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relies on obtaining other food supplies from the mainland . This includes vegetables and fruits for the islanders ’ consumption .
“ The main idea of this low carbon island project is improving productivity through decarbonisation . Because when you reduce your carbon footprint , you reduce the steps you take to do work . By doing so , you systemise whatever work you do ,” said Ben .
Therefore , the idea that Pulau Ketam could possess the ability to grow their crops through agriculture would be a massive boon to both the island ’ s sustainability and the health of the surrounding environment and the planet .
Dr Juju Nakasha Jaafar , senior lecturer of University Putra Malaysia ( UPM ) and Vertical Integrated Mixed Farming Head of MAPAN , pointed out that Pulau Ketam is the perfect candidate to capitalise on agriculture , or more specifically , agrotech , which is the combination of agriculture and technology .
“ Products from these farms will support the local economy and the population . From farm to plate , importing from external sources is unnecessary . When there ’ s a surplus , the local community can use it where they see fit ,” said Dr Juju .
During MAPAN ’ s visit to the island , Dr Juju presented various and unique methods on how the islanders can grow their crops for local consumption .
These range from horizontal and vertical hydroponic systems , Dutch bucket cultivations and even the ambitious but expensive aquaponics that filters waste from fish in fish tanks to be used on the plants .
THE ‘ KETAM ’ IDENTITY
When one thinks of Paris , France , the Eiffel Tower comes to mind . Likewise , when one thinks of Australia , one would picture the Great Barrier Reef .
Ar Lee Chor Wah , Cultural Head of MAPAN , emphasised this during MAPAN ’ s visit to the island .
Besides the prospect of achieving a low carbon footprint and selfsustainability , the picturesque and isolated location of Pulau Ketam presents a unique opportunity for eco-tourism . However , this method of tourism would differ from the usual modus operandi . “ Although tourists would come to
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Pulau Ketam for seafood , more can be done in the tourism sector . Rather than taking pictures of scenes and with the crabs , Pulau Ketam can encourage tourists to sketch their experiences through illustrated journalism and share their experiences online via social media to attract other like-minded individuals to Pulau Ketam ,” Lee explained .
Illustrated journalism is nothing new . Although considered a niche art form , illustrated journalism has recently gained traction , primarily through local associations such as KL Sketch Nation and the Sasaran Art Park .
Rather than taking traditional photographs of picturesque settings , tourists could illustrate their experiences through sketches . This form of illustrated journalism could give Pulau Ketam its own identity to associate with . This identity will only grow if Pulau Ketam stays the course for a low-carbon future . “ Art classes and excursions can also come to Pulau Ketam , but we cannot play the waiting game . Pulau Ketam needs to incentivise these tourists to visit Pulau Ketam or invite them here personally . Art can also be a form of therapy to provide self-reflection and healing ,” Lee added .
Lee also pointed out that Pulau Ketam could also sweeten the tourist deal by providing their arts and souvenirs , such as little crab trinkets , for the tourists to take home and remember . The islanders could explore this avenue of art later on their road to sustainability .
LOOKING INWARD
However , despite the potential low carbon and self-sustainable opportunities that the islanders of Pulau Ketam can capitalise on , none of it will
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Clock wise from top left : Ar Lee Chor Wah , Au Choon Wai , Ben Ong and Dr Juju Nakasha Jaafar . |
come to fruition unless the islanders start looking inward as a community to adapt to change .
“ This is extremely important ,” stressed Au Choon Wai , ESG consultant of MAPAN .
“ Because a community without physical and mental strength and , more importantly , heart and soul would not get anything done . Consultants like us are here to advise , but ultimately , it is up to the people within the community to make the change .”
Should they wish to take this journey towards a low-carbon and sustainable future , the islanders of Pulau Ketam must adhere to a set of standards that would guide them . The United Nations placed this set of standards through Environmental , Social , and Governance ( ESG ) goals and Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).
Au pointed out that a country can ’ t attain all SDGs , even for Pulau Ketam . Therefore , he advised that the islanders focus on what is attainable . One of these achievable goals is quality education for the younger generation .
Dr Juju attested to this notion because of the need for education in the field of agrotech . MAPAN stressed that Pulau Ketam needs to attract visitors to the island and their younger generation to stay on the island to contribute to their community .
“ Goods are getting expensive because other countries have stopped exporting food to Malaysia . Consequently , there is a need for the younger generation to be more interested in agriculture and agrotech to cultivate their crops for self-sustainability ,” Dr Juju added .
Additionally , with the noticeable effects of climate change looming over the horizon , adapting to the changes is more important than ever .
Au pointed out the challenges that the islanders of Pulau Ketam will face towards a low carbon future would be great . However , as island and village communities are tightly knit and have a strong camaraderie , he believes Pulau Ketam can overcome those challenges .
“ This is no longer a statement . This is already true ,” expressed Au on the status of climate change .
Therefore , baby steps need to be taken towards a greener future . However , each little effort goes a long way to ensure that the planet and humanity have a future for generations . – @ ESG
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