Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
SDG 14 Indicator
14.3 – Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Action
14.3.3 – Maintain Ecosystems and Their Biodiversity (Direct Work)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is directly involved in efforts to maintain and extend ecosystems and their biodiversity, focusing on ecosystems under threat through research and collaboration with industries.
Appointment of Dr Wee from UKM’s Institute of Climate Change in the Save our Seahorses Association
The document is a letter of appointment for Dr. Wee Hin Boo from Institute of Climate Change (IPI), UKM appointing him as a Research Associate with Save Our Seahorses (SOS) Malaysia from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. His role focuses on advancing research on seahorse habitats, behaviour, and conservation strategies. His responsibility is to provide guidance on field research methodologies, conducting data analysis to support decision-making, supervising joint research with students affiliated with SOS Malaysia, assisting in grant application and management and contributing to research publications and reports related to seahorse conservation. This appointment underscores UKM’s involvement in marine conservation efforts, particularly in protecting seahorses and their habitats.
Research Grant entitled “Collate and Consolidation of Biodiversity Knowledgebase in Mertang and Seri Buat Archipelago for Conservation Planning”
Conservation Research Grant entitled “Collate and Consolidation of Biodiversity Knowledgebase in Mertang and Seri Buat Archipelago for Conservation Planning”. This research project is funded by the National Conservation Trust Fund for Natural Resources (NCTF), under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Malaysia. Using this grant, a scientific research expedition was conducted to assess the marine biodiversity status of the Seri Buat Island archipelago, in September 2023.
The document is a formal letter from the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) addressed to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Liew Ju Neng from the Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR) at UKM. It outlines the approval of a grant for a conservation project. Here are the key details:
- Project Title: “Collate and Consolidation of Biodiversity Knowledge-Base in Mertang and Seri Buat Archipelago for Conservation Planning.”
- Grant Amount: RM197,400.00.
- Duration: 24 months.
- Agency: UKM will act as the executing agency for this project.
The project aims to compile and consolidate biodiversity data for the Mertang and Seri Buat Archipelago, which will support conservation planning in these regions. This initiative emphasizes the importance of creating a comprehensive biodiversity knowledge base for informed conservation strategies.
This grant underscores UKM’s commitment in biodiversity research and conservation efforts in marine ecosystems, contributing to sustainable resource management and environmental preservation in Malaysia.
Researchers from the Institute of Climate Change (IPI) collaborate with the Fisheries Research Institute for fish sampling to monitor heavy metal levels in fish, aiming to preserve and expand threatened marine ecosystems and their biodiversity
This collaboration involves UKM in direct environmental research, specifically monitoring and managing pollution impacts in freshwater ecosystems. The data collected will contribute to maintaining biodiversity by identifying and mitigating threats from toxic contamination. This project exemplifies UKM’s proactive role in supporting biodiversity conservation and ecosystem protection, particularly in areas vulnerable to industrial pollutants. Monitoring heavy metal contamination is essential for protecting both aquatic species and the broader ecological health of the region. This collaboration highlights UKM’s active role in addressing environmental threats, particularly those impacting biodiversity in sensitive and potentially contaminated habitats.
The document is a letter from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia under the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, specifically from the Batu Maung Fisheries Research Institute. Dated July 28, 2023, it invites a representative to participate in a monitoring project for toxic heavy metal contamination in the Merbok River, Kedah.
The details include:
- Date: August 14 to 16, 2023
- Time: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Location: ICP-MS Laboratory, Batu Maung Institute and Merbok River, Kedah
- Objective: The project aims to sample and analyze heavy metal pollutants to assess the ecosystem’s health.
Collaboration with WWF-Malaysia’s Marine Conservation Programme
UKM is involved in direct work to maintain and extend ecosystems and their biodiversity, specifically in collaboration with WWF-Malaysia’s Marine Conservation Programme. Dr. Wee Hin Boo, a Research Fellow from UKM’s Institute of Climate Change, is invited to conduct an introductory session on R programming for WWF staff. This training is part of WWF’s Marine Programme Review and Retreat and aims to enhance the analytical skills of conservation staff, enabling them to conduct data analysis relevant to marine conservation.
By supporting WWF staff with essential data analysis skills, UKM contributes to the management and preservation of marine ecosystems under threat. This engagement highlights UKM’s commitment to maintaining biodiversity and aiding conservation efforts through capacity building and direct involvement in ecosystem management.
Collaboration letter from WWF-Malaysia:
The document is a formal invitation from WWF-Malaysia’s Marine Conservation Programme to Dr. Wee Hin Boo, a Research Fellow at Institute of Climate Change (IPI), UKM. Dated March 6, 2023, it requests Dr. Wee to conduct an introductory session on R programming for WWF staff. This session is part of the Marine Programme Review and Retreat to be held online on March 10, 2023. This collaboration reflects UKM’s commitment in supporting conservation efforts by equipping WWF staff with analytical skills, enhancing their capacity for data-driven decision-making in marine conservation projects.
Etiqa’s Marine Conservation Project Returns to Pulau Tioman to Propagate New Corals
Marine Research Centre (EKOMAR), UKM in collaboration with Etiqa Marine Conservation Project 2023, in collaboration with Leges Divers and was held at Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman. Shahrul Azuan Mohamed, CEO of Etiqa General Takaful Berhad (EGTB), together with 30 volunteers from Etiqa, participated in a diving expedition to help restore and propagate new corals in Kampung Salang. Collaborating strategically with Leges Divers has empowered the restoration and adoption of corals. Leges Divers led underwater explorations and facilitated workshops that educated participants about marine life identification and coral restoration techniques inline with preservation of ecosystem and tourism purposes .
These efforts underscored the utmost priority of ensuring the safety of participants and the ecosystem during all underwater activities. In addition, collaborating with EKOMAR has fortified the delivery of the programme’s mission. EKOMAR conducted research on marine resources and ecosystems with the aim of conservation and preservation of marine life ecosystems. The EKOMAR research team consists of researchers from various local universities and the National Oceanography Directorate (NOD), Department of Fisheries and Marine Parks, Malaysia. This initiative underscores UKM’s commitment to maintain ecosystems and their biodiversity with knowledge and practices that support environmental preservation in these areas.
MOU between UKM and the Department of Fishery, Malaysia
UKM is directly involved in efforts to maintain and extend ecosystems and their biodiversity through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). MOU between UKM and the Department of Fishery, Malaysia (From 2022 up to 5 years). The MOU was signed between Department of Fishery and UKM), together with two other Malaysian universities i.e. Universiti Malaya (UM), and Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). The memorandum of understanding (MoU) aims to enhance research and technical knowledge transfer to support the fisheries industry in Malaysia.
Collaboration with the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA)
UKM collaborated with the Maritime Institute of Malaysia (MIMA) in disseminating knowledge and educating the public in preserving threatened marine ecosystems’ biodiversity through Assoc. Prof. Dr. Noorashikin Md Noor from Institute Climate Change (IPI), UKM. A special bulletin on climate change and the ocean was successfully published. UKM is involved in research directly addressing the conservation of marine ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly ecosystems under threat from climate change. These solutions focus on mitigating climate-related impacts on marine ecosystems, such as ocean warming, acidification, and sea-level rise. The document highlights the urgent need to implement measures that can help protect biodiversity and maintain ecosystem services. The research also assesses potential ocean-based strategies based on environmental, technological, social, and economic factors, considering their effectiveness, technology readiness, and governance implications. This approach ensures that interventions are feasible, equitable, and sustainable. Besides, The research addresses critical threats to marine life and ecosystems due to projected global temperature increases, underscoring UKM’s commitment to protecting marine biodiversity against climate change impacts. This demonstrates UKM’s role in advancing knowledge and developing strategies that maintain and extend marine ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly in areas vulnerable to climate change.
CIMB Mangrove Conservation Initiative
CIMB Mangrove Conservation Initiative is an integrated program incorporating impactful research, education and conservation efforts dedicated to the protection of mangroves in sustaining the environment and securing the livelihoods of the communities.
CIMB Foundation’s mangrove saplings, planted last year by CIMB and public volunteers as part of the CIMB-UKM Mangrove Conservation program, are thriving, validating the success of UKM’s innovative clumping method. Under the program, comprehensive studies and research on mangrove habitat restoration, biodiversity, and sustainable socio-economic potentials are currently being undertaken.
The results were presented at a recent 3-day workshop, where researchers were brought together to discuss the findings, share project insights, and outline future activities involving the local community, government, and private agencies. The workshop also focused on the ecological and socio-economic aspects of mangrove forests in the Kuala Selangor district.
As part of the program, a semi-technical handbook for Kuala Selangor Nature Park and several specialised journal articles are also being produced and are expected to be available later this year.
