KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 13 — Malaysia embarks on a new chapter in ocean conservation with the launch of Vision 2030, aimed at enhancing science-based governance and management of marine resources, including the expansion of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).
Marking a significant milestone, the launch 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).
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, which seeks to protect 30 per cent of terrestrial and marine habitats by 2030.
“This 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,” the statement said.
DOF director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the launch of Vision 2030 reflected Malaysia’s renewed commitment to ocean management, emphasising science-based approaches, cross-sector collaboration and long-term sustainability.
According to Adnan, 84 MPAs have been gazetted, covering 29,844.08sqkm, or 5.54 per cent, of Malaysia’s waters.
“Through initiatives such as this forum, our efforts are not only aimed at achieving the global ‘30 by 30’ target but also at delivering tangible benefits to coastal communities, enhancing food security and supporting the country’s blue economy,” he said.
The forum brought together a wide range of stakeholders, including the Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), Sabah Parks, Sarawak Forestry Corporation, State Parks Management Council, Coral Triangle Centre, academic institutions, coastal communities, and investors with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.
In conjunction with the forum, WWF-Malaysia, together with TRAFFIC Southeast Asia, launched a report titled From Sea to Screen: Malaysia’s Online Sharks and Ray Trade, supported by the DOF.
The study revealed that online trade of shark and ray products reached at least 5.25 million kg from October to December 2022, highlighting the urgent necessity to strengthen traceability measures and extend protection for endangered marine species under the Fisheries Act 1985.
