Three NGOs team up to help restore nature
Published on: Thursday, August 11, 2016
Kota Kinabalu: Three non-governmental organisations (NGOs), namely JCI Luyang, The Hungry Movement and Lions Clubs (Tg Aru, KK Central and New Century) embarked on a joint effort to restore nature by planting corals near Sapi Island off here recently.The event, which was co-ordinated by Borneo Reef World (BRW) under its Managing Director Theresa Tham, saw active participation by members of the NGOs.According to JCI Malaysia National President Dato' Terry Ong who was present to witness the event, it was in line with the association partnering with United Nations Development and Goal (UNDG) where conserving and preserving nature is one of the main objectives.
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"It is crucial to exercise sustainability if we want to 'save' our mother Earth. There are so many things to do and we need the public, community and NGOs to come forward and play their part in restoring our beautiful nature before it is too late."Planting of corals is one of the ways to restore our beautiful scenery under water. Great efforts have been done and we are continuing this work to get more population of corals, hence beautifying our underwater scenery," explained Terry.He urged young people to come forward and take part in this worthy cause."We cannot do it with this small community, we need everyone's help to increase the population of corals.
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It is also a way to create awareness and that protecting nature is everybody's responsibility," he stressed.BRW Managing Director Theresa Tham said it is no longer only professional divers who could go underwater for the sea-walking activity, but the public as well who do not have a diving licence.
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The planting of corals was done through the sea-walking activity where a big frame was provided for growing new corals."Those who want to take up sea-walking can assist us in planting corals. We need to see its multiplication so that we can have beautiful surroundings once again. "It is important for us to respect the ocean by not destroying anything that is growing underneath the water. In doing so, we are giving life to nature and hence, nature gives us peace of mind with good and healthy environment," emphasised Theresa.Sabah Park Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Dr Zainal Adlin, who was delighted with the presence of young members from the NGOs, encouraged them to continue pursuing their mission to help restore and maintain nature."Sometimes strong waves damage the corals, which is out of our control. Therefore, we need your help to continue making this effort in multiplying the growth of corals through planting," he said."We started doing the coral survey and discovered beautiful sights under the water because of the presence of these many species of corals. It was then gazetted a year after. So, the existence of corals was already discovered long ago, and all the more we need and have to restore it before many species disappear in no times.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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