WOW 2025: UMT’s Commitment to UNESCO’s World Oceans Day Celebration
On July 14, 2025, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) hosted its annual World Ocean Week (WOW 2025) in conjunction with the worldwide observance of World Oceans Day, celebrated annually on June 8. This year’s theme, “Hear the Ocean’s Voice: Respect, Protect, Restore,” underscored UMT’s dedication to supporting the UNESCO World Oceans Day campaign.
WOW 2025 Initiative
The WOW 2025 initiative focused on raising local awareness about the significance of maintaining clean and healthy marine ecosystems. The event offered various activities aimed at engaging the public in environmental protection and fostering a culture of marine conservation within the community.
Key Components of the Event
Key components of the event included the WOW 2025 Carnival, Youth Conservationist Poster Video Presentations, and Beach Cleanup initiatives, alongside workshops and seminars addressing topics such as coastal erosion, climate change, and sea level rise.
WOW 2025 Carnival
The WOW 2025 Carnival, organized by the Institute of Oceanography and Environment (INOS), took place on June 28 at the UMT campus. The carnival featured diverse activities suitable for individuals of all ages, including a “Run With Penyu” event, children’s coloring contests, and health screenings, drawing over 3,000 participants.
Beach Cleanup Initiative
Additionally, the Beach Cleanup initiative saw the involvement of 400 volunteers, including students, parents, and local residents, who participated in a cleanup effort at Teluk Ketapang Beach. This initiative resulted in the collection of over 300 kilograms of waste, primarily consisting of plastic and other debris.
Importance of Public Engagement
Through these activities, UMT highlighted the importance of public engagement in the conservation and management of marine resources. The event emphasized the university’s significant role in marine science and aquatic resource management while reinforcing its commitment to environmental education and community involvement.
Aims of WOW 2025
WOW 2025 aimed to enhance awareness and appreciation for the marine environment among local populations, contributing to the preservation of oceanic resources for future generations.
Source: Universiti Malaysia Terengganu News.
