SOurce : NST, 30/5/13
Discovery Channel chronicles Astro Kasih’s underwater clean-up effort in a special documentary, writes Bibi Nurshuhada Ramli
THE Astro Kasih Beautiful Malaysia effort to hold the World’s Longest Underwater Clean-up is chronicled in Discovery Channel’s 30-minute exclusive special, Reef Rescuers.
Premiering today at 7pm, the programme showcases the intricacies and commitment of those involved in the conservation project, which earned it a Guinness World Record.
The effort involved 134 divers and 168 hours of non-stop cleaning in seven days (April 6-13) at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park in Sabah. Apart from locals, the divers were from Australia, France, Hong Kong, Lithuania, New Zealand, The Netherlands, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States who made over 1,120 dives at 224 dive locations in the park.
Reef Rescuers highlights the challenges the divers faced. Increasingly, the oceans have become dumping grounds for toxic waste, rubbish and other harmful materials, all of which contribute to pollution.
Watch the divers gather over three tonnes of rubbish from the seabed — 1,560kg plastic, 140kg glass and ceramic, 318kg metal, 357kg and cloth and 716 pieces of wood and other materials.
Learn about the planning and coordinating behind this giant effort as well as underwater conservation. Meet the unrelenting individuals who work together to preserve Mother Earth and build a sustainable, and pollution-free environment for future generations.
“Considering that some of Malaysia’s seas lie within one of the world’s most bio-diverse regions and form an integral part of the ecological Coral Triangle, marine conservation is especially important here,” says Kevin Dickie, senior vice president of Content Group at Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific at a Press conference.
“One thing that comes through very strongly in the show is the amazing scale of the project which is recognised by the Guinness World Records team. It is the ambition and the scale that has made the show possible.”
He adds that Reef Rescuers serves as a great communication tool in educating the audience on the threats faced by the coral reefs not only in this region but also around the world.
Astro Community Affairs vice president David Yap says the initiative was conceived about a year ago. He and his team approached the Guinness World Records team in London to seek its recognition of the event.
“The real reason why we wanted Guinness to be part of this was not to achieve a world record but to elevate the awareness of marine conservation. Having Guinness and Discovery Channel on board would certainly help our cause,” he added.
The clean-up was no easy task, considering the run-ins with the weather, boats and scheduling. It took the resolve of the divers and government agencies to put this together.
Krystle Stevens, a diving instructor from the UK and a volunteer who considers Malaysia her second home (her mother was born in the peninsula, has nothing but praises for the Sabah underwater world.
“I was totally blown away (by its beauty). To be involved in an initiative like this where we can make a difference feels incredible, especially in a country where my mum was born,” she says.
Tulasiramanan Ramachandram, a marine biologist from Sabah, was touched by the dedication of his fellow divers for the campaign.
“Other reefs around the world are also threatened. If we can do this for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, imagine how big an event will it be if every diver out there does the same at every dive,” he says.
Yap adds: “The divers covered a 24km circle around five different islands. Picture yourself picking up rubbish from here (Kuala Lumpur) to Putrajaya. These guys did it underwater so they deserve a big applause.”
Initially, Stevens thought it would be an easy task but it proved to be a challenge. She felt good whenever she freed a fish from a tangled net.
“I would love to teach other people and spread the message on marine conservation. The effort should not stop here,” she says.
“It would be even greater if all of us tell others to not only collect the rubbish but also to stop throwing it altogether,” Tulasiramanan says: “This is a global problem. We would have a cleaner ocean in five years if we do this.”
Reef Rescuers premieres today on Discovery Channel (Astro Channel 551) at 7pm. Repeats tomorrow (1pm), Sunday (5pm), June 4 (7pm) and June 5 (midnight and 1pm).
Read more: Diving into a clean-up record - Travel - New Straits Times http://www.nst.com.my/life-times/holiday/diving-into-a-clean-up-record-1.289214#ixzz2tZ7dTD9i
