14.5 –  Maintaining a Local Ecosystem

14.5.1 – Minimizing Alteration of Aquatic Ecosystems (Plan)

Through its Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, UKM is committed to minimizing the alteration of aquatic ecosystems by establishing a structured policy focused on preserving marine biodiversity. By implementing sustainable practices, monitoring ecosystem health, and collaborating with institutions like the Fisheries Research Institute, UKM actively protects aquatic habitats from degradation. This approach, guided by research on pollutants like mercury and informed by climate impact studies, underscores UKM’s dedication to sustainable resource management, aligning with SDG 14 to safeguard marine life for future generations.

Plan on Minimizing alteration of aquatic ecosystems

No	Plan on Minimizing alteration of aquatic ecosystems
1	UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030
2	Fish Survey at Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF)
3	Microbiology Fieldwork Program
4	Conservation River Ecosystems Program by UKM-GSB

1. UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030

The UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 under SDG 14 emphasizes the creation of a policy dedicated to preserving marine ecosystems and biodiversity across UKM natural laboratories. This initiative, part of Objective 9: Preserving the Marine Ecosystem, sets a clear target to develop guidelines that will promote sustainable practices, prevent ecosystem degradation, and protect marine biodiversity. Led by the Head of SDG 14, this policy will establish a structured approach to managing marine resources responsibly, with a focus on minimizing human impact, supporting habitat preservation, and aligning with national and global marine conservation goals. By implementing this policy, UKM aims to foster a sustainable campus environment that actively contributes to the protection and resilience of marine life for future generations.

2. Fish Survey at Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF)

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) continues to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems through scientific monitoring and community engagement. On 20 January 2024, the Fish Survey conducted by Dr. Farah from UKM at the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF), aimed at identifying aquatic biodiversity and assessing ecosystem health. Water samples collected from SACF Lake, Tasik Temuan, and Tasik Basuh Muka, with the assistance of citizen scientists, are analyzed using environmental DNA (eDNA) technology to detect species diversity and monitor environmental changes. This collaborative and data-driven approach reflects UKM’s commitment to preserving aquatic ecosystems, promoting sustainable management, and preventing ecological imbalances in Malaysia’s freshwater environments.

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3. Microbiology Fieldwork Program

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) continuously takes proactive measures to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems through education, research, and field-based learning. A notable example is the Microbiology Fieldwork Program organized by students from the Faculty of Science and Technology (FST), held from 8–10 November 2024 at the Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR) in Mersing. This program focused on coastal water analysis and aquatic microbiology, allowing students to study water quality and microbial diversity in marine environments. Through such hands-on learning experiences, UKM strengthens its commitment to protecting marine ecosystems, enhancing scientific understanding, and promoting sustainable management of Malaysia’s coastal and

4. Conservation River Ecosystems Program by UKM-GSB 

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) actively implements initiatives to minimize physical, chemical, and biological alterations of aquatic ecosystems through impactful community engagement and research-driven conservation efforts. One notable initiative is the “Integrating River Ecosystem Sustainability” program, led by postgraduate students from the UKM Graduate School of Business (UKM-GSB) at Denai Sungai Kebangsaan, Bangi. This program aims to preserve national aquatic ecosystems from invasive fish species and foster river stewardship awareness among the public, particularly school students and youth. In collaboration with the Invasive Fish Hunters Squad (SPIA), participants—including students, teachers, and community volunteers carried out river clean-up and invasive species removal activities along Sungai Langat. Through such initiatives, UKM demonstrates its strong commitment to restoring and protecting river ecosystems, aligning with its broader mission to safeguard Malaysia’s natural water resources and biodiversity.

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Through the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) demonstrates its strong commitment to minimizing the alteration of aquatic ecosystems by integrating research, education, and community engagement into sustainable water management practices. Guided by Objective 9: Preserving the Marine Ecosystem, UKM implements initiatives such as the Fish Survey at Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF) using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, the Microbiology Fieldwork Program at the Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR), and the River Ecosystem Conservation Program by UKM-GSB to protect freshwater and marine habitats from degradation. These programs, supported by collaborative partnerships with government agencies and community organizations, emphasize data-driven conservation, environmental awareness, and responsible stewardship of aquatic biodiversity. Collectively, they reflect UKM’s leadership in sustainable ecosystem protection and its enduring commitment to achieving SDG 14: Life Below Water, ensuring the long-term resilience of Malaysia’s aquatic environments for future generations.