Biodiversity nexus initiative set to raise global standing

KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) is poised to elevate Malaysia’s global standing in biodiversity and environmental conservation through its Biodiversity Nexus initiative.

Unimas Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Ahmad Hata Rasit said it has established an Institute of Biodiversity and Environmental Conservation (IBEC) focusing on research, education, community engagement and strategic partnerships.

He said the university aims to drive progress in areas such as research innovation, environmental education, community-based conservation, policy advocacy and sustainable practices.

Ahmad Hata expressed gratitude to the World Congress of Herpetology for awarding the 10th Congress hosting to Unimas via the IBEC.

“Since the inception of IBEC, significant contributions to the field have been made – from marine sciences to tropical rainforest ecology, and from biodiversity surveys and inventories to field ecology, phylogenetics, ethnobiology and resource science studies.

“The initiatives will develop more collaborations, raise awareness, promote sustainable practices, and encourage transdisciplinary effective biodiversity and environmental science research.

“I believe that all initiatives will have an impact on our objectives and will contribute to the sustainability global agenda in addressing climate change challenges and solutions,” he said.

He said this during the launching of the 10th World Congress of Herpetology, by Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg at the Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) on Monday (Aug 5).

As a leading higher education institution in Sarawak, Ahmad Hata explained that it is Unimas’ responsibility to collaborate with the Sarawak government and align sustainability, biodiversity, and environmental conservation initiatives with the Post-Covid-19 Development Strategy Sarawak (PCDS2030).

“Working in our capacity as a public university, Unimas has been collaborating with other Sarawak ministries and public agencies such as Sarawak Forestry Corporation and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre.

“This is to promote sustainability, especially in innovative research, consultation, policy and advocacy, as well as strategic engagement with industries and communities,” he added.

Ahmad Hata also revealed that in supporting the agenda, Unimas has to walk the talk.

“At Unimas, we take our environmental responsibility seriously and strive to minimise our impact on the planet.

“To achieve this goal, we assess the environmental impact of our corporate operations, such as greenhouse gas emissions, waste management and water usage and actively monitor and manage these aspects to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices,” he said.