14.5 –  Maintaining a Local Ecosystem

14.5.2 – Monitoring The Health of Aquatic Ecosystems

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) demonstrates its unwavering commitment to monitoring and preserving the health of aquatic ecosystems through scientific research, international collaboration, and advanced technological applications. In line with SDG 14: Life Below Water, UKM actively monitors water quality, biodiversity and pollution levels to safeguard marine and freshwater environments. Through initiatives such as the Ecomarine Project, the university applies data-driven methods to assess environmental changes, track contaminants, and develop sustainable management strategies that ensure the resilience of aquatic ecosystems.

A key achievement under this initiative is the establishment of Marine Monitoring Laboratories (MMLs) in Malaysia, including UKM’s state-of-the-art facility in Tanjung Resang, Mersing, developed under the ERASMUS+ Programme of the European Union. These laboratories serve as essential hubs for long-term ecosystem surveillance, contributing to marine conservation and coastal sustainability. The successful Ecomarine Final Conference, held in 2024 at The Everly Hotel, Putrajaya, further exemplified UKM’s leadership in fostering international research collaboration and technological innovation for the protection of aquatic ecosystems.

1. Ecomarine Initiative 

Monitoring the health of aquatic ecosystems at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) continues a significant step forward through the Ecomarine initiative, which targets the protection of marine life from various human and environmental threats, including climate change, plastic marine debris, overfishing, and habitat degradation. This initiative includes the establishment of four cutting-edge Marine Monitoring Labs across Malaysia and India, co-funded by the ERASMUS+ Programme of the European Union.

i. UKM has established Marine Monitoring Laboratories (MMLs) in Malaysia.
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) demonstrates its firm commitment to monitoring and safeguarding aquatic ecosystems through its designation as one of the two Marine Monitoring Laboratories (MMLs) established in Malaysia, strategically located in Tanjung Resang, Mersing, on the east coast. This facility serves as a vital hub for marine ecosystem research and continuous environmental assessment, focusing on water quality, biodiversity health, and coastal sustainability. In March 2024, the laboratory welcomed Professor Georgios Georgiou, Coordinator of ECOMARINE from the University of Cyprus, marking an important international engagement that strengthened scientific collaboration and knowledge exchange. Through this initiative, UKM reinforces its role as a key national institution dedicated to the long-term monitoring, protection, and sustainable management of marine environments, in alignment with SDG 14: Life Below Water.

Source: ecomarine-project.eu/ 

ii. Ecomarine  Final Conference

After nearly three years of dedicated research and collaboration, the ECOMARINE Project reached its successful conclusion with the Final Conference held on 10 June 2024 at The Everly Hotel, Putrajaya, Malaysia. This milestone event marked the culmination of joint efforts among international partners to advance marine ecosystem monitoring, conservation, and sustainability practices. The conference served as a platform to share key research findings, innovative technologies, and strategic approaches developed throughout the project, reinforcing Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM)’s active role in promoting scientific excellence and cross-border collaboration in the protection and sustainable management of marine resources. 

Source: ecomarine-project.eu/ 

Through continuous research, technological innovation, and strategic partnerships, UKM has positioned itself as a regional leader in aquatic ecosystem monitoring and conservation. Its involvement in the Ecomarine initiative reflects a clear commitment to advancing marine science and developing evidence-based solutions to address environmental challenges such as climate change, plastic pollution and habitat degradation. By establishing cutting-edge monitoring infrastructure and engaging in international collaborations, UKM not only strengthens Malaysia’s marine research capacity but also contributes meaningfully to global efforts in ocean stewardship.

These efforts align closely with the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030, emphasizing the university’s proactive role in protecting natural ecosystems and ensuring the sustainability of aquatic biodiversity for future generations. Ultimately, UKM’s work in monitoring aquatic ecosystem health represents a powerful model of how science, policy and innovation can come together to preserve the planet’s most vital life-support systems.