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Background:

International Day for Biological Diversity or World Biodiversity Day (IDB) is

celebrated globally on 22nd May each year. This special day was first created by the

Second Committee of the United Nations General Assembly on 29th December 1993 (the

date of entry into force of the Convention of Biological Diversity). In December 2000,

the UN General Assembly designated 22nd May as IDB, to commemorate the adoption of

the text of the Convention on 22nd May 1992 by the Nairobi Final Act of the Conference

for the Adoption of the Agreed Text of the Convention on Biological Diversity. The

purpose of celebrating IDB is to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity

issues around the world.

Every year, there is a special theme for the celebration of IDB. The themes from

2002 to 2011 are listed as below:

• 2011 - Forest Biodiversity • 2010 - Biodiversity, Development and Poverty Alleviation • 2009 - Invasive Alien Species • 2008 - Biodiversity and Agriculture • 2007 - Biodiversity and Climate Change • 2006 - Protect Biodiversity in Drylands • 2005 - Biodiversity: Life Insurance for our Changing World • 2004 - Biodiversity: Food, Water and Health for All • 2003 - Biodiversity and poverty alleviation - challenges for sustainable development • 2002 - Dedicated to forest biodiversity

The theme of IDB 2012 is Marine Biodiversity. Apparently, it provides the

Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and all related government

agencies, NGOs, local associations and private companies a good opportunity to raise

awareness on the issue and increase practical action. This year, IDB is celebrated by at

least 37 countries included Malaysia. The IDB celebration by the environmental based

NGO, Water Watch Penang (WWP) is one of the only two registered events in Malaysia.

References: 1) http://www.cbd.int/idb/ 2) http://www.cbd.int/idb/2012/celebrations/ 3) http://www.cbd.int/idb/2012/celebrations/my/

Objective:

1) Create environmental awareness particularly the importance of coastal biodiversity

among teachers and students.

2) Promote conservation of coastal forests through field learning of nature and wildlife

3) Response to the theme of International Day for Biological Diversity – Marine

Biodiversity

4) Encourage field education which is an effective learning process that receives far

less attention compare to classroom lecture.

Organizer: Water Watch Penang

- Wong Yun Yun (instructor)

- Ng Hong Jing (volunteer)

Co-Organizer: 1) Eco-Peace Leadership Centre

2) Yuhan-Kimberly

Participant: Penang Buddhist Association Dharma Sunday School (PBA DSS)

- Ooi Chee Khoon (group leader)

Supporting organisation: 1) Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity

2) Empowerment Media

3) Mangroves for the Future (MFF)

4) KDU College

5) INTI International College Penang

Programme Schedule:

7.30 am – registration and briefing

8.00 am – departure to Kuala Sg. Pulau Betong

8.30 am – visiting mangrove wetland

- introduction of mangroves

- exploration of flora and fauna

- beach cleanup

10.30 am – visiting fishing village

11.00 am – drawing session

11.45 am – closing ceremony

12.00 pm – group photo and dismiss

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12) The programme was pleasantly ended with a closing ceremony. A certificate was presented to Mr. Chan Sing Yu, the principal of PBA DSS. All teachers and students were given small souvenirs, which provided by KDU College and INTI International College Penang. Moreover, a copy of the children book “Mangroves: Soldiers of Our Coasts” which published by Mangroves for the Future (MFF), was donated to the library of PBA DSS. By this way, all the students of PBA DSS have the chance to borrow the book for fun learning of mangroves.

13) At 12.00pm, the teachers and students left happily with their awesome drawings and

sweet memories. It was hoping that these successful graduates of “Nature Classroom” would spread the message of loving our wetland biodiversity to family, friends and people around them.

Acknowledgement:

Special thanks to Empowerment Media, KDU College, INTI International College Penang, Mangroves for the Future (MFF) for supporting the programme. Thanks also due to Mr. Koh Teng Huat (local assistant), Mr. Ng Hong Jing (photographer), Mr. Cheah Liat Sim (photographer) and Ms. Tung Shi Ming (photographer) for contributing their photos to this report. Prepared by:

Wong Yun Yun Project Manager of “Nature Classroom – Forest, Water and Us” Water Watch Penang, Malaysia