AN INITIATIVE aimed at boosting mangrove conservation awareness among schoolchildren took place in Kota Tinggi, Johor.
The Mangrove Forests Education and Awareness carnival was part of the Mangrove Forest Ranger programme involving schools in the district.
Ten schools participated in numerous activities over the course of two weeks in an effort to increase awareness and engagement in the conservation of mangrove forests.
The closing ceremony at SMK Laksamana was attended by representatives from Aramco Malaysia, Global Environment Centre (GEC), Kota Tinggi District Education Office (PPD) and Friends of Mangrove Forests Pulau Tanjung Surat.
The schools were SK Kampong Layau, SJK (T) Jalan Tajul, SJK (C) Pei Hwa, SJK (C) New Kota, SK Bandar, SK Taman Kota Jaya, SMK Semenchu, SMK Bandar, SMK Seri Aman and SMK Laksamana.
Nearly 5,000 students and teachers participated in the carnival.
The event was also supported by Johor Forestry Department.
One of the objectives is to educate students, teachers and the community about mangrove forests and climate change, while encouraging conservation practices.
Johor Education Department deputy director Kuswandi Tayen, who attended the closing ceremony, said: “This represents a significant milestone in building awareness among future generations about the importance of environmental conservation, especially mangrove forests.”
Mohamad Fadil Ishak from PPD Kota Tinggi said they recognised the importance of the programme in developing awareness of marine ecosystems among students.
“We hope that this effort can be continued in the future,” he said.
GEC director Faizal Parish said the programme not only provided knowledge to students but also stimulated a sense of responsibility towards the environment.
“This is a crucial asset for transforming environmental education for the health of the planet,” he said.
Aramco Malaysia managing director Ayman M. Hoho said the initiative aimed to disseminate information and knowledge to increase awareness among young generations and the community about the importance of conservation and restoration of mangrove forests.
The programme will continue for another two years, with a focus on an additional 20 schools in the Kota Tinggi district.
