Kolej Dato’ Onn Jaafar (KDOJ), Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), hosted a delegation from Iskandar Investment Berhad (IIB) on October 18, 2024, for a crucial discussion on the Development of Medini Community & Biodiversity Using Stingless Bees & Its Technology. This initiative, which aligns with sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals, aims to rejuvenate Medini Edible Park through biodiversity conservation and community engagement.
A Collaborative Effort for Sustainable Biodiversity
The session brought together experts, students, and industry leaders to explore innovative ways to utilize stingless bee technology for urban biodiversity enhancement. Leading the UTM delegation was Dr. Mohd Amri, Principal of KDOJ, whose expertise in environmental sensing and stingless bee technology provided invaluable insights into the discussion.
Medini Edible Park, which was once a thriving community space, has seen a decline in biodiversity and footfall. The introduction of stingless bees is expected to revitalize pollination activities, support urban agriculture, and create sustainable business opportunities for honey production and eco-tourism.
Key Highlights of the Discussion
During the meeting, IIB presented their Innovation Challenge 2024, emphasizing the importance of stingless bee integration into urban farming and ecological conservation. The initiative includes:
- Pollination Support: Addressing the decline in natural pollinators due to urbanization and deforestation.
- Community Engagement: Encouraging local participation in environmental conservation through workshops and training programs.
- Economic Opportunities: Establishing a sustainable market for stingless bee products, including honey and propolis.
- Technology Integration: Leveraging IoT-based monitoring systems for hive health tracking and automated honey extraction.
UTM, as a strategic collaborator, showcased their ongoing research on stingless bee conservation and its role in sustainable urban agriculture. The university’s involvement in this initiative will contribute to further research, innovation, and education in biodiversity conservation.
On-Ground Visit to KDOJ Compound
Following the discussion, the IIB team, alongside UTM representatives, toured the KDOJ compound to explore potential areas for implementing stingless bee technology. This visit provided an opportunity to assess the feasibility of setting up bee colonies and integrating pollination techniques into existing green spaces.
Towards a Greener Future
This collaboration between IIB and UTM marks a significant step towards fostering environmental stewardship, enhancing urban biodiversity, and creating a model for sustainable city development. With the combined efforts of academia, industry, and local communities, Medini Edible Park is poised to become a hub for ecological awareness and sustainable innovation.
As the project moves forward, both parties are committed to continuous research, policy development, and technological advancements that will support stingless bee conservation and sustainable urban farming.