Growing the Blue Schools Network

RCM is excited to be part of the growing Blue Schools movement in Malaysia. This is an initiative that brings ocean literacy into schools through hands-on learning and real-world conservation projects. Still in its early stages locally, the programme aims to inspire students to become active stewards of the ocean while connecting classroom learning with their surrounding marine environment.

In June, members of the Cintai Redang team joined teachers and educators from across Terengganu at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) for a two-day training workshop. The programme equipped participants with the knowledge and tools to begin delivering Blue Schools activities to students, helping lay the foundation for a new generation of ocean champions. Upon completing the workshop, the newly trained team assisted in carrying out a 3-day Marine Camp with participants from 4 schools in Terengganu, led by fellow lecturers from UMT.

Activities conducted during the Marine Camp

Protecting Bidong Island

Following the gazettement of Bidong Island as a state park, RCM and the Majlis Pengurusan Taman Negeri Terengganu brought together key stakeholders for a workshop to help shape participatory, integrated and sustainable management of the island. Representing the Cintai Redang initiative, our team joined discussions on how to balance conservation, sustainable use and long-term protection of Bidong Island’s unique marine and coastal ecosystems. By contributing local knowledge and conservation experience, we hope to help ensure the island remains well protected for generations to come.

Listening to the Local Community

Understanding community needs is an important step towards creating meaningful and lasting conservation programmes. As part of the APPGM-SDG socio-economic survey, the Cintai Redang team supported an enumerator training programme and facilitated discussions with the Village Head (Ketua Kampung) to better understand the opportunities and challenges facing the Pulau Redang community.

These engagements will help ensure that future initiatives are informed by local perspectives and contribute to sustainable community development alongside marine conservation.

Discussion and brainstorming session