Kuala Lumpur – A consensus was reached recently when a memoroandum of understanding (MOU) between Fisheries Department (DOF) and Wold Wide Fund For Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) when it embarked on anew chapter in ocean conservation with the launch of Vision 2030.
This is aimed to enhance science-based governance and management of marine resources, including the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), Bernama reported.
The launch of the event coincided with the National Forum on Strengthening Governance, Capacity and Financing for Marine Conservation, a collaborative effort under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Fisheries Department (DOF) and World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia).
DOF and WWF-Malaysia noted that the initiative is in line with global efforts to meet “30 by 30” target
In a joint statement, the DOF and WWF-Malaysia said the initiative is in line with global efforts to meet the “30 by 30” target, a worldwide initiative for governments to designate 30% of Earth’s land and ocean area as protected areas by 2030.
In a statement issued, it was noted that the target is crucial not only for safeguarding biodiversity but “also for sustaining ecosystem services such as food security, coastal protection and carbon sequestration for the well-being of both people and the environment,”
DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain was quoted as saying tgat the launch of Vision 2030 reflected Malaysia’s renewed commitment to ocean management, emphasising science-based approaches, cross-sector collaboration and long-term sustainability.
He added that 84 MPAs have been gazetted, covering 29,844.08sqkm, or 5.54 per cent, of Malaysia’s waters. He also pointed that in addition, the intent was also to deliver tangible benefits to coastal communities, enhancing food security and supporting the country’s blue economy.
