Participants of the MyCoral Community Diver project can now use their skills to create eco-tourism and coral restoration tour packages.
A private university located in Shah Alam, Selangor, has made strides in both marine preservation and community empowerment with the MyCoral Community Diver Project.
The initiative by Management and Science University (MSU), which ran from March to May at Nelayan Resort and Taman Laut Pulau Redang, was launched as an effort to preserve coral reefs and support local communities in Setiu, Terengganu.
Backed by the All Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia for Sustainable Development Goals (APPGM-SDG) Income Generation Grant, the project was aimed at training 10 local community members including fishermen, boatmen, students and their families as certified scuba divers and coral restoration experts.
This drive, which is part of the university’s MyCoral Eco Marine Project, also sought to educate, generate income and foster community involvement in coral reef preservation.
Participants underwent a comprehensive 12-module training programme covering scuba diving techniques, coral restoration methods, digital marketing, and financial literacy.
By obtaining scuba diving certifications and mastering coral restoration techniques, the participants would now be able to generate income through eco-tourism and coral restoration tour packages, thus promoting economic sustainability within the community.
The project was organised in collaboration with the Fisheries Department, Dorken Reef Resources, RAH Venture and Setiu Area Fishermen Association to ensure a holistic approach to marine conservation and community development.
MSU, through its International Medical School MyCoral Eco Marine Project, is seeking to raise awareness on the importance of artificial reefs.
The knowledge transfer programme aims to enhance marine life and ecosystems while supporting the fishing community of Malaysia’s Redang Island, located off the coast of Terengganu.
The MyCoral project marks its seventh edition this year, since it was first introduced in 2016.
