Protect Coral Reefs in Malaysia

A total of 12 youths from the Larapan Island, located off Sabah’s east coast Semporna district, underwent an "EcoDiver" training course with Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) to gain knowledge in reef management and marine conservation. Now certified as EcoDivers, their duties involve monitoring the coral reefs and conducting surveys to gain insight into the health of the local reefs, all done using the Reef Check survey method. 

Marine conservation, especially coral reef monitoring, has been the domain of marine biologists and researchers. As such, local communities were disengaged and uninformed about the riches of their coastal environments. This training aimed to equip the local with skills and knowledge to monitor their own reefs and be aware of its condition. 

“When I began working with the youth in Larapan Island, I noticed their unwavering passion to gain a deeper understanding of the marine ecosystem. After extensive training and mentoring, they are more dedicated to protecting their island’s treasures,” said Adzmin Fatta, RCM Programme Manager. 

A remarkable achievement stemming from the collaboration between the Larapan youth, Universiti Malaysia Sabah and another NGO, the Green Semporna, is the identification of 211 hard coral species – 13 of which are newly added to the list of Sabah coral species. This remarkable record constitutes 53% of the 397 reef-building coral species found along the east coast of Sabah.

Adzmin hoped the youth would continue to learn and inspire others to sustainably manage the island. “When youth are provided with the right support and resources, they can mobilise impactful action on the ground within their community. This is what we aspire to see, and this is what we are witnessing now in Larapan,” he added.

Links:

• Local youth in Malaysia guard coral reefs
• Bright future for island's reefs, thanks to local youth

In 2011, a young 11-year old boy excitedly packed his bags for a 3-day Coral Reef Camp held at his school on Redang Island. It was there that he met the newest colleagues of Reef Check Malaysia, Alvin and Sue, who were there assisting the activities during the camp. This Coral Reef Camp (aka CRC), was part two of a three-part marine educational programme held for primary school students based on islands, carried out by Reef Check Malaysia (RCM). This young boy remembered how excited he was to learn more about the ocean and coral reefs. 

Growing up on the island, Muhaimin loved the ocean, spending a lot of time swimming and snorkeling too, as his father was a SCUBA diving instructor with a local resort on the island. His love for the ocean made him passionate about protecting it. Fast forward to 2023, almost 12 years later, Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) kicked off the long-term community programme called "Cintai Redang" on Redang Island. Our aim is to build the resilience of coral reefs and the local community on the island, empowering them to take on greater roles in the management of the island and its marine resources. 

To initiate this effort, our colleague began speaking to the local islanders, wanting to recruit interested individuals to be a part of the Redang Marine Conservation Group (RMCG). This group would be trained with the necessary skills to help with marine conservation activities. An excited Muhaimin heard the news and saw his golden opportunity to finally channel all his passion and energy into meaningful work, making his dream a reality.

Today, he is a proud member of the RMCG, and he wants to make it his duty to preserve the corals and marine life in Redang for the next generation. He credits his interest and passion to the educational programmes held by RCM more than 10 years ago. "This programme made me realise the importance of coral reefs, and the importance of marine life. I've also seen the impact of pollution and plastics we use on the sea. I've realised I need to step up and ensure that the seas and marine life in Redang stays the way it is," says Muhaimin. Earlier this year, he was reunited with Alvin and Sue (who are still working with RCM today), whom he remembers from his camp in 2011! What a pleasant surprise it was! A couple of months ago, Muhaimin joined Reef Check Malaysia full time, as an Assistant Programme Manager, based on Redang Island. 

Muhaimin's story is just one of the few heart-warming examples of how RCM's work have made an impact in the lives of the local island communities. From a young boy attending RCM's marine education programmes, to joining the RMCG and now as a full-time staff of RCM, Muhaimin's journey shows us how significant education and awareness is, and how it's transformed one boy into a warrior for the reefs around his island. 

NOTE: Giving Tuesday is happening on 28th November 2023. This is an opportunity for us to get all eligible donations between 12:00 EST to 11:59 EST on Nov 28 to be MATCHED by GlobalGiving!

If you believe in our cause and what we do, gather your friends and family to join you in supporting us, especially on 28th November 2023. Donations can be conveniently made through various methods, including credit/debit cards and Paypal.

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