Kuala terengganu: Recognising the vital role of seagrass in Malaysia's marine ecosystem, the Terengganu City and Nature Guide Association (TCNGA) is equipping its members with expert knowledge to serve as 'micro ambassadors', providing accurate information on the plant to tourists and local communities. Its chairman, Mohd Nor Ismail, said based on the experience of most members, public and tourist awareness of the importance of seagrass conservation remains low.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohd Nor stated that many people do not know what seagrass is or the role it plays in the ecosystem. He emphasized that tour guides are seen as the best medium to raise public awareness. He shared this insight at the Community Education and Engagement Programme for Seagrass Awareness (Phase Four), organised by Yayasan PETRONAS in collaboration with Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) as the implementing partner.
Mohd Nor explained that the association has been working with Yayasan PETRONAS and UPM since last year to enhance members' knowledge and awareness of the importance of seagrass, a flowering marine plant, and its habitat. He highlighted the association's continuous participation in various educational programmes to ensure that tour guides have sufficient knowledge about seagrass.
Meanwhile, UPM Seagrass Project head Prof Dr Muta Harah Zakaria explained that seagrass serves as an important breeding ground, shelter, and habitat for various marine species. It also acts as a natural filter that helps maintain water clarity by trapping sediments and reducing seabed erosion. She noted that seagrass helps maintain the balance of the marine ecosystem, ensuring the sustainability of fisheries resources.
Prof Dr Muta Harah pointed out a common misconception, stating that many people confuse seagrass with seaweed, even though they are entirely different organisms. She detailed that worldwide, there are only about 72 to 80 species of seagrass, of which Malaysia is home to 17 species. In contrast, there are more than 10,000 species of seaweed globally. She mentioned that Terengganu is home to 10 seagrass species, commonly found in Kemaman, Setiu, and Paka in Dungun.
Under the collaboration between Yayasan PETRONAS and UPM, mapping of seagrass habitats is currently being carried out in nearly all states in Peninsular Malaysia. This effort aims to assess the latest status of the ecosystem, identify the locations and extent of seagrass meadows, detect any new species, and measure the amount of carbon stored by the plants to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Yayasan PETRONAS Chief Executive Officer Shariah Nelly Francis stated that the collaboration with UPM and TCNGA is also intended to encourage greater public participation in fostering a sense of responsibility for protecting the marine ecosystem. She highlighted the mapping project, expected to be completed in 2026, and the objective of raising awareness about the importance of seagrass among all segments of society.
Shariah Nelly added that as part of its social impact commitment, Yayasan PETRONAS plays an important role in supporting seagrass mapping and conservation efforts. This involves collaboration with researchers, government agencies, and local communities to work towards the shared goal of preserving the ecosystem for future generations. The initiative also includes Universiti Malaya and Universiti Malaysia Sabah as implementing partners for seagrass mapping and community engagement programmes, with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia and the Sabah Biodiversity Centre as strategic partners.