Eye-opening expedition
CORAL reefs are an important ecological and economic resource in many countries around the world, providing a range of valuable ecosystem services to millions of people.
Malaysia is part of the Coral Triangle, an area recognised as having the world’s highest marine biodiversity.
In Malaysia, one estimate puts the value of coral reefs as high as RM50bil per year.
However, despite being recognised for their economic and aesthetic value, coral reefs are constantly being damaged by a variety of local and global threats.
As part of its commitment to contribute to preserving nature, particularly coral reefs, Management and Science University (MSU) have recently organised an expedition for its students, which involved environmental and community engagement.
Held from July 28 to 30, the three-day programme took a group of 44 people – including a number of medical programme alumni and lecturers – to Pulau Gelok and Kampung Rhu Sepuluh in Terengganu.
The “MSU Eco-Marine Youth Expedition, My Coral 2.0” programme was organised by the International Medical School (IMS), which involved students from the Bachelor in Medicine and Bachelor in Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor in Medical Sciences, Bachelor and Diploma in Outdoor and Leisure and Adventure Management.
Prior to this, the first edition of the same programme took place in 2016 with the aim of developing the biodiversity of Pulau Gelok’s marine ecosystems by protecting and repopulating damaged reef areas through coral reefs conservation programmes such as coral reef restoration projects.
The programme itinerary comprised various activities involving community health service, mangrove tree planting, coral planting, beach cleaning and learning about sea-turtle conservation.
For the community health service programme, the students and doctor performed medical check-ups on the villagers of Kampung Mangkok.
Apart from that, MSU students were also involved in the mangrove tree-planting activity, which was organised in cooperation with the Persatuan Wanita Kampung Mangkok and Jawatankuasa Kemajuan dan Keselamatan Kampung Mangkok.
A briefing session on coral reef conversation activities, shared by a marine biologist from Dorken Reef Resources, provided participants with information on the current developments of coral propagation in Pulau Gelok.
“Our main effort is aimed at restoration and rehabilitating the coral reefs. At the same time, we can also educate participants on ways to protect our diverse marine ecosystem,” said programme director Puteri Maz Safura Mohd Khalili, a second-year Bachelor in Medical Sciences student.
“I believe by educating young people about the importance of the environment in the early stages, it can help promote a higher awareness among students and the community of the importance of safeguarding the environment and acting sustainably in one’s daily life,” said MSU alumni Dr Nurul Syafinaz Rosli, who participated in the programme and is currently serving as a medical officer in a public hospital in the Klang Valley.
■ For more information, look out for the advertisement in this StarSpecial.