Reported by Diya Aretha, Nur Intessar, and Aina Zulaikha
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Enhanced understanding of the impacts of marine plastic pollution: Students gained a better understanding of marine plastic pollution and its harmful effects through the Deep Dive Dialogue conducted by the MareCet representative. The program emphasized awareness about how plastic pollution harms ocean ecosystems, leaving students more informed about Langkawi’s marine environment.
- Identifying sustainable behavioral practices that lead to environmental changes: Students realized that their daily activities, such as creating upcycled pouches from recycled materials, can help reduce plastic waste production and develop sustainable environmental habits. The program introduced students to practical ways to tackle plastic pollution, equipping them with valuable solutions.
1) MAIN HIGHLIGHTS
Title: Ocean Guardians Workshop at MRSM Langkawi
Date: 26th July 2024
Time: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Venue: Dewan Al Biruni, MRSM Langkawi
Organizers: MRSM Langkawi in collaboration with ASEAN-Japan Centre and Marine Mammal Conservation (MareCet)
Participants: All Form 1 to Form 3 students (aged 13 to 16) from MRSM Langkawi
No. of participants: 406 students
2) INTRODUCTION
The Ocean Guardians Workshop aimed to increase awareness about the importance of ocean conservation and marine ecosystems among MRSM Langkawi students. This aligns with global efforts to address environmental challenges and nurture responsible future leaders.
Langkawi, as a UNESCO Global Geopark, faces specific environmental challenges, particularly related to marine pollution. The increasing tourism activities have led to a rise in plastic waste, threatening the island’s unique marine ecosystem. The workshop aimed to address these local challenges while connecting them to global conservation efforts.
3) OBJECTIVES
- Increase awareness about marine plastic pollution and its impacts on ocean ecosystems, with a focus on Langkawi’s marine environment.
- Educate students on local and global initiatives addressing ocean conservation.
- Develop practical skills for reducing personal plastic waste and promoting sustainable habits.
4) ACTIVITIES IMPLEMENTED
4.1 Opening Speech
A brief welcome address by Teacher Mimi Syadzlina, our advisor, highlighted the importance of marine conservation and set the tone for the day’s activities.
4.2 Breaking the Ice
Interactive team-building activities designed to engage students and introduce marine conservation concepts in a fun, approachable manner, were organized by the Ice Breaking Committee.
Students participated in a marine life-themed game of charades as an ice-breaking activity
4.3 Deep Dive Dialogue
Ms. Aizatul Jasmine Azizan, the Outreach & Education Coordinator of MareCet, delivered an online lecture on marine plastic pollution, its impacts, and current conservation efforts. MareCet (pronounced ma-rei-set) is the first marine research and conservation NGO in Malaysia, which focuses on increasing scientific knowledge through research, conservation-based outreach and education, strengthening policies, and developing capacity for this field of work.
Even though the speaker presented online, the Deep Dive Dialogue generated an enthusiastic response from the audience. Participants remained visibly engaged throughout the presentation, actively taking detailed notes. During the Q&A session, students asked thoughtful questions about local marine ecosystems and ways to reduce plastic pollution. A mini quiz was conducted to test the students’ attentiveness, with prizes awarded to those who answered correctly.
4.4 Upcycled Creations Workshop
A hands-on session where students were taught to create pouches from recycled materials, emphasizing the importance of reducing waste and repurposing plastics. Students were separated into small groups and taught by designated facilitators, who were upper-form students (aged 16 to 17) of MRSM Langkawi.
4.5 AJYELN Kick Off Ceremony
In the afternoon, the online AJYELN Kick Off Ceremony was livestreamed and projected on the screen, allowing all participants to join and witness the official start of the ASEAN-Japan Youth Environmental Leaders Network (AJYELN) 2024 initiative.
4.6 Environmental Pledge Activity
Students made their pledge by writing their wishes or hopes for the future regarding marine plastic pollution on mahjong papers.
Students wrote their wishes or hopes for the future regarding marine plastic pollution on mahjong papers.
5) INCENTIVES SYSTEM TO PROMOTE ACTIVE PARTICIPATION
To maintain engagement, teams were allocated marks based on their performance. Incentives were provided to exceptional participants and teams to further promote and encourage marine environmental conservation efforts. Teams that demonstrated excellence in specific categories, such as exemplary support and superior pouch quality, were awarded gift hampers. Students who actively engaged by posing questions received individual rewards.
Meanwhile, teams whose members displayed signs of inattentiveness or were unable to respond to inquiries posed by the master of ceremonies incurred mark deductions. This system of rewards and penalties served to foster active participation among all students and facilitators throughout the event.
Rewards were given to individual students who actively participated in the Ocean Guardians Workshop to encourage further curiosity about marine life.
6) FEEDBACK SURVEY
A simple survey was conducted before and after the workshop to assess its effectiveness. The results were encouraging: students’ knowledge of marine plastic pollution improved, and they expressed a willingness to reduce the use of single-use plastics.
PRE-WORKSHOP
POST WORKSHOP
7) ORGANISING COMMITTEE AND VOLUNTEERS
