Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development
SDG 14 Indicator
14.5 – Maintaining a local ecosystem
14.5.5 – Watershed Management Strategy
Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) is deeply committed to integrated watershed management and biodiversity conservation, focusing on safeguarding aquatic ecosystems and enhancing their ecological resilience. Through science-based management strategies, UKM integrates biodiversity data, aquatic species monitoring, and community participation to sustain freshwater habitats, particularly within the Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, one of Malaysia’s most significant ecological treasures.
Under the Watershed Management Strategy Program, UKM has implemented key initiatives such as the Sustainable Lotus Conservation Project and the Fish Seed Release Program at Tasik Chini. The Sustainable Lotus Conservation Project, led by the Tasik Chini Research Centre (PPTC) in collaboration with FRIM, ECERDC, and the local Orang Asli community, focuses on restoring the lotus population through innovative floating nurseries and community-based replanting. Meanwhile, the Fish Seed Release Program, involving the reintroduction of over 21,000 native Lampam Sungai and Baung fish species, aims to restore the ecological balance of the lake’s aquatic biodiversity. Together, these programs exemplify UKM’s holistic approach to watershed management, combining conservation science, technological innovation and local engagement to preserve natural heritage and ecosystem vitality.
Watershed Management Strategy Programs
| No | Watershed Management Strategy Programs |
| 1 | Sustainable Lotus Conservation in Chini Lake for Continuity of Biosphere Heritage. |
| 2 | UKM Release of Fish Seeds at Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Site. |
1. Sustainable Lotus Conservation in Chini Lake for Continuity of Biosphere Heritage
The Lotus Flotilla Program is a sustainable lotus plant conservation initiative launched in the Tasik Chini Biosphere Reserve in July 2020 and remains actively ongoing as long-term conservation facilities . The project is led and managed by the Tasik Chini Research Centre (PPTC) in collaboration with the East Coast Economic Regional Development Council (ECERDC), the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), ALAF-UKM, and the Orang Asli community of Tasik Chini.
Funded by East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC) and implemented by FRIM together with PPTC and ALAF-UKM, the project involves the construction of nine nursery ponds and 50 units of floating lotus (flotilla) in Tasik Chini. This initiative aims to restore the declining lotus population and preserve the lotus as an iconic symbol of Tasik Chini. In addition, it focuses on researching and implementing innovative conservation measures to ensure the long-term survival of the lotus plants and the health of their ecosystem for future generations.
The program centers on replanting lotus using specially designed floating flotillas that serve as nurseries in the lake, followed by the natural replanting of lotus plants in targeted areas. Beyond conservation activities, it also provides training sessions and workshops on lotus planting techniques for the local community and relevant stakeholders, thereby strengthening community participation and ensuring the sustainability of the initiative.
More information can be found at:
2. UKM Release of Fish Seeds at Tasik Chini UNESCO Biosphere Reserve Site
Since 2022, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) has undertaken a significant and ongoing ecological initiative involving the release of 21,000 Lampan Sungai Baung fish into the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve at Tasik Chini. This restocking project, which remains active until 2024, aims to strengthen the conservation of aquatic ecosystems through the reintroduction of native fish species. By restoring natural populations, UKM supports both food security for local communities and the ecological balance and biodiversity of Tasik Chini. In addition, regular monitoring and inventory assessments of fish species are conducted to evaluate ecosystem health and ensure the success of the conservation efforts. The table below presents the inventory of fish species conserved at Tasik Chini as part of this ongoing sustainability initiative.
Table: Fish species list and density rank in Tasik Chini
Species | Local Name | Individual | Mean Physical | |
| Standardlength (cm) | Weight(g) | |||
| Family Notopteridae | ||||
| Notopterus notopterus | Potok/Selat | 213 | 17.1 | 37.2 |
| Family Cyprinidae | ||||
| Thynnichthys thynnoides | Loma | 112 | 18.3 | 65.9 |
| Labiobarbus fasciata | Mengkawan | 18 | 18.8 | 60.7 |
| Family Siluridae | ||||
| Kryptopterus bicirrhis | Lais | 12 | 22.9 | 53.9 |
| Family Helostomatidae | ||||
| Helostoma temminckii | Tembakang | 10 | 15.3 | 95.1 |
| Family Cyprinidae | ||||
| Cyclocheilichthys apogon | Cemperas | 8 | 13.7 | 30.7 |
| Labiobarbus festiva | Mengkawan | 8 | 18.9 | 79.0 |
| Family Bagridae | ||||
| Mystus singaringan | Kenjing | 7 | 15.1 | 92.3 |
| Family Cyprinidae | ||||
| Osteochilus vitattus | Terbul | 9 | 15.5 | 47.2 |
| Family Pristolepididae | ||||
| Pristolepis fasciata | Patong | 5 | 10.7 | 58.9 |
| Family Cyprinidae | ||||
| Osteochilus melanopleura | Terbul jalur | 6 | 18.7 | 56.3 |
| Family Butidae | ||||
| Oxyeleotris marmoratus | Ketutu | 5 | 27.8 | 254.9 |
| Family Cyprinidae | ||||
| Puntiuplites bulu | Tengalan | 3 | 17.0 | 54.6 |
| Family Pristolepididae | ||||
| Pristolepis grooti | Kepor | 2 | 11.6 | 31.7 |
| Family Cyprinidae | ||||
| Barbichthys laevis | Petulu | 2 | 19.0 | 62.3 |
| Macrochirichthysmacrochirus | Parang Sungai | 2 | 26.4 | 85.6 |
| Family Clariidae | ||||
| Clarias batrachus | Keli | 2 | 21.7 | 94.5 |
| Family Pangasiidae | ||||
| Pangasius spp. | Patin | 1 | 45.5 | 580.0 |
| Family Cyprinidae | ||||
| Amblyrhynchichthystruncatus | Puling | 1 | 16.6 | 51.2 |
| Hampala macrolepidota | Sebarau | 1 | 26.8 | 223.1 |
| Labiobarbus leptocheilus | Mengkawan | 1 | ||
| Barbonymus schwanefeldii | Lampam Sungai | 1 | ||
| Cyclocheilichthys armatus | Mata Merah | 1 | ||
| Family Bagridae | ||||
| Hemibagrus capitulum | Baung lemak | 1 | 19.5 | 60.1 |
| Family Channidae | ||||
| Channa lucius | Bujuk | 1 | 34.2 | 480.6 |
| Family Anabantidae | ||||
| Anabas testudineus | Puyu | 1 | 12.0 | 85 |
Through its long-term conservation efforts at Tasik Chini, UKM demonstrates strong leadership in watershed management and aquatic ecosystem restoration, ensuring that science and community action work hand in hand to protect Malaysia’s freshwater ecosystems. The university’s initiatives not only safeguard native flora and fauna but also strengthen local livelihoods and cultural heritage connected to the lake. These efforts align with the UKM Sustainability Strategic Plan 2030 and directly contribute to SDG 14 (Life Below Water) by promoting sustainable management of inland waters and biodiversity. By integrating research excellence with practical conservation, UKM continues to set a national benchmark in sustainable watershed governance, ensuring that ecosystems like Tasik Chini remain thriving centers of biodiversity, education and community pride for generations to come.