BINTULU, SARAWAK, September 4, 2023 - In a resounding testament to the commitment to environmental stewardship, a Green Sustainability Programme Initiative took root at Universiti Putra Malaysia's Bintulu Sarawak Campus on September 4th, 2023. This transformative initiative, driven by the pursuit of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and Education Sustainable Development Goals (ESDG), brought together 80 enthusiastic students enrolled in the CHS2501 - Ornamental Plants and Landscape Horticulture.

Under the guidance of Dr. Owen Yeo Thian Seng and Mr. Manggi Anak Rabong from the Department of Crop Science, as well as the unwavering support of Senior Assistant Agriculture Officer Anila Binti Brahim, Office General Assistant Nicholas Along, and General Assistant Alex, the students set out on a mission to plant the seeds of sustainability.

This programme centred on propagating a variety of ornamental plants, including Sansevieria trifasciata, Antigonon leptopus, Wodyetia bifurcate, Ixora coccinea, Helicona rostrata, Zephyranthes rosea, and Chlorophytum comosum. These plants were meticulously chosen for their dual role in enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings and contributing to a greener, healthier environment.

This initiative seeks to inculcate in students a profound appreciation for environmental stewardship and the significance of sustainable development. By actively participating in the vegetative and seed propagation of these ornamental plants, participants learned the complexities of horticulture and their essential role in achieving broader sustainability goals.

In just two hours, the students successfully propagated an impressive total of 400 ornamental plants through an extraordinary display of dedication and cooperation. This remarkable achievement not only demonstrates their dedication but also the effectiveness of the programme.

Dr. Owen Yeo Thian Seng, the impetus behind this initiative, was pleased with the pupils' achievements. "Our mission is to educate and motivate the next generation to become active sustainability champions." These students have demonstrated this by putting their knowledge into practice."

Anila Binti Brahim, senior assistant agriculture officer, emphasised the significance of such initiatives in addressing global sustainability issues. "Sustainability is a global imperative, not an abstract concept. Engaging students in such practical initiatives equips them to be positive change agents."

The Green Sustainability Programme at the Bintulu Sarawak Campus of Universiti Putra Malaysia is a beacon of inspiration and optimism for a more sustainable future. The participants' commitment and their advisors' guidance demonstrate the potential for positive change in agriculture and environmental conservation.

Tarikh Input: 07/09/2023 | Kemaskini: 07/09/2023 | lanz