15.2 – Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Education

15.2.4 – Educational Programmes on Ecosystems

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) offers impactful educational programs focused on ecosystems that foster environmental awareness and stewardship among students and the broader community. Noteworthy initiatives include the IKIM-LESTARI Ecology Camp 2023, which provided Form Four students with immersive experiences in understanding ecological concepts through hands-on activities related to the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark. Participants engaged in modules that emphasized biodiversity, community participation, and the importance of geoparks, culminating in creative reflection sessions that showcased their learning. Another significant program, the Kem Sehari Skuad Palma Emas 2023, focused on children aged 8 to 12, exploring the biodiversity of the oil palm ecosystem through engaging and educational activities. This initiative aimed to simplify complex ecological concepts while promoting appreciation for the environment and sustainable agricultural practices.

UKM collaborative efforts with organizations like the Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA) further extend educational outreach, emphasizing the significance of forest conservation through programs such as “Program Penghijauan Malaysia: Koperasi Prihatin Sejuta Pokok.” These programs collectively underscore UKM commitment to nurturing a generation of informed advocates for biodiversity and environmental conservation, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 15, which seeks to protect, restore, and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems. Through these educational initiatives, UKM not only enhances knowledge of local ecosystems but also empowers participants to engage actively in conservation efforts, reinforcing the university’s role as a leader in environmental sustainability.

1. IKIM-LESTARI Ecology Camp 2023: Geopark Exploration: Exploring Our Ecosystem

The Geopark Exploration: Exploring Our Ecosystem program, organized by the Islamic Understanding Institute of Malaysia (IKIM) in collaboration with the Institute for Environment and Development (LESTARI) at UKM, took place from September 21-23, 2023, at the Langkawi Research Centre (PPL) in Langkawi, Kedah. This three-day ecological camp aimed to provide participants, primarily 30 Form Four students and their teachers from SMK Tunku Putra, with direct exposure to ecological concepts and practices through hands-on activities.

The camp featured six educational modules covering various topics, including the role of Islam in ecosystem management, the significance of geoparks, and community participation in heritage conservation. On the second day, participants engaged in field activities such as identifying forest species and assessing water quality at Telaga Tujuh and Kilim Karst Geoforest Parks. They also visited the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark Discovery Centre, where they learned about the natural and cultural heritage of the area.

The program culminated in a reflection session, allowing students to creatively express their learning experiences through drama, poetry, and other formats. The camp emphasized the importance of biodiversity and environmental stewardship, fostering a deeper understanding of ecological systems among the participants. By integrating education with practical experience, this initiative contributes significantly to UKM’s broader commitment to promoting sustainability and conserving ecosystems in Malaysia.

2. Community Empowerment Workshop: Geopark Gombak-Hulu Langat

On June 10, 2023, a workshop titled “Community Awareness, Knowledge, and Understanding in the Conservation of Natural and Cultural Heritage Through the Geopark Concept as a Model for Sustainable Regional Development” was successfully held at Sekolah Kebangsaan Batu Arang, Selangor. This workshop marked the first in a series conducted under the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (SKUM) grant, aimed at enhancing the understanding of the geopark concept among educators and students while raising public awareness about the importance of conserving heritage in the Geopark Gombak-Hulu Langat area. The workshop saw participation from 34 teachers at SK Batu Arang, led by Principal Puan Nini Nafaizah Mokhtar. They received an introductory presentation on the Geopark Gombak-Hulu Langat from Prof. Madya Dr. Tanot Unjah and Prof. Madya Dr. Sharina Abdul Halim. The educators, referred to as “Coalians,” engaged in discussions about the various unique natural and cultural heritages around Batu Arang that could be integrated into the development of educational modules for primary school students related to the Geopark.

Additionally, researchers from LESTARI visited the Black Diamonds Gallery to observe initiatives by the Coalians aimed at instilling knowledge and a sense of identity among students regarding the history and conservation of coal mining heritage in their vicinity. This workshop is part of a broader effort to continue engaging teachers from other selected primary schools in the Geopark Gombak-Hulu Langat area, followed by field visits to relevant heritage sites. These educational programs emphasize the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts and foster a deeper understanding of local ecosystems and heritage among future generations.

3. Kem Sehari Skuad Palma Emas 2023

The Kem Sehari Skuad Palma Emas 2023 is a noteworthy educational initiative organized by UKM, aimed at children aged 8 to 12. This program, which took place on December 19, 2023, at the Hutan Pendidikan Alam UKM, marks the return of the event after a hiatus since 2019. It emphasizes the importance of biological diversity within the oil palm ecosystem, combining theoretical knowledge with interactive educational tools to engage young minds. The program is a collaboration between several UKM entities, including the UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability, the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), and the Center of Insect Systematics (CIS). During the event, participants explored the ecological significance of oil palms, fostering an understanding of their role in the natural ecosystem and the economy. Prof. Emeritus Datuk Dr. Azizan Baharuddin, the UKM-YSD Chairholder, expressed the program’s objective to educate children about the benefits of oil palm cultivation in Malaysia, emphasizing the long-term vision of cultivating environmental awareness and appreciation. Dr. Peer Mohamed highlighted the program’s goal of simplifying complex ecological concepts for children, providing them with guidebooks to enhance their learning experience. Overall, the Kem Sehari Skuad Palma Emas not only serves as a platform for environmental education but also promotes a love for nature and understanding of biodiversity, particularly regarding oil palm ecosystems. This initiative reflects UKM commitment to fostering sustainability and environmental stewardship among the younger generation, preparing them to become informed advocates for conservation as they grow.