15.3.5 : Collaboration for shared land ecosystems
Warga komuniti flat MHB semarak Kempen 1 Rumah 1 Pokok
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) demonstrates a deep and technologically integrated commitment to maintaining shared land ecosystems through its partnership with the Flat MHB residential community in Pasir Gudang, Johor. This sustained effort, spearheaded by researchers from the Faculty of Built Environment and Surveying (FABU), exemplifies effective collaboration that goes beyond simple outreach to establish a model of co-managed ecological restoration.
The initiative, centered on the “1 Rumah 1 Pokok” (1 House 1 Tree) Campaign, saw the joint planting and long-term care of 100 rare, native fruit species seedlings within the MMHE Flat Community Garden, a shared land ecosystem. This project directly addresses the maintenance of local biodiversity in a co-owned communal space.
Crucially, UTM introduced and provided specialized training to the Flat MHB residents on the use of the proprietary GeoTrees mobile Geographic Information System (GIS) application. This strategic transfer of technology transformed tree maintenance into a citizen science activity, enabling residents to actively engage in the long-term sustainability of the ecosystem.
Through the GeoTrees platform, the community is empowered to:
- Systematically monitor the growth and health of each planted tree.
- Accurately record essential maintenance activities such as fertilization, weeding, and watering, thus formalizing their care efforts.
- Participate in a ‘community ranking’ system to incentivize and recognize ongoing stewardship.
This collaboration is explicitly designed to actively involve the community in the "care and monitoring" of the shared green space. By transforming this community garden into a 'Living Lab', UTM uses its academic expertise and resources to facilitate community-led ecological maintenance, ensuring the long-term viability of the shared green lungs for future generations and fulfilling the objective of maintaining shared land ecosystems.
Source :
https://news.utm.my/2024/11/warga-komuniti-flat-mhb-semarak-kempen-1-rumah-1-pokok/
Program Penanaman Pokok Herba pupuk kelestarian di Kampung Pasir
Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), through its Kolej Tun Hussein Onn (KTHO) and the Kelab Siswa Aktif (KESIA), has established a replicable model for collaboration with the local community to maintain shared land ecosystems, specifically within the Kebun Komuniti Kampung Pasir, Tampoi. This initiative, the "Ornamental and Herbal Tree Planting Program," successfully unified academic expertise, local authority support, and citizen participation to foster long-term environmental stewardship.
The program’s core strength lies in its hands-on collaboration. A total of 40 UTM students worked directly alongside 22 Kampung Pasir residents, demonstrating a dedicated mobilization of resources across different community segments. The partnership with the Johor Bahru City Council (MBJB) was instrumental, providing essential, practical skills training. Residents received detailed briefings and demonstrations on proper planting techniques, effective crop care methods, and the identification of various herbal species.
This focus on transferring practical skills is a strategic move to ensure the enduring maintenance and sustainability of the shared land. By equipping residents with the necessary knowledge to care for the newly planted ecosystem, the program transitions from a one-off event to a foundation for continuous, community-led management. The objective is not merely to plant trees, but to “foster community awareness of environmental sustainability” and inspire a “spirit of cooperation” that can be applied to other areas.
The initiative successfully positioned the community garden as a living educational asset, actively empowering residents with the skills to green their surroundings and mitigate environmental issues like climate change. This model of synergy—where an educational institution provides manpower and coordination, the local authority delivers technical knowledge, and the community commits to long-term maintenance—proves that small-scale efforts can yield a significant impact on the preservation of shared land ecosystems for future generations.
Source :
https://news.utm.my/2024/10/program-penanaman-pokok-herba-pupuk-kelestarian-di-kampung-pasir/
