The “Mangrove-ing Our Land” programme was organised by the Malaysian National Commission for UNESCO (MNCU) on 21 August 2023, at Kilim Karst Geoforest Park in Langkawi. The inaugural programme by the MNCU was held on the occasion of the 2023 UNESCO International Day for the Conservation of the Mangrove Ecosystem. Under the banner of “Protecting Nature, Better Future,” the event was officiated by H.E. Fadhlina Sidek, who is the Minister of Education Malaysia and also holds the position of MNCU President. In attendance were representatives from the Ministry of Education Malaysia, Langkawi Development Authority (LADA), educators, students from local schools in and around Langkawi, as well as environmental stakeholders.
The primary objective of this initiative was to enhance public consciousness regarding the pivotal role played by mangrove forests in upholding the sustainability of coastal natural ecosystems. Beyond incorporating educational elements related to mangrove species, the programme aimed to provide insight into activities by expanding knowledge, the effective management, and preservation of ecosystems within the designated sites of Biosphere Reserve, World Heritage, and Geoparks. H.E Fadhlina Sidek also introduced the “One Student, One Tree” initiative, which encourages the planting of mangrove trees among schoolchildren. Further, she advocated for schools to include visits to the Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark (LUGGp) site as part of their outdoor learning experiences, thereby empowering both students and educators as Geopark Ambassadors. This initiative aligns with UNESCO’s focus on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) towards the achievement of Sustainable Development Goal 4: Ensuring Quality Education as stipulated within the framework of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The programme also includes a visit to Pulau Tuba Public School. The school has been listed as one of the 29 Geopark Schools in Langkawi and run by LADA under the ambit of LUGGp. The programme creates awareness and encourages students and teachers to become Geopark Ambassadors by managing their own Geopark Corner within the school compound.
Recording of the programme can be viewed here:
