Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
SDG 14 Indicator
14.2 – Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education
14.2.1 – Fresh-Water Ecosystems (Community Outreach)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offers several educational programs on freshwater ecosystems focused on water management and conservation practices, targeting local communities for free and paid.
Free: Educational Program with Community (Sahabat Sungai Hulu Langat)
UKM is involved in community outreach related to freshwater ecosystems through the Sahabat Sungai Hulu Langat program. It aims to provide educational opportunities regarding good water management. This initiative reflects UKM’s commitment to community education on freshwater ecosystems, particularly focusing on water management and conservation practices. Through this program, UKM actively engages local communities in understanding and implementing effective water management strategies.
On November 11, 2023, the Sahabat Sungai Hulu Langat was launched at the Institut Kemahiran Tinggi Belia Negara Dusun Tua, marking the conclusion of the Laman Cakna Alam evaluation program. Each participating school received prizes sponsored by the Perbadanan Tabung Pendidikan Nasional, with awards ranging from Sekolah Cakna Alam Platinum for the champion to Sekolah Cakna Alam Bronze for fifth place. Additionally, four students from each school were honored with the title of Jaguh Cakna Alam, receiving monetary rewards deposited into their Skim Simpanan Pendidikan Nasional (SSPN) accounts. The results of the evaluation were announced during the launch, which was a collaborative initiative involving the Parliament and ADUN of Hulu Langat office, the Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (KIWF), and the District Education Office of Hulu Langat The launch of Sahabat Sungai Hulu Langat is free and open to the community as an initiative to provide educational opportunities regarding good water management
Source: Institute of Climate Change Bulletin (Page 14)
Free: ‘Green Camp for Youth @ Tasik Chini Unesco Biosphere Reserve’ Program
17 – 19 November 2023 :UKM offers an educational program called the Green Camp for Youth @ Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This program, held at the Tasik Chini Research Centre (PPTC) of The Centre for Natural and Physical Laboratory Management Centre for Natural and Physical (ALAF-UKM), is designed to engage school students in environmental preservation and conservation activities. It specifically provides students with opportunities to develop proactive ideas for solving environmental and waste management issues related to water sources around Tasik Chini’s Lake in sustainable ways. A total of 40 students from four primary schools in Chini, namely Sekolah Kebangsaan Tasik Cini (JHEOA), Sekolah Kebangsaan (Felda) Chini 1 & 4, Sekolah Kebangsaan (Felda) Chini 2 dan Sekolah Kebangsaan (Felda) Chini 3 & 5 participated in the program for 3 days and 2 nights. This program emphasises practical experience and encourages young participants to think critically about sustainable water management and environmental conservation. It is part of a collaborative effort involving the National Commission for UNESCO Malaysia (SKUM) and the East Coast Economic Regional Development Council (ECERDC). Thus, UKM actively offers community outreach educational programs on freshwater ecosystems, focusing on water management and conservation practices, particularly for local communities around Tasik Chini.
Free: The Man and Biosphere 360° Biodiversity Education Program
UKM offers the Man and Biosphere 360° Biodiversity Education Program, which includes community outreach focused on freshwater ecosystems. This program, held at the Tasik Chini Research Center in Pahang, involves activities such as water quality monitoring and fish fry release to promote environmental stewardship and water management. The program is specifically designed to engage school students in environmental preservation and conservation efforts through hands-on activities that foster a deeper understanding of water quality, ecosystem dynamics, and conservation practices. By participating in this program, students gain theoretical knowledge and practical skills, empowering them to contribute to environmental sustainability within their communities. A total of 100 participants, consisting of Form 4 students from six schools in the states of Pahang, Terengganu, and Johor, participated in the Man and Biosphere 360° Biodiversity Education Program 2023. This program took place at the Tasik Chini Research Center, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). , Pekan, Pahang from 22 to 24 September 2023, with the participation of accompanying teachers. Thus, UKM does indeed offer educational programs on freshwater ecosystems, focusing on water management and conservation practices that benefit local communities, particularly through initiatives like the Man and Biosphere 360° Biodiversity Education Program.
Paid: Education Tour Package at Tasik Chini Research Center UKM
Source: https://www.ukm.my/kelestarian/data/sdg14/Package-Booklet-PPTC-2023-With-Price-Update-July-23.pdf
The document is a Package Booklet for the Tasik Chini Research Centre (PPTC) of The Centre for Natural and Physical Laboratory Management Centre for Natural and Physical (ALAF-UKM), detailing various eco-tourism and educational packages available at Tasik Chini, Malaysia’s second-largest freshwater lake and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Packages include:
- Tasik Chini Exploration – Offers Indigenous, Forest, and Wetland Experiences, emphasizing local Orang Asli culture and forest ecology. Activities include visiting Orang Asli villages, learning traditional skills, jungle trekking, and understanding the local ecosystem.
- Day Tours and Multi-Day Packages – Options for 1-day tours, 2 days 1 night, and 3 days 2 nights experiences. Each package includes guided activities like boat rides, jungle trekking, water quality lab work, kayaking, and cultural performances by the Orang Asli.
- Educational Modules – Modules on topics like Ethnography of Orang Asli, Lowland Dipterocarp Forest Exploration, and Wetland Exploration. These modules provide hands-on learning on ecosystem dynamics and conservation practices.
- Accommodation and Facility Rentals – The booklet also outlines rates for accommodations (including dormitories, tents, and rooms) and facility rentals, such as meeting rooms and research laboratories for water quality, ecohydrology, and climatology.
- Special Rates – Pricing is categorized for students, UKM staff, government staff, and other private individuals, with specific rates for various activities, accommodations, and facility rentals.
This booklet provides a comprehensive guide for educational and eco-tourism programs at Tasik Chini, aimed at promoting environmental conservation, cultural understanding, and practical learning experiences. Tasik Chini Research Center (PPTC) UKM offers an educational tour package that includes programs on Freshwater ecosystem ecology and conservation, which include visits around the catchment area and the indigenous community. Among the participants are school children and university students. Participants learn the ecology of Tasik Chini, which is the second-largest natural freshwater lake in Malaysia. Gain knowledge on the characteristics, importance and uses of aquatic plants. Apart from that they will also discover the diversity of fauna including fishes, birds & dragonflies around the lake.