13.3 – Environmental Education Measures

13.3.5 – Environmental Education Collaborate with NGO

Through impactful collaborations with Non-Government Organisations (NGOs), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) advances environmental education initiatives that align with SDG 13 – Climate Action. Partnerships with NGOs such as the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC), Friends of Rivers Malaysia (FoRM), Asian Network on Climate Science and Technology (ANCST), and the Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (KIWF) enable UKM to engage diverse communities in climate action, from international conferences on sustainable forestry to local programs on recycling and river conservation. These collaborations empower individuals and communities with the knowledge and tools for sustainable living, underscoring UKM commitment to fostering environmental stewardship and resilience in response to global climate challenges.

1. The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC)

The Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) is an NGO. It operates independently to promote sustainable forest management and administer the Malaysian Timber Certification Scheme (MTCS), aligning with international standards for responsible forestry practices.

Program: International Conference on Timber Certification: Exploring Future Frontiers

Level: International

UKM’s Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) collaborated with the Malaysian Timber Certification Council (MTCC) to co-host the International Conference on Timber Certification: Exploring Future Frontiers on March 15-16, 2023. This event brought together key stakeholders, including the Malaysian Timber Council (MTC) and the Malaysian Timber Industry Board (MTIB), to discuss the critical role of sustainable forest management and timber certification in mitigating climate change. Timber certification schemes were highlighted as essential tools for ensuring responsibly sourced wood products and promoting forest conservation, in line with the United Nations Strategic Plan for Forests 2030. This collaboration emphasizes UKM commitment to environmental education and its partnerships with NGOs to advance sustainable practices and address global climate challenges.

2. Friends of Rivers Malaysia (FoRM)

Friends of Rivers Malaysia (FoRM) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) dedicated to the conservation and preservation of rivers in Malaysia. FoRM focuses on educating the public and fostering community collaboration to protect the nation’s rivers. 

Program: 2023 Sungai Langat River Denai Run

Level: National 

UKM’s collaboration with NGOs to advance environmental education is demonstrated through initiatives like the 2023 Sungai Langat River Denai Run, organized in partnership with Friends of Rivers Malaysia (FoRM) for World Rivers Day. This event brought together over 570 participants to raise awareness about river conservation by combining physical activity with environmental action. Participants not only engaged in a 5- and 15-kilometer run but also contributed to river cleanup efforts, collecting litter along the route to promote the importance of reducing pollution and protecting natural waterways. This collaboration aligns with SDG 13 – Climate Action, reinforcing UKM commitment to educating the public on sustainable practices and fostering community participation in environmental stewardship.

3. Asian Network on Climate Science and Technology (ANCST) 

the Asian Network on Climate Science and Technology (ANCST) is a non-governmental organization (NGO). Hosted by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and coordinated by the Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI-UKM), ANCST operates independently to facilitate the exchange of information and development of research projects led by Asian researchers. Its focus is on climate science and technology, emphasizing disaster resilience and extreme climate events. 

Program: Southeast Asia Disaster Prevention Research Initiative (SEADPRI-UKM)

Level: International

In support of SDG 13 – Climate Action, UKM collaborated with the Academy of Sciences Malaysia (ASM) and the Asian Network on Climate Science and Technology (ANCST) to host a forum titled “Climate Change and Cities: Engaging in the IPCC AR7 Cycle” on November 10, 2023. This event brought together over 50 participants to discuss the role of cities in climate resilience and explore the development of an IPCC special report on urban climate challenges. The forum aimed to outline the scope, objectives, and timeline for future IPCC work, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research and policy formulation to address climate impacts in urban areas. Through this partnership, UKM advances environmental education and climate awareness, reinforcing its commitment to global climate action initiatives.

Source: https://www.ukm.my/seadpri/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Website_Buletin_SEADPRI_no_27_FINAL.pdf

4. Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (KIWF)

Program:  Komuniti Alam dan Perubahan Iklim (KAPI) Series 1/2023

On 8 November 2023, In collaboration with Joint Management Body (JMB) Seri Tanjung and the Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (KIWF), UKM Environmental Management Center (EMC) organized a community program at Apartment Seri Tanjung in Bandar Baru Bangi. This initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness by educating residents on recycling and sustainable living practices. Through hands-on activities and community engagement, the program fostered a greater understanding of environmental responsibility and encouraged sustainable habits within the local community, highlighting UKM dedication to environmental education in partnership with NGOs.

Program: Komuniti Alam dan Perubahan Iklim (KAPI) Series 2/2023

In collaboration with the Khadijah International Waqf Foundation (KIWF), on 8 November 2023, UKM organized an environmental education program targeting primary school students in Hulu Langat, aligning with SDG 13 – Climate Action. This initiative included training sessions led by UKM experts, who provided teachers with foundational knowledge on climate change and sustainable practices to pass on to their students. By empowering educators, the program aims to instill climate awareness and foster responsible environmental behavior from a young age, demonstrating UKM commitment to community-focused environmental education in partnership with NGOs.