Kuala lumpur: Protecting Malaysia’s marine ecosystems is not only an environmental imperative but also a form of economic insurance that supports fisheries, tourism, and coastal infrastructure, a conservationist said. MareCet Research Organization executive director and co-founder Dr. Louisa S Ponnampalam highlighted the vital role of ocean ecosystems in supporting livelihoods and national wellbeing, emphasizing the importance of responsible management of fisheries, pollution control, and coastal development.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Ponnampalam, who leads scientific and community-based marine conservation programs, stressed the interconnectedness of Malaysia’s maritime identity with its economic stability. She noted that tourism serves as a clear indicator of the health of marine ecosystems, with attractions such as coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass meadows drawing both domestic and international visitors. Healthy marine environments not only attract tourists but also protect coastlines from storms and erosion, she explained.
Louisa called for systemic changes to align policy ambitions with tangible outcomes, advocating for dedicated budgets from both government and corporate entities to transform environmental plans into actionable results. She emphasized that conservation should be accessible and scalable, highlighting the need for affordable alternatives to single-use plastics and incentives that promote sustainable choices.
On the corporate front, Dr. Ponnampalam welcomed the global transition from traditional corporate social responsibility (CSR) to integrated environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. She underscored the importance of companies examining the impact of their operations on the environment and improving sustainability throughout their supply chains. Partnerships between companies and NGOs can enhance awareness and drive community projects, signaling to investors that sustainability risks are being managed.
Dr. Ponnampalam warned of visible signs of marine ecosystem decline, citing fieldwork with small-scale fishers and researchers’ observations of reduced marine fauna sightings. She stressed the connection between the environment, livelihoods, and biodiversity, warning of the economic repercussions if marine health continues to deteriorate.
Lastly, Louisa advocated for the reintegration of environmental education into the national curriculum, supported by corporate-led learning initiatives and citizen campaigns. She called for a unified effort from schools, agencies, and businesses to position Malaysia as a resilient economy that treats nature as strategic infrastructure, stating that clean water, healthy coasts, and breathable air are fundamental to growth. Safeguarding the marine environment is synonymous with safeguarding the economy, she concluded.