CONNECTIVITY SCIENCE: CORAL TRIANGLE

Malaysia lies within the Coral Triangle – the global center of marine life. Its waters are rich in coral reefs, fish, and other resources that provide food and jobs for many Malaysians. However, marine life and threats cross national borders, so no single country can protect these assets alone. This is why Malaysia co-founded the Coral Triangle Initiative on Coral Reefs, Fisheries and Food Security (CTI-CFF) with five other nations. Through this partnership, they plan together and share responsibility for their shared ocean. As a founding member, Malaysia gains support, funding opportunities, and a stronger voice in regional ocean management. Malaysia also leads by example at home. Tun Mustapha Park in Sabah is the country’s largest marine park, co-managed with local communities to restore fisheries and reefs. SIMCA (Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area) is the first privately run marine reserve in Malaysia and has successfully protected turtle nesting beaches. On Omadal Island in Semporna, a local women’s group patrols beaches to guard turtle nests and fund conservation by selling handicrafts. These efforts show how teamwork from the ground up delivers results. The best proof of collaboration is the green turtle’s comeback. In 2024, this species moved from Endangered to Least Concern on the global list after years of joint protection across the region. Green turtles nest in Malaysia but feed in other countries, so only teamwork could save them. This success shows that when Malaysia and its neighbors work together, nature recovers.
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DR. CHOO POH LEEM

WWF-Malaysia

Dr. Choo Poh Leem is a marine scientist with 15 years of experience in marine conservation, coral reef ecology, and marine spatial planning. She holds a PhD in Marine Science from UMS, a Master’s from James Cook University, and a First-Class Honours degree from the University of Malaya. She has led the Semporna Marine Spatial Plan, which was awarded the Royal Town Planning Institute International Planning Excellence Award (2016), and contributed to Malaysia’s Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas (EBSA) nomination to the CBD. Dr Choo also led the development of Malaysia’s Important Marine and Coastal Areas (MyIMCA), used as a national marine conservation reference. She is also a recipient of the Conservation Leadership Award in 2015 and an EDGE Fellowship in 2016. Currently a Senior Manager (Seascape) in the Marine Programme, she drives national and regional conservation action under the Coral Triangle Initiative.