Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
SDG 14 Indicator
14.2 – Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education
14.2.2 – Sustainable Fisheries (Community Outreach)
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offers educational programs and outreach initiatives for local and national communities on the sustainable management of fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism for free and paid.
Free: UKM provide free online courses on Freshwater (STAL3082 INTRODUCTION TO AQUACULTURE)
UKM offers an online course titled “Introduction to Aquaculture” (STAL3082), which is focused on the aquaculture industry, particularly related to freshwater ecosystems. While the course covers a range of topics such as the history and development of aquaculture, project evaluation, site selection, and aquaculture economics, it primarily targets students interested in the aquaculture industry. This course could indirectly support community outreach related to freshwater ecosystems, as it provides foundational knowledge on technical, social, and environmental aspects of aquaculture that could be beneficial for local or national communities involved in freshwater management and conservation.
Synopsis:
This course will introduce a direct approach to the history, progress and development of the aquaculture industry of freshwater and marine animals such as seaweed, molluscs, fish and others. Course topics discussed include practical aspects as well as design and engineering project evaluation and site selection, stock handling and control, food substance and formulation requirements, live fish transportation and aquaculture economics. The course also emphasizes case studies, practicals and visits to project sites, to expose students to the technical, social and environmental aspects of aquaculture. Problems and opportunities to advance the aquaculture industry in Malaysia will be discussed.
Free: UKM provide free online courses on Sustainable Fisheries (STAL3083 MARINE BIOTECHNOLOGY)
UKM’s course on biotechnology in marine science includes discussions and practical sessions on aquaculture and fisheries, as well as aspects related to biodiversity, bioremediation, and pollutant detection. This aligns with sustainable management practices by educating students and potentially the broader community on the responsible use and preservation of marine resources, which is essential for sustainable fisheries and aquaculture. Additionally, the focus on detecting bioactive substances and pollutants supports environmental health in marine ecosystems, crucial for sustainable tourism.
Synopsis :
Biotechnology approaches are increasingly being used to address specific issues in the marine environment. Likewise, marine organisms are increasingly used in biotechnology research. This course begins with an explanation of the concept of biotechnology by giving specific examples. This was followed by a discussion of the fields of marine science that use a biotechnology approach, for example in taxonomy, biodiversity, aquaculture and fisheries, detection of toxins and poisons, bioremediation, and detection of pollutants. Further, aspects of the exploitation of marine organisms as a source of material for various biotechnology applications will be discussed. Practice will focus on DNA extraction methods, PCR process, gene sequencing, data analysis, algae toxin detection, and detection of bioactive substances from marine organisms.
Free: Etika’s Marine Conservation Project returns to Pulau Tioman to propagate new corals
UKM’s Marine Research Centre (EKOMAR) 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 fisheries 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 sustainable fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, providing local communities with knowledge and practices that support environmental preservation in these areas.
Free: Beach Cleaning @Pulau Kapas, Terengganu’ organised by the SCUBA Diving Club, UKM in collaboration with the Aminuddin Baki Residential College Bestari Club
On 25 October 2023, beach cleaning activities took place on Pulau Kapas, Terengganu. The UKM Scuba Club has organised this activity in collaboration with the Aminuddin Baki Residential College Bestari Club. The program aims to keep the beach and the environment clean for a more prosperous life and promotes conservation and awareness on the anthropogenic impact on coral reef ecosystems.
Paid: Edutourism Activities at UKM Langkawi Research Centre (PPL)
UKM offers educational tour packages through its Langkawi Research Center (PPL) that focus on sustainable fisheries and tourism. These packages are designed to engage communities in sustainable practices related to fisheries, aquaculture, and tourism, offering hands-on experiences that highlight ecosystem conservation and traditional livelihoods. UKM’s dedication to sustainable water and land management for tourism, equipping participants with the knowledge to promote tourism that enhances environmental stewardship, safeguards biodiversity, and fosters a balanced relationship between tourism and conservation. This program is accessible to the local community on an affordable, paid basis, with special discounted rates for students, ensuring that sustainable tourism education is widely available and inclusive.
Edutourism outlines three educational tour packages offered by UKM Langkawi Research Center (PPL)
Package 1: Biogeorintis Kubang Badak
- Activities: Explore PPL Gallery, Mangrove Exploration, and Snorkeling.
- Prices: Ranges from RM55 (students) to RM80 (private individuals).
- Group Requirement: Minimum of 8-10 participants.
Package 2: Nipah Crab Livestock Sustainability
- Activities: Visit PPL Gallery and Crab Catching.
- Prices: Ranges from RM25 (students) to RM50 (private individuals).
- Group Requirement: Minimum of 8-10 participants.
Package 3: Traditional Fisherman’s Heritage
- Activities: Tour PPL Gallery, Traditional Fishing with Kampoi, and Boat Usage.
- Prices: Ranges from RM85 (students) to RM110 (private individuals).
- Group Requirement: Maximum of 6 participants.
UKM also provides two additional educational tour packages offered by UKM Langkawi Research Center (PPL) such as
Package 4: Mangrove Ecosystem Heritage
- Activities: Explore PPL Gallery, Mangrove Exploration, Snorkeling, and Crab Catching.
- Prices: Ranges from RM70 (students) to RM120 (private individuals).
- Group Requirement: Minimum of 8-10 participants.
Package 5: Natural Heritage and Tradition
- Activities: Tour PPL Gallery, Crab Catching, Traditional Fishing with Kampoi, and Boat Usage.
- Prices: Ranges from RM110 (students) to RM160 (private individuals).
- Group Requirement: Minimum of 6 participants.
Both packages aim to provide immersive experiences in mangrove ecosystems and traditional fishing practices, supporting sustainable tourism and environmental education with guidance from experienced tour guides.
