15.2 – Supporting Land Ecosystems Through Education

15.2.5 – Sustainable Management of Land for Agriculture and Tourism (Educational Outreach)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is committed to sustainable land management for agriculture through impactful educational outreach programs, empowering communities with practical skills in eco-friendly farming, food security, and land stewardship. By integrating sustainable practices into agriculture, UKM fosters a culture of environmental responsibility, equipping individuals with the knowledge to contribute to resilient ecosystems and sustainable livelihoods.

Educational Programme/ Outreach

1. Program Penghijauan Malaysia: Koperasi Prihatin Sejuta Pokok

On 18 January 2023, Angkatan Koperasi Kebangsaan Malaysia Berhad (ANGKASA), in collaboration with Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), organized the “Greening Malaysia: Cooperative Cares for a Million Trees” Training of Trainers (TOT) Workshop at the UKM Botanical Garden in Bangi.  The event is a national event. This initiative aims to raise environmental awareness among school students and promote active participation in forest conservation in Malaysia.

The event, officiated by ANGKASA President and ASEAN Co-operative Organization (ACO) President Datuk Seri Dr. Abdul Fattah Abdullah, saw participation from 144 students representing 39 school cooperatives across Kuala Lumpur, Putrajaya, and Selangor. Also in attendance was UKM’s Pro Vice-Chancellor of Strategy and Corporate Development, Prof. Dato’ Dr. Roslee Rajikan. The workshop is part of ANGKASA and UKM’s broader mission to plant at least one million trees by the end of 2023, supporting Malaysia’s national greening initiative and SDG 15.

As a key outcome of this program, ANGKASA and UKM have developed the educational module “Sejuta Pokok Segunung Harapan” (A Million Trees, A Mountain of Hope), designed for use by the 2,473 school cooperatives across Malaysia, which collectively have about 1.98 million members. The module includes educational materials on the importance of forest conservation, types of trees, basic tree physiology, planting techniques, tree care, composting, growth measurement guidelines, and maintenance practices. This module is shared through the TOT workshops for school cooperatives and higher education institutions, fostering a generation of environmentally conscious youth dedicated to preserving Malaysia’s natural resources. Through this initiative, ANGKASA and UKM are contributing to a sustainable future by empowering young people with the knowledge and skills to protect the environment, reflecting UKM’s commitment to SDG 15: Life on Land.

2. Carbon Footprint Reduction Program Increases Environmental Sustainability

BANGI, 2 February 2023 – The recent Carbon Footprint Reduction Program for Environmental Sustainability in Selangor was held along the banks of the Langat River, aiming to enhance environmental sustainability within the state.

With the theme “Tree Planting Towards a Low-Carbon City,” a total of 120 high carbon dioxide (CO₂) absorbing trees, including Barringtonia, Kopsia Arborea, Cerbera Odollam, and Diospyros Celebica, were planted along the riverbank.

This one-day event aimed to raise awareness among students and the local community about the importance of environmental stewardship. It offered hands-on learning about tree planting basics, planting techniques, tree care, and types of trees suitable for carbon absorption. This initiative not only promoted environmental awareness but also emphasized the significance of long-term sustainability practices within the community.

The tree-planting activity along the Langat River Reserve aligns with Local Agenda 21 (LA21), an initiative from the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992 to foster sustainable development planning and management. This program supports a vision for high-quality, sustainable urban development and focuses on reducing the carbon footprint in pursuit of a low-carbon city.

Aligned with the Malaysian Greening Program under the Ministry of Energy and Natural Resources (KeTSA), this project contributes to the national “100 Million Tree Planting Campaign.” Carbon offsetting efforts, such as this large-scale tree-planting initiative, play a crucial role in maintaining carbon emissions at a minimum by balancing out the carbon footprint through natural absorption.

Attending the event were Prof. Dato’ Ir. Ts. Dr. Othman A. Karim representing Friends of Langat River (FoLR); Head of Plant Production Branch, Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), Dr. Siti Salwana Hashim; LUAS Planning and Development Representative, Nor Zamri Sondor; Regional Manager of Indah Water Konsortium (IWK), Mohd Lutpee Salleh; and Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering, FKAB, Prof. Ts. Dr. Roszilah Hamid. This collaborative initiative was organized by the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment (FKAB), Civil Engineering Student Club (CIVILENS), Sustainable Urban Transport Research Centre (SUTRA), FRIM, LUAS, IWK, Friends of Rivers IWK–Langat, and FoLR, demonstrating the collective commitment to SDG 15 by preserving and enhancing land-based ecosystems.

3. The Integrated Community Garden Program: Vegetables for Your Family (SUKA) 

In March 2023, students from the UKM Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB) launched the Integrated Community Garden Program under the theme “Vegetables for Your Family,” focusing on sustainable land management and food security. Located in Kampung Merbau Sempak, Shah Alam, Selangor, the Community Garden is designed for ease of management, requiring minimal space and low maintenance, making it accessible for urban and suburban communities. With support totaling RM15,150.00 (USD 3,490.46) in cash and RM8,000.00 (USD 1,843.15) in goods from government agencies, private companies, and individuals, the project addresses the rising cost of living by promoting community-driven agriculture. This initiative not only enhances food sustainability but also reduces financial pressures on families, empowering communities to grow their own produce and contribute to sustainable land use practices.

4. Kebun Nuri Nutrisi: Empowering B40 Students through Sustainable Agriculture and Entrepreneurship

Kebun Nuri Nutrisi, a flagship program by UKM in 2023 funded by Bank Rakyat Malaysia, actively supports B40 (bottom 40% income group) students by providing practical skills in sustainable agriculture and entrepreneurship. This initiative empowers students with hands-on experience and knowledge, fostering self-sufficiency and economic resilience. The program engages students in cultivating nutritious vegetables like pak choy and sawi, teaching them sustainable farming methods and land management practices. Key features include hands-on agricultural experience, where students manage the entire process from planting to harvesting, and entrepreneurial training, as they sell their produce at Persada, FST. This experience helps them develop essential skills in marketing, pricing, and customer engagement. Additionally, a portion of sales revenue is allocated as a stipend, offering financial support while enhancing students’ practical knowledge of sustainable land management and business.

5. Tanaman Mini Fertigasi: Supporting Single Mothers and Low-Income Housewives

As part of UKM commitment to SDG 15 – Life on Land, the Tanaman Mini Fertigasi program empowers single mothers and low-income housewives by teaching sustainable land management practices through fertigation—a method combining irrigation and fertilization to boost crop efficiency. Implemented in Bangi and Kajang, this initiative offers a 7-month training period, equipping participants with the skills to grow chili plants using mini fertigasi systems. Upon completion, participants receive fertigation kits, enabling them to start small-scale agricultural ventures at home, providing a sustainable source of income and enhancing food security. By focusing on vulnerable groups, the program fosters economic independence, promotes sustainable agriculture, and contributes to biodiversity, reflecting UKM commitment to sustainable land management and SDG 15.

6. Program Ekspedisi Wira Galaksi dan Taman Lestari Cilik

The Ekspedisi Wira Galaksi dan Taman Lestari Cilik program, launched at SK Jalan Enam, is an initiative aimed at fostering sustainable agriculture practices and healthy lifestyles among Gen Z students. Organized by UKM-YSD Chair for Sustainability in collaboration with FKAB Dietetics Program, FSK, and SK Jalan Enam, this series ran from February to July 2023, involving 74 students. Through activities like urban farming, vegetable and fruit cultivation, and interactive healthy eating workshops, students learned the importance of sustainable land use and the benefits of plant-based nutrition. Hands-on activities, including planting, caring for, and harvesting vegetables, provided students with practical skills in sustainable land management, contributing to food security and biodiversity conservation in line with SDG 15. This program empowers young learners with knowledge and habits that promote environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture.