14.3 – Supporting Aquatic Ecosystems Through Action

14.3.3 – Maintain Ecosystems and Their Biodiversity (Direct Work)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is deeply committed to the preservation, restoration and sustainable management of ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly those under environmental threat. Through strategic partnerships, interdisciplinary research and direct collaboration with industries and conservation organizations, UKM actively contributes to strengthening ecological resilience and promoting nature-based solutions. The university’s initiatives extend across freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems, focusing on sustainable water management, habitat restoration and species protection.

Among its key initiatives, UKM has contributed expertise through the Malaysian Water Association (MWA), the Save Our Seahorses (SOS) Malaysia, and the Malaysian Stormwater Organisation (MSO), demonstrating strong engagement with national and regional conservation networks. Furthermore, UKM researchers play influential roles in international collaborations such as the Asian Fisheries Social Science Research Network (AFSSRN), advancing sustainable fisheries management and biodiversity protection. Complementing these institutional and research-based efforts, the Etika Marine Conservation Project in Pulau Tioman showcases UKM’s direct action in coral reef restoration, community education, and marine conservation. Collectively, these initiatives reflect UKM’s proactive approach in translating scientific knowledge into tangible conservation outcomes that protect endangered ecosystems and species.

Maintaining Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programs through Direct Work

No	Maintaining Ecosystems and Biodiversity Programs
1	Appointment of Prof. lr. Dato’ Dr Hj Othman A Karim as honour internal audit in Malaysian Water Association (MWA)
2	Appointment of Dr Wee from UKM’s Institute of Climate Change in the Save our Seahorses Association
3	Appointment of Dr Surendran A/L Rajaratnam as Asian Fisheries Social Science Research Network (AFSSRN) Section of the Asian Fisheries Society
4	Appointment of lr. Dr. Anuar Bin Kasa as  a member of Malaysian Stormwater Organisation
5	Etika’s Marine Conservation Project returns to Pulau Tioman to propagate new corals.

1. Appointment of Prof. lr. Dato’ Dr Hj Othman A Karim as honour internal audit in Malaysian Water Association (MWA)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively engages in research and collaboration with industries, government agencies, and professional bodies to protect, restore, and sustain ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly those under environmental threat. Prof. lr. Dato’ Dr Hj Othman as a professor of maritime civil engineering at Faculty of Engineering and Build Environment UKM appointed as an honour internal audit in Malaysian Water Association (MWA) on 20 April 2024. This appointment highlights UKM’s strong institutional collaboration with the water industry in efforts to maintain ecosystem health, promote sustainable water management, and protect aquatic biodiversity. Through such partnerships, UKM contributes expertise in water conservation, river ecosystem restoration, and pollution mitigation, ensuring that scientific research translates into effective industry practices and policy recommendations.

2. Appointment of Dr Wee from UKM’s Institute of Climate Change in the Save our Seahorses Association

The document is a letter of appointment for Dr. Wee Hin Boo from Institute of Climate Change (IPI), UKM appointing him as a Research Associate with Save Our Seahorses (SOS) Malaysia from January 1, 2023, to December 31, 2025. His role focuses on advancing research on seahorse habitats, behaviour, and conservation strategies. His responsibility is to provide guidance on field research methodologies, conducting data analysis to support decision-making, supervising joint research with students affiliated with SOS Malaysia, assisting in grant application and management and contributing to research publications and reports related to seahorse conservation. This appointment underscores UKM’s involvement in marine conservation efforts, particularly in protecting seahorses and their habitats.

3. Appointment of Dr Surendran A/L Rajaratnam as Active Member of Asian Fisheries Social Science Research Network (AFSSRN) Section of the Asian Fisheries Society

UKM maintains ecosystems and their biodiversity through commitment is the appointment of Dr. Surendran A/L Rajaratnam as a representative in the Asian Fisheries Social Science Research Network (AFSSRN) under the Asian Fisheries Society. This appointment underscores UKM’s active role in regional research collaboration focused on the socioeconomic, ecological, and sustainability dimensions of fisheries and aquatic ecosystems.

Through this engagement, UKM contributes to advancing evidence-based research and community-driven solutions that promote sustainable fisheries management, the protection of marine biodiversity, and the resilience of ecosystems under threat.

4. Appointment of lr. Dr. ANUAR BIN KASA as  a member of Malaysian Stormwater Organisation

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) continues to strengthen its partnerships with professional and industry bodies to enhance ecosystem resilience, sustainable water management, and biodiversity protection by the appointment of Ir. Dr. Anuar bin Kasa as a member of the Malaysian Stormwater Organisation (MSO) for the term 1 January 2023 to 31 December 2030. This appointment reflects UKM’s active involvement in stormwater management research and policy development, addressing issues such as urban flooding, water quality, and ecosystem protection. Through this collaboration, UKM contributes scientific expertise and technical knowledge to develop nature-based solutions and integrated water management strategies that help maintain natural hydrological systems, preserve aquatic biodiversity, and reduce environmental degradation.

5. Etika’s Marine Conservation Project returns to Pulau Tioman to propagate new corals

A total of 40 volunteers in collaboration with Leges Divers, Marine Ecosystem Research Center (EKOMAR) ALAF-UKM and the Malaysian Fisheries Department, carried out a three-day coral conservation mission in Kampung Salang, Pulau Tioman from 19 to 21 July 2024. The effort included monitoring coral health, conducting educational workshops, and extending Amal Jariah donations to the Pulau Tioman community. This initiative focuses on coral reef restoration as a proactive measure to protect and rehabilitate vital marine ecosystems. Through coral transplantation activities, the program provides a practical solution to mitigate the impacts of global warming and climate change on fragile reef habitats. Beyond restoration efforts, the mission also serves as an awareness platform, educating participants and the wider community on the importance of coral reef conservation, marine biodiversity, and collective responsibility in preserving ocean health for future generations.

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Through its research leadership and active collaboration with industries, professional associations and conservation bodies, UKM exemplifies a university that acts beyond academia as a guardian of Malaysia’s ecosystems and biodiversity. By combining science, innovation and community engagement, UKM ensures that its expertise directly contributes to restoring ecosystems under threat, protecting aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, and promoting sustainable environmental practices. These initiatives not only strengthen ecological resilience but also support the goals outlined in the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, reinforcing the university’s alignment with SDG 14 (Life Below Water). As ecosystems face growing challenges from climate change, pollution and overexploitation, UKM’s sustained efforts stand as a model of academic excellence and environmental stewardship, where knowledge, research and action converge to safeguard the planet’s natural heritage for future generations.