Kota Kinabalu: Kota Kinabalu-based Reef Check Malaysia Programme Manager Nadhira Mohd Rifai said local communities play a key role in preserving marine ecosystems while benefiting from sustainable economic opportunities of the Blue Economy.
“Our programme’s cornerstone is the establishment of the Community Marine Conservation Groups. To date, we have six such groups, with four based in Semporna, namely the Kulapuan, Larapan, Selakan Marine Conservation Groups and Mabul Climate Youths.
“These groups are at the forefront of local efforts, participating in various activities aimed at preserving marine ecosystems,” she told a forum on Blue Economy: Social Inclusion and Community Empowerment, here, Sunday.
She said the Reef Check programme operates on two main fronts, namely coral reef conservation and community-based waste management.
“Our coral reef conservation includes conducting reef check surveys, monitoring coral bleaching and implementing reef restoration projects.
“While our community-based waste management is primarily focused on managing household solid waste on islands, the initiative also plays an important role in preventing marine pollution,” she said.
In addition, they also provide a range of training opportunities tailored to local needs, including eco-friendly snorkel guide certification, diving certifications and advanced dive-related activities, reef check eco-diver training, reef restoration methods and coral bleaching monitoring and solid waste management and segregation.
“Beyond these technical skills, we also focus on developing participants’ social skills, confidence and leadership abilities,” she said.
She said the comprehensive training provided by the Reef Check Programme has opened up new employment avenues for the local community.
“Participants can either join in our programme’s initiatives, receiving honorariums or salaries or secure jobs with local resorts and dive operators.
“We have had several youths from Mabul Island now working as dive or snorkelling guides and contributing to the local Blue Economy while still participating in conservation programmes,” she said.
She said many local communities were already engaged in activities aligned with Blue Economy principles, even if they did not use that terminology.
Citing an example, she said the community in Semporna’s Selakan Island has been proactively protecting their waters from encroachers and illegal fishing practices, including fish bombings.
“We also collaborate with Sabah Parks and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment to further empower these communities by providing training for Honorary Park Rangers and giving them legal authority to enforce conservation measures in their localities,” she said.
She said community-led conservation efforts can be a driving force in both environmental protection and economic development.
“By empowering local communities with skills, knowledge and legal authority, we have created a sustainable model that could be replicated in other coastal areas facing similar challenges,” she said.
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