BRAVING the heat and sloshing through mud, a group of students from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) had a fun time planting 100 mangrove saplings from the mangrove oil species (Rhizophora apiculata) at Sungai Tukun near Penang National Park (Taman Negara) in Teluk Bahang recently.
The one-day programme, known as ‘Le Tour De Restoration’, was carried out on Jan 7 jointly by the state Economic Planning Department (BPEN), Penang Fisheries Department and Penang National Park.
The programme director Mohamad Nabil Che Anuar said a total of 14 students from the Faculty of Modern Languages and Communication at UPM took part in the programme.
“The ‘Le Tour De Restoration’ programme in Penang is part of our intervention efforts to prevent, remediate and mitigate soil erosion along a coastal stretch while helping to protect the ecosystem of aquatic life.
“This programme also gives exposure to our students about the importance of protecting the environment, flora and fauna, especially the mangrove forest.
“At the same time, it also creates awareness of the importance of a healthy mangrove ecosystem among the local community.
“Le Tour De Restoration programme has also been designed to increase the aesthetic value of the environment and coastal habitat in Penang as a tourist attraction through education and environmental awareness,” Mohamad Nabil said in a statement.
Mohamad Nabil added that the group went to Kerachut Beach to learn more about the country’s one and only Meromictic Lake, a lake which has both saltwater and freshwater, yet they do not mix.
“We were also briefed on turtles and the role of the turtle sanctuary that is located at the end of the beach and managed by the state Fisheries Department,” he said.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix courtesy of Universiti Putra Malaysia