PASIR GUDANG, JOHOR, 18 APRIL 2022 – In collaboration with Reef Check Malaysia, Dr Jillian Ooi and Affendi Yang Amri of Universiti Malaya are leading a new initiative to train a group of volunteers from DIALOG Group Berhad, MyKasih Foundation, and members from the local community in seagrass monitoring and conservation in Tanjung Langsat, Johor.

Seagrass meadows are one of the most important and productive ecosystems in the ocean, yet are often neglected. According to a 2009 research paper which reviewed the status of seagrass around the world, the rate of decline has been 7% per year since 1990. This is reflected in Malaysia, where seagrass meadows have been disappearing over the last 20 years.

Seagrass meadows provide ideal conditions for the growth and abundance of numerous invertebrates and fishes that many coastal communities collect and catch for their livelihoods. These marine animals are also often the seafood we consume at our dinner table.

According to Dr Jillian Ooi, a seagrass specialist at Universiti Malaya: “Seagrass meadows are vital to communities as they provide food and protection from floods. This project gives us a great opportunity to learn in more detail what the current situation is in this area of Johor and what we need to do to protect these important natural assets.”

Once this citizen science initiative is established, volunteers will help collect and share valuable seagrass monitoring data with experts for assessment. Dr. Jillian and Affendi will also be engaging with local communities in Johor to learn about the traditional ecological knowledge that these communities have about seagrass ecosystems and to share their research findings to help those communities govern and manage their natural resources effectively.

Executive Chairman of DIALOG Group Berhad, Tan Sri Dr Ngau Boon Keat added that this collaboration is in line with the Group’s long-term objective of enabling food security and sustainable livelihood for communities’ dependent on the ecosystem. Additionally, it is a great opportunity for the Group to contribute positively towards its ESG objectives and align with Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 14 (Life Under Water) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Every month starting April 2022, 10-15 staff volunteers from DIALOG will be taking turns to learn from the UM specialists about seagrass and what they can do as ordinary citizen scientists in collecting vital data for research. The engagement will be expanded to include local community members such as students in nearby schools, which DIALOG is supporting.

Involving the public and local communities in this activity is important to raise awareness and foster stewardship of seagrass in Malaysia. With the outcomes of this initiative, Reef Check Malaysia will lead efforts to encourage the State government to make greater strides to conserve seagrass meadows in Johor.

Julian Hyde, General Manager of Reef Check Malaysia, said: “You don’t need to be an ecologist or an expert about seagrass to make an impact. You can start simply by learning more about seagrass or taking part in seagrass monitoring activities that are happening near you.”

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