KOTA KINABALU: A seagrass planting pilot programme has been conducted in waters off Sepanggar Island to help restore Sabah's vital marine ecosystems.
The initiative is a joint effort between state-owned Jetama Sdn Bhd and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's Faculty of Science and Technology.
Jetama CEO Ahmad Naim Uddang said the pilot programme will serve as a blueprint for future conservation efforts.
"Corporate responsibility and sustainability are essential to long-term success," he said Tuesday (Oct 1).
Plans are in the pipeline to expand the project to other key areas across the region.
The project focuses on the establishment of sub-tidal seagrass meadows, which play a crucial role in preserving marine habitats.
Seagrass is a potent tool for blue carbon capture, storing carbon up to 35 times faster than rainforests, making it a critical asset in the global fight against climate change.
Additionally, seagrass beds support marine life such as green turtles and dugongs, improve water quality by filtering sediments, and protect coastlines by stabilising the seabed and preventing erosion.
The initiative was a five-day effort involving 15 volunteers, including dive instructors, divemasters from Kota Kinabalu and Semporna, and villagers from Sepanggar.
Jetama is wholly owned by the Sabah government through Kota Kinabalu Waters Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Sabah Development Bank Berhad responsible for the production of treated water for its concession area encompassing Kota Kinabalu and nearby districts.
