15.2 – Supporting land ecosystems through education

15.2.3 – Maintain and extend current ecosystems’ biodiversity

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively champions the preservation and enhancement of current ecosystems and biodiversity amidst escalating environmental threats through a comprehensive and structured approach encapsulated in its UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. Central to this commitment is the university’s dedication to conserving a rich tapestry of flora and fauna, underscored by initiatives such as the establishment of an exhaustive inventory of plant and animal species, which informs targeted conservation strategies. By engaging in community-focused tree planting campaigns and fostering partnerships with governmental bodies and NGOs, UKM not only amplifies its ecosystem conservation activities but also cultivates a sense of environmental stewardship among local communities. Moreover, UKM is in the process of developing formal policies and guidelines for flora and fauna management, which will establish best practices and systematic approaches to biodiversity conservation that align with national and global sustainability goals. This proactive stance reinforces UKM leadership in biodiversity conservation, ensuring that its research initiatives, such as studies on indigenous species and habitat health, contribute valuable insights into effective conservation strategies. Collectively, these efforts reflect UKM unwavering commitment to safeguarding biodiversity, fostering a resilient ecological framework that benefits both the university community and the broader environment, thus securing a sustainable future for generations to come.

1. UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030

UKM is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing the health of existing ecosystems and biodiversity on its campus as a critical component of its UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. Specifically, Objective 8 under Sustainability Pillar 4 emphasizes the conservation of natural resources and biodiversity, showcasing the university’s commitment to ecological stewardship. This strategic framework directs UKM initiatives to promote ecosystem health through a multifaceted approach that includes rigorous research, educational programs, and active community engagement. By fostering a culture of sustainability, UKM encourages both students and faculty to participate in biodiversity research projects that explore the intricacies of local ecosystems and their responses to environmental pressures. UKM commitment to biodiversity extends beyond mere preservation; it actively engages with surrounding communities, governmental bodies, and conservation organizations to implement effective conservation strategies. This collaborative approach not only enhances public awareness of biodiversity’s significance but also facilitates the restoration of degraded ecosystems. Through these efforts, UKM demonstrates its leadership in environmental conservation, ensuring that its actions align with national sustainability goals and contribute to the broader objective of protecting our planet’s rich biological heritage for future generations.

UKM actively maintains and extends current ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly in the face of environmental threats, through a structured approach outlined in its UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030. Through these multifaceted strategies, UKM demonstrates its proactive stance in maintaining and extending ecosystems, positioning itself as a leader in biodiversity conservation and environmental sustainability in Malaysia.

i) Conserving and preserving the ecosystem and biodiversity including flora and fauna:

UKM emphasizes the importance of conserving the diverse ecosystems and species found within its grounds. This includes dedicated efforts to protect flora and fauna through initiatives such as creating a comprehensive inventory of plant and animal species. By identifying and monitoring these biological resources, UKM ensures that its conservation efforts are informed and targeted, thus safeguarding the integrity of its ecosystems.

ii) Increasing ecosystem conservation and preservation activities as well as flora and fauna biodiversity:

The university is committed to enhancing its conservation activities by implementing various programs focused on the preservation of biodiversity. These initiatives involve tree planting campaigns in collaboration with government agencies and NGOs, promoting community engagement, and fostering public awareness about the significance of maintaining ecological balance. By actively involving local communities and stakeholders, UKM strengthens its conservation efforts while encouraging a culture of stewardship and responsibility towards the environment.

iii) Creating a Policy on flora and fauna:

To formalize its commitment to biodiversity conservation, UKM is in the process of developing comprehensive policies and guidelines that address the management and preservation of flora and fauna. These policies will outline best practices for conservation, ensuring that UKM approach to ecosystem management is systematic and aligned with national and global sustainability goals. By establishing clear guidelines, the university not only reinforces its dedication to biodiversity but also sets a framework for continuous improvement in conservation efforts.

Source: https://www.ukm.my/kelestarian/data/publications/UKM-SUSTAINABILITY-STRATEGIC-PLAN-2030.pdf

2. Flora Conservation Initiatives at UKM Botanical Garden

UKM Botanical Garden plays a pivotal role in the conservation of biodiversity and the promotion of sustainable practices. This botanical garden is dedicated to preserving a wide variety of plant species, particularly those native to Malaysia, which are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting local ecosystems. Through careful cultivation and management, UKM Botanical Garden serves as a living laboratory that fosters research on plant conservation, showcasing the importance of biodiversity in sustaining environmental health. In addition to its conservation efforts, UKM Botanical Garden is an educational resource that raises awareness about the significance of preserving biodiversity. It offers programs and activities that engage students, researchers, and the community in understanding the value of flora and its role in ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, soil stabilization, and habitat provision for wildlife. By promoting sustainable land use and responsible environmental stewardship, Botanical Garden exemplifies UKM commitment to integrating conservation with educational initiatives, thereby encouraging a culture of sustainability within the campus and beyond. Furthermore, the garden contributes to the broader goals of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 15, which focuses on protecting, restoring, and promoting sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Through its initiatives, UKM Botanical Garden not only enhances biodiversity but also reinforces UKM leadership in conservation efforts and its role in fostering a healthier, more sustainable environment for future generations.

3. Program Penghijauan Malaysia: Koperasi Prihatin Sejuta Pokok

UKM Botanical Garden stands as a vital center for flora conservation and biodiversity preservation, particularly highlighted by the inclusion of the Hutan Pendidikan Alam UKM (UKM Environmental Education Forest). This initiative is pivotal in safeguarding a diverse range of plant species, fostering a rich ecosystem that supports both local wildlife and educational endeavors. Among its significant contributions is the Program Penghijauan Malaysia: Koperasi Prihatin Sejuta Pokok, launched in 2023, which aimed to plant one million trees. This ambitious project not only enhances local biodiversity but also plays a critical role in ecosystem restoration and carbon sequestration, addressing the pressing issue of climate change. By engaging the community and promoting active participation in tree planting, UKM demonstrates its commitment to sustaining and enriching its natural ecosystems, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship in preserving biodiversity amidst growing environmental threats.

4. Biodiversity Research Initiatives at UKM

UKM is dedicated to maintaining and enhancing ecosystems and biodiversity amidst increasing environmental threats through a comprehensive suite of biodiversity research initiatives. Central to this commitment is the UKM Botanical Garden, which serves as a crucial hub for flora conservation and biodiversity preservation. This garden houses a diverse range of plant species and supports vital programs focused on ecological restoration and environmental education, such as the Program Penghijauan Malaysia: Koperasi Prihatin Sejuta Pokok, which aims to plant a million trees to enhance ecosystem resilience and promote carbon sequestration. UKM integrates research with practical conservation efforts, providing a platform for the study of plant diversity, ecosystem functions, and the effects of environmental changes on biodiversity. Collaborative research projects further engage local communities, governmental agencies, and conservation organizations, fostering a collective approach to biodiversity preservation. These initiatives not only restore degraded ecosystems but also raise public awareness about the critical importance of biodiversity in sustaining life on Earth.

In addition, UKM’s research initiatives involve both students and faculty, emphasizing a collaborative approach to understanding local ecosystems. Notably, studies such as the examination of the Zyxomma obtusum dragonfly species at the campus pond investigate the sex ratio during larval hatching stages, yielding insights into the health of aquatic ecosystems. Research on wild fruit trees and wasp diversity within the Bangi Permanent Forest Reserve and the Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve further contributes to understanding the complexities of local biodiversity. Collectively, these endeavors enhance knowledge of ecosystems and inform conservation strategies aimed at protecting and restoring biodiversity. UKM’s proactive stance ensures that insights gained from research lead to effective measures safeguarding ecosystems under threat, reinforcing its role as a leader in biodiversity conservation and environmental stewardship in Malaysia.