EXPLORE CINTAI KEPULAUAN MERSING
Checking data during Reef Check surveys
About Cintai Kepulauan Mersing
Cintai Kepulauan Mersing is a marine conservation programme that began in 2020. The overall goal of the programme is to improve ocean health by increasing reef resilience and reducing threats to marine biodiversity from plastic pollution.
The programme emphasizes increasing local community and stakeholders' participation in the conservation and management of coral reefs, and the management of plastic waste in the Mersing group of islands.
About The Mersing Group of Islands
The Mersing Group of Islands consist of five cluster islands namely, Pulau Besar, Pulau Sibu, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Aur dan Pulau Tinggi. The island communities in Mersing islands still practice artisanal fishing practices and mostly rely on marine resources as source of livelihood.
Unlike other tourism islands in the East Coast, the Mersing islands is not as developed to be able to receive high number of tourists; which means that there is potential to provide tourism activities that are more experiential.
Protecting The Reefs of Mersing
We strive to protect the coral reefs in Mersing by mapping the reefs, monitoring the coral reefs’ health, conducting predator removal and reef cleanup. We also implement sustainable diving practices and installed mooring buoys to lessen the impact of boats on our reefs.
Reef Check Surveys are done to monitor coral reefs’ health
Promoting Sustainable Tourism
Our team in Mersing is proud to promote sustainable tourism practices as a way to continue protect and conserve the Mersing Islands' beauty and marine life.
We engage with local tourism operators and guides through workshops and training to equip them with knowledge of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, ensuring that they can provide visitors with a memorable and responsible tourism experience.
Local tourism operators are trained on sustainable tourism practices
Waste Management Programme
Our team has initiated a waste management program on Pulau Sibu and Pulau Tinggi, as there is no existing waste management system on the islands. We first consulted with the local community on the matter and then engaged with them to participate in the program.
The communities are eager to be involved in the waste management program
The waste management program follows the programme implemented by our Cintai Mantanani team on Mantanani Island and our Cintai Tioman team on Tioman Island.
Recyclables items are segregated to be recycled
Capacity Building of the Community
Our team has introduced various alternative livelihood skills to the local community in the Mersing Islands. These skills, such as soap making by using used cooking oil, and food handling training, not only provide new opportunities but also create additional income streams for both men and women.
The local community are passionate about upskilling
We believe that these efforts will help the community expand beyond their traditional marine-related occupations and improve their economic stability and overall quality of life. We are proud to work together with the community towards a brighter future.
Happy faces after the completion of capacity building training
School and Community Awareness Programmes
We also conduct regular school and community awareness programmes to increase the communities’ knowledge on marine issues and conservation efforts.
By reaching out to the students and communities, we believe we can instill love for their marine resources and provide them with the knowledge and skills to care for them.
Inspiring and educating youths to care for their marine environment is important to us
We are committed to share the knowledge on marine conservation
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