Kota Kinabalu: Seagrass Guardians co-founder Michael Yap said awareness on the importance and conservation of seagrass is still low.
He said like other habitats, the seagrass also faces the same problems due to human activities and climate change, which affects sea-level rise that prevents seagrass growth and reproduction.
Seagrass is the only flowering plant adapted in the marine environment, he said, adding the seagrass protect the coast, maintain good water quality, and support biodiversity habitats of flora and fauna, among the few.
“In others countries, the seagrass is used for medicines such as treating skin problems, scalp and dandruff problems and other health problems. In addition, seagrass is able to produce 100,000 litres of oxygen per day and the seagrass also help to balance other marine ecosystems,” he said at a discourse on “Seagrass and Climate Change” organised by the Centre for Research and Innovation Management (CRIM), University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF), here, recently.
CRIM Director, Professor Junaenah, said the event was aimed at nurturing and enhancing awareness among students, lecturers and communities on the importance and function of seagrass in the marine ecosystem.
“Our society considers the seagrass as seaweed, but it is two different things. Therefore, we take the initiative to educate students, academics and the public on this differences between seagrass and seaweed,” she said.
It was part of UCSF effort to raise awareness on the threats and problems faced by seagrass due to climate change and human negligence towards the environment, she added.
“This talk is something new because it provides a lot of information on the seagrass that contributes to our marine ecosystem especially in Sabah. Previously, I thought that seagrass and seaweed plants were the same.
“It turned out that after this programme I was able to differentiate both of them,” said one of UCSF lecturers, Khairulanwar Edinin.
He said such a programme is very useful for the community in providing awareness on its preservation and conservation, which is important for future generations.
UCSF Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Academics and Research, Professor Dr Gires Anak Usup and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Business, Development and Corporate Affairs, Dr Alan Lim Wui Tze, among others, were also present.