Environmental awareness is key

How many of us think about what lies beneath the ocean?

Many people do not realise that what we do every day impacts the ocean and its well-being. Indiscriminate behaviour of dumping rubbish in the drain can create havoc as the rubbish goes into the river and ends up in the ocean.

It is so frustrating that of late, so much arguments on land conservation -- from deforestation to pollution -- getting the spotlight in electronic as well as print media. And marine conservations, arguably takes a backseat and almost forgotten as there is a lack of awareness of its impact on our daily lives.

Fueled by the passion to know the ocean closer, in 2010, I took up diving license. Since then, I have never looked back. I'm perpetually awed by the beauty and charm of the underwater world.

With this new favourite pastime, comes a realisation to highlight pertinent issues of what lies beneath the ocean.

While I have done stories on turtle and reef conservations, it worries me especially when I noticed some parts of the corals in the coastal of Sabah had been badly damaged. Thanks to dynamite fishing or fish bombing which happens rampantly Sabah, this illegal fishing has caused detrimental effect on corals and marine ecosystem.

I stepped in and put my diving skill into good use.

Equipped with a GoPro to film underwater, me and my crew ventured out to Pulau Banggi in Kudat, Sabah to pursue a story on fish bombing. My hard work paid off when the amateurish production bagged Best News Video award at the 2013 MPI-Petronas Award.

Today, I am still an advocate of marine conservation.

At the Forum Media Khazanah Alam organised by Pertubuhan Pelindung Khazanah Alam (PEKA) and Malaysian Press Institute (MPI) held at Saloma Bistro Tuesday, I took the opportunity to share my experience on this undying passion I hold for the protection of Mother Nature's gift to us.

We cannot look at it as a zero-sum game. This is not just a case of greedy fishermen but because most of them are poverty stricken and desperate to feed their children, not knowing what they do is detrimental to the environment.

I strongly believe that awareness on the importance of conserving the ecosystem of the marine world among public should be instilled. And this is where media practitioners should come forward to show their support especially in educating the public about its importance.

At the risk of sounding petty, the public's perception on marine environmental issues are that they are complex, too technical and scientific.

Let us all play a part in helping Mother Nature, yet again. Let us do our part in raising awareness on the amazingly diverse richness of marine environment for a better future.

Did I hear, you say, marine environment is indeed, a cool and sexy topic?