MERSING, 4 JULY 2024 – Reef Check Malaysia’s Cintai Mersing team has embarked on an inspiring journey to train future conservation leaders among the islanders of the Mersing group of islands.
This program aims to enhance the local community’s capacity and skills to participate actively in marine resource management.
“I wanted to learn how to better care for our marine environment, knowing that our marine ecosystem is a finite resource,” commented Adilah Ahmad, one of the local youth participants.
Adilah Ahmad gained a deeper understanding of the marine environment
Funded by Star Foundation under its Star Social Impact Grant (SSIG) programme, this project has seen significant achievements. Ten youths have received Open Water scuba diving certification, which includes comprehensive knowledge and skill development.
Reef Check Malaysia are training local Mersing youths to be the next marine conservation leaders
“Becoming a skilful diver is crucial for conducting underwater conservation activities. My best experience was the improvement I made in terms of buoyancy, which greatly enhanced my ability to carry out underwater cleanups. My favourite activities underwater are ghost net cleanups and coral predator removal.” said Muhamad Helmy, Mersing local youth from Pulau Pemanggil.
Additionally, these youths are trained in reef rehabilitation, receiving basic coral reef biology and ecology training, and learning about the threats facing coral reefs. They also gained hands-on experience, having planted over 100 coral fragments and conducted 8 coral bleaching monitoring surveys.
“We want to equip the youths with the knowledge to care for their surroundings. That is why, in addition to scuba diving certification, we also train them on ways to care for coral reefs,” commented Nazirul Amin, Programme Manager of Cintai Mersing.
This project builds upon the existing Heart of the Ocean program which has supported Cintai Mersing since its inception. The aim is to improve ocean health by increasing reef resilience and reducing threats to marine biodiversity from plastic pollution.
Furthermore, participants receive training in installing mooring buoys, removing coral predators, and conducting underwater and beach cleanups. To date, the youths have installed 4 mooring buoys, cleared more than 100 kg marine debris from reefs and removed 21 Crown-of-thorns starfish (COTs).
The youths receive various training to carry out marine conservation
“We hope to equip these local youths with enough knowledge and skills to be the next marine conservation leaders that can protect Mersing islands’ marine biodiversity.” Nazirul added.
Muhamad Helmy hopes to continue contributing to the conservation of the marine ecosystem in the Mersing Islands
When asked what his hopes are after joining the program, Muhamad Helmy said,” I hope to continue contributing to the conservation of the marine ecosystem in the Mersing Islands and to be given more opportunities to do so.”
For more information on Reef Check Malaysia, you may visit them on their website, Facebook and Instagram or contact them at hello@reefcheck.org.my.
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