BINTULU，1 July: The Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) is advancing its commitment to marine conservation through the Coral Reef and Reef Ball for Ecosystem Enhancement and Stewardship (COREEFS) 2023-2030 Project, which focuses on the systematic and sustainable restoration of coral reefs across Sarawak.
As the agency responsible for the management of fully protected areas throughout the state, SFC is continuing to prioritise the delicate balance between environmental preservation and sustainable development, said its General Manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.
“We are not only tasked with managing forest reserves and national parks, but also with protecting marine zones that are home to a rich diversity of life.
“However, this biodiversity is increasingly under threat from human activity and climate change,” he said during the launch of the Coral Reef Cleaning Activity under the COREEFS Project, held at the Marine Police Force (PPM) Jetty Base here on Monday.
The COREEFS Project, which began in 2023, is part of SFC’s long term strategy to safeguard marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs that are under growing environmental pressure.
According to Abang Arabi, the initiative goes beyond the installation of reef balls and reef clean up activities.
“This project integrates marine science, advanced monitoring technologies and local community involvement through a holistic conservation approach,” he said.
Since 2000, SFC has established a dedicated unit for the monitoring of coastal and coral reef areas, incorporating scientific research from universities and laboratories into policy and field implementation.
“True conservation happens when knowledge and action work together. That is why we train our staff not only as enforcers, but also as educators and community facilitators,” he added.
In line with its data driven approach, SFC has introduced the use of modern tools such as underwater drones or Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to improve the monitoring of water temperature, turbidity and oxygen levels in coral reef environments.
To further strengthen the impact of the COREEFS Project, SFC has formed strategic partnerships with higher learning institutions including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Malaya (UM) and several others.
These collaborations aim to ensure the success of marine conservation efforts through joint research, innovation and capacity building.
“Through COREEFS and the collective support of our partners, we are confident that Sarawak can emerge as a leader in marine ecosystem preservation in the region,” Abang Arabi said.
The launch ceremony also featured a symbolic flag-off of the rescue diver team and volunteers who will conduct coral reef cleaning activities in the waters here.
The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi.
As the agency responsible for the management of fully protected areas throughout the state, SFC is continuing to prioritise the delicate balance between environmental preservation and sustainable development, said its General Manager Abang Arabi Abang Aimran.
“We are not only tasked with managing forest reserves and national parks, but also with protecting marine zones that are home to a rich diversity of life.
“However, this biodiversity is increasingly under threat from human activity and climate change,” he said during the launch of the Coral Reef Cleaning Activity under the COREEFS Project, held at the Marine Police Force (PPM) Jetty Base here on Monday.
The COREEFS Project, which began in 2023, is part of SFC’s long term strategy to safeguard marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs that are under growing environmental pressure.
According to Abang Arabi, the initiative goes beyond the installation of reef balls and reef clean up activities.
“This project integrates marine science, advanced monitoring technologies and local community involvement through a holistic conservation approach,” he said.
Since 2000, SFC has established a dedicated unit for the monitoring of coastal and coral reef areas, incorporating scientific research from universities and laboratories into policy and field implementation.
“True conservation happens when knowledge and action work together. That is why we train our staff not only as enforcers, but also as educators and community facilitators,” he added.
In line with its data driven approach, SFC has introduced the use of modern tools such as underwater drones or Remote Operated Vehicles (ROVs) to improve the monitoring of water temperature, turbidity and oxygen levels in coral reef environments.
To further strengthen the impact of the COREEFS Project, SFC has formed strategic partnerships with higher learning institutions including Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Universiti Malaya (UM) and several others.
These collaborations aim to ensure the success of marine conservation efforts through joint research, innovation and capacity building.
“Through COREEFS and the collective support of our partners, we are confident that Sarawak can emerge as a leader in marine ecosystem preservation in the region,” Abang Arabi said.
The launch ceremony also featured a symbolic flag-off of the rescue diver team and volunteers who will conduct coral reef cleaning activities in the waters here.
The event was officiated by Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Port Development Datuk Majang Renggi.