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Mapan sees Pulau Ketam as a potential eco-tourism destination

Malaysian Association of Public Advocacy for Nature (Mapan) members who visited Pulau Ketam recently believe the small island off Port Klang, Selangor, can be a self-sustainable low-carbon island.

However, for this project to become a reality, the islanders must embrace change and possess the ability to adapt to those changes.

Although Pulau Ketam’s primary food source is from the sea, it still relies on other food supplies from the mainland, such as vegetables and fruits.

“The main idea of this low carbon island project is improving productivity through decarbonisation. When you reduce your carbon footprint, you reduce the steps you take to do work. By doing so, you systemise the work,” said Mapan chairman Ben Ong.

The idea that Pulau Ketam could possess the ability to grow their crops through agriculture would be a massive boon to the island’s sustainability and the health of the surrounding environment.

Dr Juju Nakasha Jaafar, senior lecturer of University Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Vertical Integrated Mixed Farming Head of Mapan said Pulau Ketam is the perfect location to capitalise on agriculture, or more specifically, agrotech, which is the combination of agriculture and technology.

“Products from these farms will support the local economy and the population. From farm to plate, importing from external sources is unnecessary. When there’s a surplus, the local community can use it where they see fit,” said Dr Juju.

During Mapan’s recent visit to the island, Dr Juju presented various and unique methods on how the islanders could grow crops for local consumption.

They ranged from horizontal and vertical hydroponic systems, Dutch bucket cultivations and the ambitious but expensive aquaponics that filters waste from fish in fish tanks for use on plants.

Lee Chor Wah, cultural head of Mapan, said that besides the prospect of achieving a low carbon footprint and being self-sustainable, the picturesque and isolated location of Pulau Ketam presents unique opportunities for eco-tourism.

However, this method of tourism would differ from the usual modus operandi.

“Although tourists come to Pulau Ketam for seafood, more could be done for the tourism sector.

“Rather than taking pictures of scenes and with the crabs, Pulau Ketam can encourage tourists to sketch their experiences through illustrated journalism and share their experiences online via social media to attract like-minded individuals to Pulau Ketam,” Lee said.

Illustrated journalism is nothing new. Although considered a niche art form, illustrated journalism has recently gained traction, primarily through local associations such as KL Sketch Nation and the Sasaran Art Park.

Rather than taking traditional photographs of picturesque settings, tourists could illustrate their experiences through sketches.

This form of illustrated journalism could give Pulau Ketam its own identity, which would only grow if Pulau Ketam stays the course for a low-carbon future.

“There could be art classes and excursions. But we cannot play the waiting game. Pulau Ketam needs to incentivise these tourists to visit or invite them personally. Art can also be a form of therapy to provide self-reflection and healing,” Lee added.

Lee added said Pulau Ketam could also sweeten the tourist deal by providing their arts and souvenirs, such as little crab trinkets, for the tourists to take home. The islanders could explore this avenue of art later on their road to sustainability.

However, despite the potential low carbon and self-sustainable opportunities that the islanders of Pulau Ketam could capitalise on, none would come to fruition unless the islanders start looking inward as a community to adapt to change.

“This is extremely important,” stressed Au Choon Wai, the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) consultant of Mapan.

“Because a community without physical and mental strength and, more importantly, heart and soul would not get anything done. Consultants like us are here to advise, but ultimately, it is up to the people within the community to make the change.”

Should they wish to take this journey towards a low-carbon and sustainable future, the islanders of Pulau Ketam must adhere to a set of standards that would guide them. The United Nations placed this set of standards through ESG and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Au said a country couldn’t attain all SDGs, more so Pulau Ketam. Therefore, he advised that the islanders focus on what is attainable. One of these achievable goals is quality education for the younger generation.

Dr Juju said there was a need for education in the field of agrotech. Mapan stressed that Pulau Ketam must attract visitors and their younger generation to stay on the island to contribute to their community.

“Goods are getting expensive because other countries have stopped exporting food to Malaysia. Consequently, there is a need for the younger generation to be more interested in agriculture and agrotech to cultivate their crops for self-sustainability,” Dr Juju added.

Additionally, with the noticeable effects of climate change looming over the horizon, adapting to the changes is more important than ever.

Au said great challenges await the islanders of Pulau Ketam towards a low-carbon future. However, as island and village communities are tightly knit and have a strong camaraderie, he believes Pulau Ketam can overcome those challenges.

“This is no longer a statement. It is already true,” Au said on the status of climate change.

There need to be steps towards a greener tomorrow. However, each little effort goes a long way to ensure that the planet and humanity have a future for generations. @ESG