14.5 – Maintaining a local ecosystem

14.5.5 – Watershed management strategy

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to preserving water quality and protecting ecosystems through its watershed management strategy, an essential pillar of its Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. This strategy integrates rigorous water monitoring, pollution prevention, and ecosystem conservation, addressing the interconnectedness of terrestrial and aquatic environments. By prioritizing sustainable practices in watershed areas, UKM not only safeguards biodiversity and supports healthy ecosystems but also strengthens resilience against climate impacts. Through this approach, UKM sets a powerful example in environmental stewardship, ensuring sustainable water resources for future generations and aligning closely with global sustainability goals, particularly SDG 14.

UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 

The UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 includes a strategy focused on creating a policy for conserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity. This plan aims to protect critical marine habitats, manage biodiversity within UKM natural laboratories, and promote sustainable practices in line with SDG 14: Life Below Water. By developing structured guidelines, UKM seeks to enhance marine conservation efforts, support ecosystem resilience, and mitigate environmental impacts on marine biodiversity. This initiative reinforces UKM commitment to sustainable environmental management and aligns with its goal of fostering a sustainable environment.

Watershed management strategy at UKM

The Sustainable Lotus Conservation Project At Chini Lake 

The Sustainable Lotus Conservation Project at Tasik Chini reflects UKM’s proactive watershed management strategy, focusing on the restoration and preservation of the lake’s iconic lotus population. This project, initially funded by the East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and in collaboration with the Forestry Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), aims to implement sustainable conservation measures to protect the lotus ecosystem. Key activities include establishing lotus nursery ponds and constructing floating lotus units to support the plant’s natural growth and resilience. Officially handed over to UKM Centre for Environment and Development (PPTC) on August 1, 2023, this project enables UKM to lead ongoing monitoring and preservation efforts, ensuring the lotus and its surrounding ecosystem thrive for future generations. This initiative not only showcases UKM commitment to sustainable watershed management but also enhances biodiversity, aligns with national conservation goals, and reinforces UKM’s role as a steward of natural resources.