KOTA KINABALU: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is working with grassroots communities to raise awareness about the importance of protecting mangrove forest ecosystems.
Academics participated in the Service Learning Malaysia’s “Future Youth, Future Proof” (FYFP) programme, aiming to educate villagers on conservation efforts.
An event was held over the weekend at Kampung Serbang in Sabah’s south-western Bongowan town to highlight the importance of conservation and help locals explore eco-tourism potential.
UMS’ FYFP coordinator Dr Rosmalina Abdul Rashid said the programme, organised by the UMS’ Faculty of Tropical Forestry, was aimed at giving the community insight into the importance of conserving the Bongawan River’s mangrove ecosystem to ensure the sustainability of natural resources.
“It is important to take care of the mangrove ecosystem as it is a habitat for insects and wildlife such as fireflies, proboscis monkeys as well as reptiles like crocodiles,” she said, adding that some 20 community members involved in developing eco-tourism products in the village had participated in the programme.
“Among the activities held was the planting of 120 mangrove saplings donated by the Sabah Forestry Department.”
Rosmalina said the programme would also help students understand the need to help the local community in matters related to forestry and eco-tourism.
