Waste-to-Wealth Awareness Programme
The Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology & Oral Microbiology, in association with the NSS Unit of A. B. Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, organised an awareness programme on 24 October 2025 under the theme “Waste-to-Wealth. ” Dr. Sneha Nayak delivered a session on “E-waste to E-Wealth: Transforming Trash into Tomorrow’s Tech, ” highlighting sustainable resource recovery and the importance of converting waste into valuable products. The programme reinforced responsible waste management practices and environmental stewardship, aligning with the goals of SDG 15. Approximately 180 students participated and benefitted from the awareness program.
https://nitte.edu.in/naac/2025/THE_IMPACT/SDG6/Biodiversity_Report.pdf
https://nitte.edu.in/naac/2025/THE_IMPACT/SDG6/KSHEMA_herbal_garden.pdf
https://nitte.edu.in/naac/2023/THE_IMPACT/Policies/plastic_Waste_policy.pdf
https://nitte.edu.in/naac/2019/policies/NU_TreatedWasteWateReuse_R0.pdf