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Introduction
Realizing the
significance of marine resources and technology in Malaysia,
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia through the Faculty of
Science and Technology has established the Marine Ecosystem
Research Centre (EKOMAR) to conduct research related
to the marine ecosystem and resources. EKOMAR has been
established not only to benefit studies on marine sciences
and resources, but also to incorporate studies in the
fields of management, social sciences, marine laws and
engineering. It also aims to become a significant platform
for enhancing knowledge and public awareness on the
importance of marine ecosystem and control measures
for the conservation of marine ecosystems. |
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As a research centre
that aims to become a premier centre in the field of marine
studies, EKOMAR has gathered together a diverse group of researchers
specializing in various fields to generate the best ideas
in facing the multiple challenges in marine research, especially
in its focal study area, i.e. the East Coast of Johor. The
EKOMAR research team comprises researchers from many other
local universities and agencies, such as the National Oceanography
Directorate, Department of Fisheries and Marine Parks of Malaysia,
who have agreed upon a research framework aimed at preserving
and conserving a marine system that is pollution-free and
beneficial to the local communities specifically, and to the
nation at large.
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Objectives
EKOMAR
has a clear outlook and objective to position marine related
research at UKM on the right platform, in line with the national
development and the status of UKM as a premier research university.
The main objective of setting up EKOMAR involves five main
research areas, namely marine biological diversity and conservation;
oceanography and exploration; marine biotechnology; marine
economy; maritime technology and safety. It has an encompassing
role of fulfilling the local and global needs covering the
fields conservation, biotechnology, education, socio-culture,
economy
and health.
To reach the primary goal of its establishment, EKOMAR is
committed to achieve the following main objectives:
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To identify flora
and fauna, physical and socio-cultural heritage, and threatened
areas;
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To study and
prepare inventories of the local ecosystems, i.e. mangrove
forests, river estuaries, flora and fauna of the marine
coastal zone and islands within the east Johor waters;
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To serve as a
reference centre for biological diversity and conservation
in the east coast of Johor;
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To conduct research
based on products (for example, biotechnology, ecotourism
and aquaculture);
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To establish
collaborative network and strengthen cooperative linkages
with equivalent centres within the country and overseas;
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To protect the
economy of the local communities.
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Action
Plans
- Preparation of documents and reference
information pertaining to the above objectives.
- Set up the Information Resource
Centre and Specimen Collection Centre;
- Undertake environmental education,
appreciation and awareness, specifically on marine and
coastal ecosystems of East Johor
- Conduct study on the impacts of
Iskandar Regional Development (WPI) and East Coast Economic
Region (ECER), specifically on climate change along the
East Coast of Johor;
- Conduct impact assessment or feasibility
studies on the spillover effects of WPI and ECER:
- Effects on physical heritage
: study habitat reduction, permanent destruction on
the ecology, loss of biological diversity, reduction
of the study area, reduction in carbon sink, oil spills
and health risks;
- Effects on socio-cultural heritage:
loss of historical remains and artifacts, loss of livelihood
and disruption of social well-being.
- Establishing EKOMAR as a referral
research centre for regional development planning in the
context of marine ecosystem and sustainable development.
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- Open Water
(Advance & master diving course - May 2012)
- PROKEM 2012
(October 2012)
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