In partnership with Reef Check Malaysia, the initiative also trained islanders with marine conservation skills to play their part in local eco-protection efforts
Garmin Malaysia is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of its partnership with Reef Check Malaysia, which aimed at removing ghost nets from Malaysian waters through the help of local communities. This initiative, which ran from March to September 2024, has significantly contributed to the health of the local marine ecosystem by removing a total of 755 kilograms of ghost nets, far exceeding the initial target of 100 kilograms.
At the start of this initiative, Garmin Malaysia pledged RM100 for every kilogram of ghost nets collected, with the goal of raising RM10,000. The dedication of Reef Check Malaysia and the active involvement of local communities on islands such as Pulau Besar, Pulau Aur, Pulau Pemanggil, Pulau Sibu, and Pulau Tinggi played a crucial role in this success, fostering a shared responsibility for protecting our oceans and promoting long-term conservation efforts.
“Garmin has always been committed to sustainability and this commitment is reflected in our mission, vision and values. Reef Check Malaysia’s efforts to protect and restore coral reefs in local waters align perfectly with our values of sustainability and responsible stewardship. Through this collaboration, we aim to not only support crucial conservation efforts but also to inspire our community to engage in practices that safeguard our environment for future generations,” said Sheena Sim, Marketing Lead, Garmin Malaysia.
Through this initiative, Reef Check Malaysia has trained 10 local islanders to conduct underwater clean-ups, empowering the community to play an active role in marine conservation and increasing awareness about marine ecosystems and the threats they face.
Julian Hyde, Chief Executive Officer of Reef Check Malaysia, stated, “The collaboration with Garmin Malaysia brings funding to the island teams, and helps us grow their capacity to build the necessary skills needed to protect the ecosystem, while raising more awareness on the importance of marine conservation to the locals. We had 10 additional volunteers to help us, so that’s a huge multiplier effect instead of the usual four volunteers. This enhances the effect that our small team can have in dealing with multiple marine conservation problems – not just ghost nets, but other challenges.”
In addition to ghost net removal, Garmin Malaysia also upcycled the collected materials into functional products such as a minimal and sleek clutch in partnership with The Sea Monkey Project, a local social enterprise that provides ocean plastic solutions. The upcycled clutch was designed to pair well with Garmin’s Descent G1 Solar – Ocean Edition, an innovative dive-focused wearable also created from
recycled ocean-bound plastic, built to support divers in their love for the sport and for the ocean through responsible consumption. This approach exemplifies Garmin’s holistic strategy towards sustainability, transforming ocean waste into valuable items that benefit both users and the environment.
“We are always happy to hear from like minded people who recognise the importance of sustainability and value the opportunities available through upcycling, and it’s especially exciting when a global brand like Garmin approaches us to collaborate because we can scale up our efforts for greater positive social and environmental impacts together, essentially advancing the upcycling industry and network throughout Malaysia,” said Carlos Steenland, Co-Founder, The Sea Monkey Project.
As the partnership wraps up, both Garmin Malaysia and Reef Check Malaysia express optimism for future collaborations and exploring additional ways to contribute to the health and sustainability of Malaysia’s marine ecosystems. “We’re optimistic that this is just the beginning, and we’re keeping the door open for discussions on how we might expand our efforts together. Ultimately, our goal is to continue contributing to the protection of Malaysia’s marine ecosystems, and we look forward to seeing where this partnership can take us,” Sim noted.
Engineered on the inside for life on the outside, Garmin products have revolutionised life for runners, cyclists, swimmers and athletes of all levels and abilities. Committed to developing technology that helps people stay active and elevate performance, Garmin believes every day is an opportunity to innovate and a chance to beat yesterday. Other Garmin fitness brands include Tacx and Firstbeat Analytics.
For more information, visit Garmin’s virtual pressroom at garmin.com.my/news/pressroom/, or follow us at facebook.com/GarminMalaysia, instagram.com/GarminMalaysia, youtube.com/GarminMalaysiaAsia. or follow our adventures at Garmin Malaysia Blog.
