Sabah's seagrass revolution: A key to saving marine ecosystems

1 October 2024

KOTA KINABALU: A major environmental restoration effort is gaining momentum in Sabah with the launch of the Seagrass Planting Programme, an initiative dedicated to preserving and restoring the region’s vital marine ecosystems.

The project, spearheaded by Jetama in collaboration with the Faculty of Science and Technology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, is being piloted on Sepanggar Island. This initiative is poised to serve as a blueprint for similar conservation efforts across Sabah, making it a potential game-changer for environmental protection in the region.

According to Jetama CEO Ahmad Naim Uddang, the restoration of subtidal seagrass meadows is essential to the health of marine habitats, which are increasingly threatened by climate change and human activities.

"As a forward-thinking company, we recognise that corporate responsibility, particularly in environmental sustainability, is not just an obligation but a critical factor for long-term success," said Naim. He emphasized that the Seagrass Planting Programme is a core part of Jetama's Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, particularly focusing on environmental conservation and climate action.

"By enhancing blue carbon capture and safeguarding marine ecosystems, we are not only meeting our environmental obligations but also generating sustainable value for our stakeholders," he added.

This project fits into Jetama’s broader sustainability strategy, which seeks to incorporate environmental objectives directly into the company’s business operations. Such initiatives not only address ecological concerns but also align with global sustainability trends, which are becoming increasingly important for corporate reputations and market competitiveness.

The five-day programme saw the participation of 15 volunteers, including dive instructors, divemasters from Kota Kinabalu and Semporna, and local residents from Pulau Sepanggar. These volunteers worked tirelessly to plant seagrass, contributing to a cause that will benefit not only local ecosystems but also global climate efforts.

Seagrass is widely recognized as a key player in blue carbon capture, with the ability to absorb carbon dioxide at a rate up to 35 times faster than tropical rainforests. By storing carbon in its roots and the surrounding sediments, seagrass meadows help mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing atmospheric carbon levels.

However, the benefits of seagrass extend far beyond carbon sequestration. These underwater meadows provide critical habitats for endangered marine species such as green turtles and dugongs. Seagrass also enhances water quality by filtering out sediments and pollutants, while stabilizing the seabed to prevent coastal erosion.

“This initiative is not just about protecting marine life but also about contributing to the broader global fight against climate change,” Naim said, highlighting the programme's relevance to international environmental goals.

As Sabah continues its efforts to protect its natural resources, the Seagrass Planting Programme is set to become a vital piece of the puzzle, demonstrating how local actions can have a significant global impact.