14.2 – Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Education

14.2.1 – Fresh-Water Ecosystems (Community Outreach)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is deeply committed to advancing freshwater ecosystem conservation and education through impactful community outreach and environmental engagement programs. In line with SDG 14: Life Below Water, UKM integrates education, research and community participation to protect rivers, coastal areas, and aquatic biodiversity. Through initiatives such as Beach Cleaning Programs organized by the Langkawi Research Center (PPL) and ALAF-UKM and the Denai Sungai Langat 2024 Run, the university promotes awareness and collective responsibility toward water ecosystem sustainability. These programs bring together students, researchers and local communities to engage in practical conservation actions, hands-on learning, and citizen science, emphasizing the importance of maintaining clean waterways and healthy aquatic environments for present and future generations.

UKM Fresh-Water Ecosystems (Community Outreach) Programs

No	UKM Fresh-Water Ecosystems (Community Outreach) Programs
1	Free: Beach Cleaning Program by Langkawi Research Center (PPL), ALAF-UKM with TNC HEPI, UKM Bikers and Kg Kilim Cooperative, Langkawi.
2	Free: Beach Cleaning Program at Pulau Pasir Panjang Beach Langkawi Research Center (PPL)-UUM
3	Free: Sustainable Beaches for All.
4	Free: Denai Sungai Langat 2024 Run
5	Free: Reef Care UKM at Melaka Marine Park

1. Free: Beach Cleaning Program by Langkawi Research Center (PPL), ALAF-UKM with TNC HEPI, UKM Bikers and Kg Kilim Cooperative, Langkawi.

On 27 January 2024, UKM Natural and Physical Laboratory Management Centre (ALAF-UKM) carried out the Beach Cleanup activity together with the UKM Bikers and the Kg. Kilim Cooperative. The program was enlivened by the presence of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research & Innovation Affairs (TNC HEPI), Professor Dato’ Dr. Wan Kamal Mujani and the Director of Center for Research and Instrumentation Management (CRIM), Prof. Ts. Dr. Muhammad Rahimi Yusop. Plastic wastes, various types of discarded items and other pollutants along the coast of Pulau Pasir Panjang were collected and properly disposed. Continuous beach clean-ups by actively involving local communities can make beaches cleaner and safer, protect marine ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of nature for future generations. This also fulfills the intention of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14, which is to improve the sustainability of life in the water through beach clean-ups.

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2. Beach Cleaning Program at Pulau Pasir Panjang Beach Langkawi Research Center (PPL)-UUM

The Pasir Panjang Island Beach Cleaning Program was held on 19 September 2024. Involving 35 students and staff of Langkawi Research Center (PPL) UKM and students from Inasis Bank Muamalat, Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). Apart from beach cleaning, activities also involve exploration to various sites including the Kilim Geopark, Eagle Watching, Fish Cage and Kilim Pinnacle before. This program exposed participants with the natural resources and biodiversity of Langkawi Island, and the importance of their conservation for future generations. The program had improved the quality of nearby marine coastal waters. Removal of marine litter and debris washed ashore prevents them from reentering the sea and polluting the environment.

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3. Free: Sustainable Beaches for All.

This activity was organized by the Department of Medical Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine UKM through a beach cleanup with the theme “Sustainable Beaches for All.” The activity was held on 15 September 2024 (Sunday) at Pantai Pasir Bogak, Pulau Pangkor, Perak. A total of 12 department staff members participated in this activity, which was also supported by several staff members from Majlis Perbandaran Manjung. The program aims to raise awareness among staff about the importance of environmental conservation and fostering closer engagement with the community. Preserving, conserving, and optimizing existing natural resources while maintaining sustainability for the well-being of all.

4. Free: Denai Sungai Langat 2024 Run

UKM is involved in community outreach related to freshwater ecosystems awareness through the Denai Sungai Langat 2024. Run program organized by Friends of River Malaysia on 21 September 2024. The event gathered 1,600 participants and aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of river conservation, emphasizing efforts to protect the Sungai Langat trail from pollution caused by illegal livestock farming and unauthorized factory construction.

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5. Reef Care UKM at Melaka Marine Park

On 4 Dec 2024, Marine Science Program, FST, UKM collaborated with Melaka Marine Park to organize Reef Care UKM. Overall about 40-50 large-sized trash bags were filled with trash collected from the three islands. These wastes were then disposed of by the local municipal authority. Awareness on environmental protection stewardship was effectively communicated to the participants. The program further solidified university-industry linkages and paved the way for future collaborative work related to SDG14. This multifaceted experience provided the students with a good understanding of the fragility of marine environments thus fostering an  appreciation for the need to protect these precious ecosystems.

UKM continues to lead by example in advancing freshwater and marine ecosystem conservation through education, community outreach and hands-on environmental initiatives. These programs from beach clean-ups and river runs to reef restoration and public awareness campaigns, demonstrate UKM’s deep commitment to protecting aquatic biodiversity and ensuring the sustainability of water resources. By mobilizing students, researchers and local communities, UKM cultivates a strong culture of environmental stewardship and collective responsibility. Through these impactful efforts, UKM not only supports SDG 14: Life Below Water but also strengthens national and regional resilience against water pollution and habitat degradation, fostering a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable aquatic environment for future generations.