Kuala Nerus, 18 November 2024 – Aware of the urgent need to protect the marine ecosystem facing greater threats, the REEFS Research Interest Group of Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has taken a proactive measure by organizing the REEFS Marine Education & Awareness Programme 2024. Taking place at Terengganu Science and Creativity Centre, the programme aimed to improve the public’s awareness towards the importance of protecting the marine ecosystem that has been recognized as one of the country’s natural treasures.

Jointly organized by The International SeaKeepers Society, Aquawalk Sdn. Bhd., and Kapas Conservation Society, the programme combined elements of education, awareness, and involvement from the community especially school students.

Around 200 students from 10 selected schools in Kuala Terengganu participated in interesting activities, such as the Waste to Wealth competition, where they used their creativity to convert waste into a useful product.

Also taking place was a mini sports activity intended to strengthen the camaraderie among the community while delivering the environmental conservation message.

The beauty and importance of the marine ecosystem will be experienced through various educational activities. In addition to being a symbol of natural beauty, the marine ecosystem plays an important role in the balance between the world’s biodiversity and the continuity of the global food chain. However, threats such as global warming, plastic pollution, uncontrolled human activities continue to worsen the conditions of the coral reefs.  

The latest study by a UMT researcher has shown that the rate of coral reef loss in Malaysia is around 1 percent yearly, while the recent mass coral bleaching phenomena has led to coral reef death around Terengganu’s waters at the rate of 30 to 50 percent.  

“The global warming has caused the increase in sea temperature, which has led to the bleaching of the corals when they lost the algae symbiosis that gives the corals colour and nutrition,” Dr. Tan explained.

“In addition, the increase in the sea acidification and chemical as well as plastic pollution has also threatened the marine lives.”

He added that marine ecosystem conservation not only revolves around biodiversity but also provides a big impact towards the economic, medical, and biotechnology sectors.

The campaign saw the contribution from UMT’s Marine Biology students who were directly involved in the programme and demonstrated the university’s commitment in educating the public to appreciate the “gifts” provided by the oceans to humans.  

“With collective awareness and actions, we can ensure the continuity of the marine ecosystem well into the future,” he said.

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu