SETIU – Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has continued its commitment towards raising the environmental awareness through outside-of-classroom education programmes by organizing Educational Expedition: Explore the Majestic Mangrove.

The programme was joined by 50 students from five primary and secondary schools around Kuala Terengganu, and the activities held during the event at Wetland School of Setie were based on biodiversity ecosystem conservation.

Participating schools were SK Bari (Sungai Tong), SK Pechah Rotan, SK IPG KDRI, SK Tok Jiring, and SMK Kompleks Mengabang Telipot.

According to project leader Dr. Tengku Fara Kamilia, the project aimed to teach students about the importance of conserving biodiversity resources to maintain the sustainability of the environment.

“The event gives students a unique learning experience. In addition to learning interactively and in a fun way about the importance of mangrove ecosystem sustainability, they were also able to improve their English Language skills.” 

Several interesting activities were held to reinforce the students’ awareness towards the mangrove ecosystem, such as mangrove nursery relocation, mud clam search, and a sharing session discussing the role of mangrove as a buffer zone to protect the coastal areas and biodiversity sustainability. 

She said the activities not only taught students about how important it is to protect the environment but also provide them the opportunity to practice their English among themselves.

“The programme is in line with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 13. Students are taught about climate change issues and the role of mangrove ecosystem in reducing the impact of the change”. 

The programme received support from various agencies, including NGO Ecoswed Initiative, Cikgu Alam Setiu Wetland, and UMT’s Centre for Sustainable Management.

Also present at the awareness programme were the involved UMT researchers, namely Assoc. Prof. Dr. Azza Jauhar, Dr. Izan Jaafar, and Suria Hani. 

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Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu