Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
SDG 14 Indicator
14.5 – Maintaining a Local Ecosystem
14.5.3 – Programs Towards Good Aquatic Stewardship Practices
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to fostering exemplary aquatic stewardship practices through impactful programs and partnerships, such as the Ecomarine project. In collaboration with international universities, Ecomarine enables UKM to establish state-of-the-art Marine Monitoring Labs, which track critical indicators like water quality, biodiversity, and pollution levels. This partnership not only enhances the university’s ability to monitor and protect marine ecosystems but also empowers students and researchers with advanced training in ecosystem management. Through these initiatives, UKM leads in promoting sustainable aquatic practices and strengthens its role in global marine conservation efforts.
The Ecomarine project at UKM is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing marine conservation and ecosystem management through advanced monitoring and research. Co-funded by the ERASMUS+ Programme of the European Union, Ecomarine focuses on protecting marine life from various environmental and human-induced threats, including climate change, plastic marine debris, overfishing, and habitat degradation. This Ecomarine project was initiated in 2001 and will end in 2024, which was funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union.
Key Components of Ecomarine at UKM:
- Establishment of Marine Monitoring Labs:
- ECOMARINE has set up state-of-the-art Marine Monitoring Labs in both Malaysia and India, providing UKM with advanced facilities to monitor and analyze the health of marine ecosystems. These labs track critical indicators such as water quality, biodiversity, pollution levels, and climate change impacts, enabling real-time data collection and targeted conservation actions.
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange:
- The project includes extensive training programs for scientists, faculty, students, and other stakeholders, enhancing skills in marine conservation practices. This capacity-building initiative equips participants with the knowledge needed to monitor and manage aquatic ecosystems sustainably, improving the quality of marine research at UKM.
- Pollution and Biodiversity Monitoring:
- ECOMARINE labs focus on monitoring pollution levels, particularly from plastic and heavy metals, while also assessing biodiversity changes in marine environments. This helps UKM understand the effects of various pollutants on marine species and habitats, contributing to conservation planning.
- Community and Stakeholder Engagement:
- The project emphasizes collaboration with local communities, policymakers, and environmental organizations, fostering a shared responsibility for marine conservation. ECOMARINE promotes awareness of issues like pollution prevention and sustainable fishing practices, extending its impact beyond academic research to influence real-world conservation efforts.
- Climate Change Research:
- ECOMARINE also addresses climate-related impacts, studying how rising sea temperatures, acidification, and other factors affect marine biodiversity. UKM researchers use this data to develop adaptation strategies that help protect vulnerable marine ecosystems from climate change.
Goals and Impact of Ecomarine at UKM:
The Ecomarine project aims to improve the management and operation of marine conservation efforts, aligning with SDG 14: Life Below Water. By establishing monitoring labs, building research capacity, and engaging in pollution and biodiversity studies, UKM reinforces its commitment to sustainable marine stewardship. This project not only advances academic research but also promotes a proactive approach to protecting marine environments, empowering UKM to lead in aquatic ecosystem preservation.
Collaboration of Ecomarine Project:
The Ecomarine project involves collaboration between UKM and several international partners, primarily funded by the ERASMUS+ Programme of the European Union. This partnership includes:
- International Universities: UKM collaborates with higher education institutions in India and other countries, focusing on improving marine conservation practices and developing marine monitoring labs. These international partnerships foster knowledge exchange, enhancing the capacity of universities in both Malaysia and India to manage and monitor marine ecosystems effectively.
- European Institutions: Through ERASMUS+ funding, Ecomarine includes European universities and research institutions, which bring expertise in marine science, conservation technology, and ecosystem management. These institutions provide technical support and training, helping build capacity for advanced marine conservation practices.
- Local Environmental Agencies and Stakeholders: Ecomarine also involves collaboration with local environmental agencies and community stakeholders. This cooperation ensures that research efforts are aligned with national conservation priorities and that community engagement is part of the conservation effort.
Through these collaborations, Ecomarine supports UKM’s initiatives toward good aquatic stewardship by building a comprehensive, international framework for marine ecosystem monitoring, conservation, and sustainable management practices.