UMS exploring innovation to tackle worsening ocean pollution

 By Olivia Miwil - February 21, 2022 @ 4:42pm

The issue of ocean pollution is now deemed as a people problem and requires new innovations for effective solutions, said Universiti Malaysia Sabah vice chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap. - Pic courtesy of UMS

KOTA KINABALU: The issue of ocean pollution is now deemed as a people problem and requires new innovations for effective solutions, said Universiti Malaysia Sabah vice chancellor Professor Datuk Dr Taufiq Yap.

"People have been using ocean resources since ancient times and it is only in recent decades that their sustainability has been threatened by new challenges.

"Issues such as overfishing, pollution, habitat degradation, ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and most recently, microplastic pollution, are challenges that lead to biodiversity loss and species being threatened in our oceans.

"Thus, all of society should be geared towards sustainable use of these precious resources," he said during a welcoming speech for Turkish ambassador to Malaysia Dr Merve Safa Kavakci and her entourage at UMS's Azman Hashim gallery.

The Republic's world renowned freediver Sahika Ercumen was also invited to share an inspirational talk about her life, achievements and the marine situation.

Yap added that for the people to build a more sustainable relationship with the ocean, what was needed is to explore new management methods which offer effective solutions.

"Innovations can offer something better in the future than what we consider as best today.

"I believe in the power of innovations. It can shape the course of socio-economic development and help us become a high-income nation.

"So let us exchange ideas on how to develop sustainable relationships with the vast ecosystem, so that it continues to provide services to us and to our future generations."

As for Sabah, Yap said the state's geographical location together with its natural richness and wealth of marine biodiversity allows it to be a premium tourist destination.

"Hence, together with the Sabah State Government and Sabah Tourism Board as well as local stakeholders, UMS is working hand-in-hand in research and innovation in marine sciences, marine bioprospecting, fisheries, aquaculture and, of course, marine eco-tourism.