KOTA KINABALU: The Rotary Club Kota Kinabalu Pearl (RCKK) Pearl will be holding its 31st Pan Borneo Meet on May 6 to May 8 2022.
Connect, Knowledge Exchange, Network. These are the pillars of this year’s 31st Pan Borneo Meet Conference. In line with the 7th Area of Focus, the conference and joint project will focus on Environmental protection.
According to a statement by RCKK Pearl President Majella Tan Marquez , the panel will comprise of global industry leaders, policy makers and environmental advocates who work towards a shared goal of marine ecosystem awareness and conservation at this year’s conference. To promote exchange between these groups and Rotarians, the conference will be held as an open forum.
She said, this will not only spark conversation on environmental issues but also on Rotary’s role in applying the 7th Area of Focus: Environmental Protection.
“This will be an amazing opportunity to learn how Rotarians and the public can apply Rotary’s Motto of Service Above Self in supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment,” she said.
“The participating 25 Rotary Clubs of the 31st Pan Borneo Meet will be collaborating with the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) in an effort to rehabilitate giant clams and coral reefs in Kota Kinabalu as part of their joint project.”
“This joint project aims to protect and restore the marine ecosystem in the Malohom Bay, located at the coast of Gaya Island. Malohom Bay has suffered severe damage from destructive fishing activities, indiscriminate dumping of rubbish as well as unaged recreational activities such as snorkeling. “
As such, this joint project will extend MERC’s efforts in replanting broken corals and restocking giant clams on the sea bed. Giant clams are the kidneys of the ocean – it filters water by absorbing nitrates, ammonia and harmful organics that may harm the reef and its inhabitants, she stressed.
Likewise, coral reefs aren’t just a source of food and medicine, they protect coastlines from storms and erosion, provide jobs for local communities and offer opportunities for recreation. This joint project will not only benefit the marine ecosystem but also the surrounding geography and create awareness for our community.
More information can be acquired from RCKK Pearl Hotline at +60 14-922 2478.-pr/BNN
