KUCHING: The Swinburne Green Club focused on the importance of conserving the world’s vast biodiversity – from obscure plants to marine life and iconic species in conjunction with the International Day of Biological Diversity.
The event, held online, attracted a total of 50 participants comprising students from SMK Three Rivers in Mukah, St Michael’s Institution in Ipoh, Perak; SK Jalan Bintang in Miri and Unitar International University, as well as an audience from the Sarikei District Office and members of the public.
“We invited three speakers from diverse organisations to promote and conserve Malaysia’s biological diversity.
“The speakers were research officer from Sarawak Biodiversity Centre Harny Chapi; founder and advisor of the Sarawak Eco-Warriors Mark Liao; and Hymeir Kamarudin, conservationist and owner of Earth Lodge in Ulu Muda, Kedah,” said a club spokesperson.
Harny explained on biodiversity, its value and threats that endanger biodiversity, and actions that humans can take to help conserve it.
Liao, a Swinburne alumnus, spoke on conservation and volunteerism. He shared about how ordinary people could impact the environment – from the activities they do to what they consume even during the pandemic when one must practise social distancing.
“Virtual clean-ups could be the answer to those who wish to take action and who miss the beach clean-ups of old,” he added.
Hemier, with thirty years of conservation experience under his belt, offered a wealth of information on the little-known area of Ulu Muda in Kedah which is a water catchment for Kedah and several neighbouring states.
He also shared his unique perspective on running an eco-lodge, prefering few visitors in order to sustain the wilderness in the area for long-term eco-tourism.
