Mangroves serve as vital ecosystems, providing essential nurturing grounds for numerous marine species and offering crucial protection against coastal erosion. Against this backdrop, students enrolled in Southern New Hampshire University’s 4+0 degree program (SNHU) at INTI International College Subang (IICS) collaborated with Selangor Maritime Gateway (SMG) and a local private institution for an extraordinary endeavour: a mangrove cleaning activity at Mangrove Point, Klang on 9 March.
The primary aim of this mangrove cleaning activity was to revitalise the health and vibrancy of the mangrove ecosystems by removing trash and waste. Equipped with gloves and garbage bags, the students ventured into the tangled mangrove forest, guided by experts from SMG. Their mission? To clear plastic bottles, bags, styrofoam waste, and other pollutants from the intricate roots of the mangroves.
Suhailah Shamsudin, a representative from Selangor Maritime Gateway, praised the students’ effort, remarking, “We are thrilled to see students taking proactive steps to address environmental challenges and make a tangible difference in their communities.
Students smiling happily after a successful cleanup despite the hot weather.
“I hope that these students’ efforts will not only benefit local ecosystems but inspire others to take action for a greener, more sustainable future,” she added.
Edison Liew Teck Sean, a student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication, found himself knee-deep in mud but remained undeterred, recognising the significance of their mission. “I was surprised and saddened by the debris, but participating in this cause is important. I’m glad to be contributing to the cleaning up of the mangrove. This experience has made me more aware of the harmful impact that pollution can have on vital ecosystems such as the mangroves,” he said.
Shocking amount of rubbish unearthed at the mangrove cleanup site.
Rudrayani Thiruchelvam, a third-year SNHU Psychology degree student, shared, “Our mangrove cleanup was more than just a litter-picking activity. It was an educational journey that revealed the profound importance of the mangrove ecosystem.”
A senior lecturer, Uma Muthusamy, emphasised the importance of environmental stewardship, stating, “Our actions today may seem small, but they have far-reaching consequences. By caring for our mangroves, we’re not just preserving a habitat but safeguarding our planet for generations.”
Despite the challenging conditions, the group’s determination paid off, with an impressive 2240 kilograms of contaminants collected in just 90 minutes. The mangrove cleaning activity wasn’t just about removing trash; it was also about paving the way for a more sustainable future.
Students from INTI International College Subang’s Center for American Education diligently clean up the mangrove area.