14.2.3 : Overfishing (community outreach)
Impact Statement: Fresh-water Ecosystems (Community Outreach) at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, 2024
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) advanced its environmental stewardship agenda through the International Bootcamp Citizen Science held at Hutan Rekreasi UTM Johor Bahru, a collaborative outreach initiative involving international participants, researchers, and local community members. The programme emphasized hands-on learning and citizen engagement in understanding and managing fresh-water ecosystems, particularly focusing on river water quality assessment, ecosystem monitoring, and sustainable water resource management.
Participants conducted field-based experiments to measure pH, dissolved oxygen, and turbidity, while learning about ecological indicators and the impacts of human activity on water systems. Through interactive workshops and guided sessions, communities were exposed to scientific approaches to water conservation and irrigation practices, linking environmental data collection with real-world policy implications.
This initiative directly aligns with the THE Sustainability Impact Ratings by integrating problem identification (urban freshwater degradation and waste discharge), policy awareness (sustainable catchment management), and adaptive learning models that promote continued monitoring beyond the programme. By empowering participants with scientific literacy and practical tools, UTM has fostered a community-driven model of freshwater stewardship, ensuring that knowledge gained translates into measurable local action. The project demonstrates UTM’s commitment to sustainable water ecosystem management, supporting Malaysia’s SDG 6 and SDG 13 targets through participatory education and data-driven conservation strategies.
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