KOTA KINABALU: The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today marks the beginning of seagrass mapping and community-based programmes in Sabah.
The five-year collaboration is between Yayasan Petronas and the Sabah Biodiversity Centre (SaBC).
Yayasan Petronas chief executive officer Shariah Nelly Francis said seagrass meadows are a crucial part of marine ecosystems in maintaining the worldwide ecological balance, yet they are still relatively unexplored in terms of conservation compared to coral reefs.
"This MoU with SaBC will enable us to jointly look at ways to effectively map seagrass meadows in Sabah towards conserving and managing this precious marine ecosystem, protecting biodiversity, and supporting the socio-economic benefits of local communities.
"Conserving seagrass is only one part of the solution. The other, equally if not more critical part, is to work together with local communities to create positive actions on the marine ecosystem," Shariah said in a statement.
She added that the collaboration with SaBC will involve engagement with local communities to raise awareness and understanding of the importance of seagrass conservation and protection.
Shariah signed on behalf of Yayasan Petronas, while SaBC was represented by its director, Dr Gerald Jetony.
State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong witnessed the signing ceremony.