NURTURING UMMATIC EXCELLENCE THROUGH SDG 15: LIFE ON LAND
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) champions the protection and restoration of our natural environment as part of our shared responsibility to care for the Earth. In embracing the spirit of SDG 15, IIUM strengthens efforts to preserve biodiversity, rehabilitate ecosystems, and promote sustainable land use across our campuses and communities.
SUPPORTING LAND ECOSYSTEM THROUGH EDUCATION
Sustainable use of Land
The Gamuda Parks
The Gamuda Parks Wetlands Festival 2024 brought communities, students and indigenous groups together to learn about conservation through interactive workshops, nature walks and cultural activities across 90 acres of restored wetlands.
IIUM INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON PLANETARY SURVIVAL 2024 (i-PLANET ‘24)
At the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), i-PLANET ’24 brings together researchers, policymakers and community advocates to explore solutions for climate action, food security, health empowerment and biodiversity conservation. With a holistic focus on planetary survival and sustainable well-being, the conference fosters dialogue and collaboration across disciplines, inspiring transformative change for both our planet and humanity.
Source: https://conference.iium.edu.my/iplanet2024/
Sustainably farmed food on campus
IIUM Sustainable Policy
At IIUM, the Sustainability Policy guides the university in fostering environmentally responsible operations and meaningful community engagement. Within this commitment, the university supports on-campus food growing initiatives such as community gardens and hydroponic cultivation. These initiatives provide fresh, locally grown produce while promoting ecological stewardship, reducing food miles, and nurturing sustainable habits within everyday campus life.
InSAF
The project, known as Integrated and Sustainable Agriculture Farming (InSAF), aims to produce a sustainable garden in which the result of the harvest will be distributed accordingly to the community besides marketing it at the farmers market.
Source : https://news.iium.edu.my/?p=143131
Maintain and extend current ecosystems’ biodiversity
Beach Cleaning Activities at Pantai Pelindung
The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), through PLANETIIUM and its community partners, actively works to restore and protect coastal ecosystems. Beach cleaning programmes, marine debris monitoring and awareness activities support the health of shoreline habitats and biodiversity. These efforts help safeguard coastal plant and animal life, prevent ecosystem degradation, and nurture long-term environmental stewardship
Source: https://institute.iium.edu.my/planetiium/?p=2346
Educational programmes on ecosystems
Ada Sayur atau Buah yang Dah Rosak? Jangan Buang!
At IIUM, the PLANETIIUM initiative collects imperfect or over-ripe fruits and vegetables rather than see them go to waste. These surplus items become nourishment for our hedgehog habitat, transforming food waste into meaningful ecological-action and reinforcing our campus commitment to biodiversity, circular economy and hands-on stewardship
Source: https://institute.iium.edu.my/planetiium/?page_id=1823
Frugal Innovation
Vertical Aquafarming System (VAS) as University Community Empowerment Project,” stands as a shining example of sustainable farming. By fully utilizing natural resources, the VAS integrates fish rearing with vegetable planting in one recirculating system, creating a low-cost, organic, and nutritious food supply for needy students and the local community. The project not only promotes responsible research aligned with nature but also serves as a model for how science can be applied to empower communities. Its innovative yet frugal design ensures it can be easily replicated by community members, making it a true inspiration for sustainable living. This project has been one of the finalists for Green Gown Awards 2024
Source: https://institute.iium.edu.my/planetiium/?p=2700
SUPPORTING LAND ECOSYSTEM THROUGH ACTION
Sustainable use, conservation and restoration of land (policy)
IIUM Sustainability Policy
IIUM’s Sustainability Policy reflects the university’s commitment to conserving, restoring and responsibly managing the land and natural ecosystems within and surrounding its campuses. This includes safeguarding forests, hills and drylands, while promoting ecological resilience and thoughtful land use. Guided by the values of Sejahtera and Maqasid al-Shari‘ah, IIUM nurtures a culture of care for the environment and future generations.
Monitoring IUCN and other conservation species
IIUM’s Sustainability Policy includes a commitment to identifying and safeguarding vulnerable species and natural habitats across its campuses. The university monitors biodiversity conditions and supports the protection of any species listed under the IUCN Red List or national conservation registers. This approach promotes long-term ecosystem health, responsible development, and respectful coexistence with local wildlife and native plant life.
Source: https://newsroom.iium.edu.my/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IIUM-Sustainability-Policy-1.pdf
Collaboration for shared land ecosystems
Beach Cleaning Activities at Pantai Pelindung
IIUM PLANETIIUM worked together with local partners including Petron Terminal Kuantan, SW Corp and Alam Flora in a community-led effort to clean and protect the coastal ecosystem at Pantai Pelindung. This shared initiative strengthened collaboration between the university and the community, encouraged environmental stewardship, and supported ongoing care for our shared coastal landscapes.
Source: https://institute.iium.edu.my/planetiium/?p=2346
LAND SENSITIVE WASTE DISPOSAL
Water discharge guidelines and standards
Rainwater Harvesting System
IIUM through Pagoh Campus implements water quality safeguards to protect ecosystems and community wellbeing. The rainwater harvesting system at Musolla Al-Iman incorporates filtration and UV treatment to ensure water used on campus meets safe discharge and usage standards, preventing contamination and preserving environmental health. This reflects IIUM’s commitment to responsible water management and conservation.
Policy on plastic waste reduction
IIUM has adopted a formal policy to reduce plastic waste across its campuses, including initiatives to eliminate single-use plastics, promote reusable alternatives and raise community awareness about plastic’s environmental impact. This policy supports our pledge toward responsible consumption, greener campus operations and alignment with global sustainability goals.
Policy on hazardous waste disposal
Process on Scheduled Waste Disposal
IIUM has a formal policy and standard operating procedures for the safe handling and disposal of hazardous waste. This includes proper segregation, labelling, containment, decontamination and authorised removal of chemical and biological materials from laboratories and facilities. These practices ensure compliance with national environmental regulations and protect human health, campus safety and surrounding ecosystems.
Source: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1nZ58kPkZoB01stOczdzmqQ1Sjmoi08RU/edit
