BLACK EYE SCUBA TEAM ORGANISE INTERNATIONAL VOLUNTEER PROGRAMME FOR MARINE CONSERVATION

KUALA TERENGGANU, April 27 (Bernama) -- The Black Eye Scuba Team (BEST) will be organising the ‘International Volunteer Programme: Dive Against Debris, Beach Cleanup and Environmental Education’ in Pulau Perhentian Kecil next month to combat marine pollution and raise environmental awareness.

In a statement today, BEST announced that the third phase of the programme, held in collaboration with the Besut district office, aims to promote sustainable practices among local and international volunteers.

“The programme is scheduled to take place from May 10 to 12 at Pasir Panjang (Long Beach) in Pulau Perhentian Kecil. 

“Strategic partner Kenanga Investors Berhad (KIB) is also supporting the initiative as part of its ‘Invest for Good’ philosophy, reinforcing its commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible investing, particularly in marine ecosystem preservation,” the statement read. 

BEST said the PADI AWARE Foundation has strengthened the initiative by providing expertise, resources and guidelines for effective marine debris data collection under its Dive Against Debris campaign to support policy change for cleaner oceans.

“The underwater cleanup will be conducted by certified divers who will collect and record marine debris, while volunteers will carry out coastal cleanups to prevent pollution and protect marine life from waste hazards,” it said. 

BEST said the environmental education aspect will include interactive workshops, discussions on marine conservation, responsible tourism and sustainable living, with volunteers engaging with students from Sekolah Kebangsaan Perhentian besides attending a turtle conservation talk by experts.  

-- BERNAMA