Paddle for Nature
09/09/2014
Che Zahiruddin Che Othman, our kayaker has completed the journey. With a challenging 2,000 kilometres completed to his records, he lands safely in the island of Langkawi, which marks the last stop for the Paddle For Nature journey.
We want to thank him, the ground crew, Google Malaysia, the local authorities and communities that were of great support to the programme.
Updates on the data findings can be found at http://paddlefornature.weebly.com/
Related articles:
Virtual coastal adventures with Google – The Star, 6th April 2015
Google and Malaysian Nature Society Paddle for Nature Campaign Draws to an End – LowYat.Net
Zahiruddin completes solo kayak expedition of Peninsular Malaysia’s coastline – NST, 12 March 2015
Ajai Solo Kayaking To Langkawi Completes MNS Shoreline Documentation – BERNAMA, 12 March 2015
Paddling for Marine Conservation
MNS is paddling for marine conservation where this will be an expedition around Peninsular Malaysia to raise awareness and funds for marine conservation. We will battle the elements, as well as exhaustion and time, to make it from Pengkalan Kubor in Kelantan to Perlis, and end at the Langkawi Geopark, in two-and-a-half months.
The journey encompasses more than 2,000km, taking in 40 sites of economic and ecological significance around the peninsula, such as Marine Parks, turtle sanctuaries, Ramsar sites, Important Bird Areas (IBA) and mangrove forests. Hari will also circumnavigate the beautiful island gems that are Perhentian, Tioman and Penang.
Promoting a healthy lifestyle and coastal conservation – think coral reefs, mangroves and seagrass and the myriad creatures that call those areas home – Paddle for Nature will also feature activities that involve the public, such as dialogue with coastal communities, carnivals, conservation talks, nature treks and educational games for children.
Together, we aim to:
- Document the current landscape along the coast, with the geotagged photographs hoped able to identify the actual threat faced by our coastline habitat and assist the relevant authorities in their local management and development plans.
- Visit protected areas and local nature activists, bringing to the fore awareness on the environmental significance of these sensitive areas and the people, the “local heroes”, who are spearheading efforts towards a greener world.
- Bring people closer to nature, under conservation’s keys of communication, education, participation and awareness (CEPA), through mini events that will feature Hari and MNS Branch members sharing their experiences as well as activities with local communities and schools.
Raise funds for marine conservation, through public donations and sponsorships for Paddle for Nature. The Donate a Kilometre campaign allows individuals to do their part for nature with a minimum RM10 contribution, while corporations can help by donating RM500 per kilometre.