Planting Mangrove trees at Forest City, Johor in collaboration with Kelab Alami & Tenby International School on 21 July 2023. A group of NMUC lecturers, staff and students with the Centre of Community Engagement (CCE) had just come back from a CSR programme with Kelab Alami, together with Tenby International School. The 3-hour programme was held at Forest City, with almost 70 participants all together and we managed to plant almost 500 samplings.
The mangrove forest is very crucial in balancing the ecosystem and contributed to the protection of the shoreline against erosion as well as protecting the surrounding area from extreme climatic change. Mangrove habitats are critical ecosystems that protect both land and sea. Mangrove roots prevent excess rubbish from heading out to sea from land and dissipate waves – preventing erosion and damage to homes.
These are special habitats that can survive regular saltwater inundation. Mangrove forests are homes to myriad animals and are also a source of food for the local community. Many fisheries species use the mangroves as breeding and nursery grounds. Mukim Tg Kupang is home to a long stretch of coastal mangroves and our rivers are also lined with mangrove forests. However, the researchers are unsure how long these habitats will last as they might eventually be lost to development.
As an educational institution, NMUC has long recognised the importance of preserving the natural environment which is sustaining all life on Earth. Through its continuous environment-based CSR initiatives, NMUC CCE remains steadfast in safeguarding the natural beauty surrounding the port as well as the neighbouring community. Therefore, together with Kelab Alami, the opportunities to be in the frontline of protecting mangrove samplings should not be wasted, and our main contribution will be in the form of manpower in providing volunteers (from students and staff). Thank You.
