At Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), we are committed to upholding the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025 by actively managing and mitigating the impact of invasive alien species, such as Miconia crenata, within our campus and surrounding ecosystems. Recognizing the threat that Miconia crenata poses to Malaysia’s native biodiversity displacing local flora, disrupting ecosystems, and degrading soil health UKM is dedicated to early detection, removal, and preventive measures against this and other invasive species. Through our educational initiatives, research programs, and community engagement, we aim to preserve our campus’s ecological integrity and contribute to Malaysia’s vision of a sustainably diverse environment. Together, we are building a resilient future that protects our native ecosystems and promotes biodiversity for generations to come.

National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how UKM can implement and expand on the strategies from the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025 for invasive alien species (IAS) impact reduction:

Target 11: IAS Identification, Control, and Prevention (page 71)
The policy’s Target 11 aims to have effective IAS management by 2025, ensuring that pathways are identified, high-priority invasive species are controlled, and preventive measures are in place. UKM can contribute to this target by focusing on several key areas: research, public awareness, risk assessment, quarantine measures, and enforcement.

Key Actions for UKM:

1. Improve Understanding and Public Awareness about IAS (Action 11.1)
   1. Expand IAS Research Initiatives:
      • UKM can strengthen its research programs focusing on IAS by studying the pathways, ecological impacts, and effective containment strategies for species that pose threats to Malaysia’s ecosystems.
      • Collaborations with other universities, government bodies, and international institutions can provide insights and best practices. Research findings can contribute to national databases, aiding in tracking and controlling IAS.
        
   2. Educational Campaigns and Public Engagement:
      • UKM can conduct workshops, seminars, and campaigns to educate students, faculty, and the surrounding community about the threats posed by IAS. Targeted campaigns could include posters, information sessions, and even IAS-specific modules within existing environmental science and biology courses.
      • Events like World Biodiversity Day or other environmental observances can be leveraged to focus on IAS, creating interactive experiences that involve students and raise awareness among the university community.
      • Outreach programs could extend to local schools and community groups, promoting awareness at an early age and cultivating a sense of responsibility for biodiversity protection.
        
   3. Community-Based Monitoring and Reporting Systems:
      • UKM could establish community monitoring programs to detect IAS early, both within the campus and in nearby ecosystems. This can involve training students and community members to recognize IAS, document sightings, and report to relevant authorities.
      • By creating citizen science projects where students and the public document IAS, UKM could support real-time monitoring efforts, supplementing national IAS databases and alert systems.
        
2. Conduct Rigorous Risk Assessments for Exotic Species (Action 11.2)
   1. Establish Risk Assessment Protocols:
      • Before introducing any non-native species in research or as part of landscaping, UKM could implement a mandatory risk assessment protocol. This assessment would evaluate the potential impact of these species on native ecosystems and consider containment measures if risks are identified.
      • For research projects involving exotic species, UKM could develop a checklist and guidelines for faculty and students to follow, ensuring that all potential impacts are thoroughly evaluated.
        
   2. Develop IAS Containment and Eradication Plans:
      • For exotic species that may be used within UKM’s facilities, create clear containment and emergency response plans. This might include quarantine zones, secure storage for specimens, and strict handling procedures.
      • In the event of an accidental release, UKM could have a rapid response protocol ready to mitigate impacts, involving containment and potential eradication measures.
        
3. Strengthen Quarantine and Biosecurity Measures (Action 11.3)
   1. Enhanced Biosecurity for Research and Teaching Facilities:
      • UKM can set up biosecurity protocols within research labs, greenhouses, and other facilities to prevent the accidental release of IAS. These protocols could include physical barriers, restricted access zones, and stringent sanitation measures to avoid cross-contamination.
      • Faculty and students involved in research that includes foreign species could undergo mandatory biosecurity training to ensure compliance with protocols.
        
   2. Collaboration with Government Agencies:
      • Although UKM does not manage national borders, it can partner with agencies like the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Wildlife and National Parks. These partnerships could support joint monitoring efforts, especially if UKM research involves marine environments or species that are regulated under international conventions, such as the IMO Ballast Water Management Convention.
      • By working with local enforcement agencies, UKM can help with tracking IAS entry points and controlling high-risk pathways in the nearby area, benefiting from agency expertise in quarantine and inspection.
        
4. Promote Integrated IAS Management and Environmental Stewardship
   1. Environmental Stewardship and Habitat Protection:
      • UKM campus can serve as a living laboratory for sustainable management practices, where students and staff actively contribute to maintaining native biodiversity. Initiatives such as the use of native species in landscaping, removal of known IAS, and protection of campus green spaces help reinforce the policy’s goals.
      • By transforming its green spaces into IAS-free zones, UKM can protect local biodiversity while providing a practical learning environment for students.
        
   2. Developing Sustainable Practices for Long-Term Management:
      • UKM could implement an IAS management plan that includes regular assessments of biodiversity health on campus, identifying invasive species, and taking action as needed. This might involve regular audits, species inventories, and habitat restoration projects to support native species.
      • Long-term IAS management practices could also focus on reducing the use of non-native plants in campus landscaping, opting for native or non-invasive species that support local ecosystems.
        
   3. Integrating IAS Policy with Campus Sustainability Goals:
      • Aligning IAS policies with UKM’s broader sustainability goals can help reinforce the university’s commitment to the environment. This could involve integrating IAS awareness into the campus’s sustainability policy and including IAS control as a key metric in sustainability reports.
        
5. Regular Monitoring and Reporting
   1. Implement Regular Monitoring of Campus Ecosystems:
      • UKM could establish a systematic monitoring system to assess the presence of IAS on campus. Using a combination of student volunteers and environmental science faculty, UKM could monitor key locations regularly, creating a database that tracks changes over time.
      • This monitoring could be expanded to nearby ecosystems, allowing UKM to detect early signs of IAS spread and initiate prompt action if necessary.
        
   2. Annual IAS Impact Reports:
      • To contribute to national IAS efforts, UKM could prepare annual reports documenting IAS-related activities, new species identified, control measures taken, and outcomes achieved. These reports could be shared with government agencies and contribute to Malaysia’s overall IAS tracking and data-sharing efforts.

Potential Benefits of UKM IAS Impact Reduction Initiatives

By implementing these actions, UKM would contribute significantly to Malaysia’s goals of reducing IAS impacts. Benefits include:

1. Strengthened Biodiversity on Campus and in Surrounding Areas: Through careful monitoring, awareness, and control, UKM would help protect local species from the harmful effects of IAS, contributing to overall biodiversity health.
2. Enhanced Learning Opportunities for Students: By actively involving students in IAS-related activities, UKM can offer hands-on learning experiences that teach real-world conservation skills and foster environmental stewardship.
3. Contributions to National and Global Biodiversity Goals: Aligning its policies with the National Policy on Biological Diversity 2016-2025, UKM would play a part in Malaysia’s commitment to biodiversity conservation under the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In conclusion, UKM can play a vital role in IAS impact reduction by promoting research, fostering awareness, establishing biosecurity measures, and monitoring campus ecosystems. By doing so, UKM aligns itself with national priorities and serves as a model institution in biodiversity conservation and sustainable management practices.

Definition of Invasive Alien Species
Invasive alien species are non-native plants, animals, and organisms introduced to an ecosystem, where they harm the environment, economy, or human health. They threaten biodiversity by outcompeting, preying on, or spreading diseases to native species, disrupting ecosystems and their functions. These species are a major threat to biodiversity worldwide, contributing to species extinction and causing significant socio-economic and ecological damage, especially in developing regions. Climate change, pollution, and habitat loss further worsen their impact.

Invasive Alien Species at UKM

Miconia crenata

Miconia crenata (also known as Miconia calvescens or the “purple plague”) is a highly invasive alien species in tropical regions, including Malaysia. Its presence near or around UKM could have significant ecological implications. Here’s a closer look at why this plant is considered a threat and how it might impact UKM campus and surrounding areas.

Characteristics and Origin

• Origin: Miconia crenata is native to Central and South America, particularly in areas like the Amazon rainforest.
• Growth Habit: It is a fast-growing shrub or small tree that can reach heights of 15 meters. Its large leaves have a distinctive purple underside, which gives it the name “purple plague.”

Invasive Nature and Ecological Impact
Miconia crenata is highly invasive due to its ability to:

1. Rapidly Form Dense Monocultures:
   • Miconia crenata can form dense stands, shading out native plants and reducing biodiversity. It has a dense canopy that prevents sunlight from reaching other plants, effectively creating a monoculture that outcompetes native vegetation.
   • At UKM, this could threaten the diversity of native plants in campus green spaces, forests, or nearby natural reserves, which are essential for educational and research activities related to biodiversity.
2. High Reproductive Rate:
   • This species produces large numbers of seeds that can be easily dispersed by birds and other animals over long distances. Each plant can produce millions of seeds, creating new plants that quickly spread across the landscape.
   • If present on or near UKM’s campus, Miconia crenata could rapidly spread, overtaking native vegetation areas, and potentially invading campus green spaces, botanical gardens, and surrounding natural habitats.
3. Soil Degradation and Erosion:
   • Miconia crenata has a shallow root system that is less effective at stabilizing soil compared to native plants. This can lead to increased erosion, especially on slopes and hillsides.
   • At UKM, where there might be sloped terrain or natural water catchment areas, the presence of Miconia crenata could result in soil degradation and increased erosion risk, potentially affecting campus infrastructure and the quality of nearby habitats.
4. Disruption of Native Ecosystems:
   • The introduction of Miconia crenata can disrupt entire ecosystems by displacing native plants that other species depend on. This ripple effect impacts local fauna, as insects, birds, and mammals that rely on native plants for food and shelter may be forced to relocate or face population declines.
   • For UKM, this would undermine conservation and research efforts focused on local biodiversity. It could also compromise the ecological balance of areas used for environmental studies and student research.

Importance of Managing Miconia crenata at UKM
Managing Miconia crenata is vital for UKM for several reasons:

• Preservation of Biodiversity: By controlling Miconia crenata, UKM can protect its local biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining the ecological integrity of its green spaces and nearby natural areas.
• Educational Value: The presence of an invasive species like Miconia crenata provides practical, real-world examples for students studying environmental science, ecology, and conservation. It enables hands-on learning in invasive species control and ecosystem management.
• Reputation as a Sustainable Campus: By actively managing invasive species, UKM reinforces its commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility, which aligns with its role as a leader in promoting sustainable practices in Malaysia.

Miconia crenata is a serious invasive alien species that poses ecological challenges if it becomes established on or near the UKM campus. Due to its rapid growth, dense canopies, and high seed production, it can easily outcompete native vegetation, degrade soil, and disrupt local ecosystems. UKM can mitigate these risks by implementing early detection, physical removal, educational campaigns, collaboration with local authorities, and research initiatives, all of which contribute to maintaining biodiversity and promoting a healthy, sustainable campus environment.