Bintulu, Sarawak  13 May 2025 - The Institut Ekosains Borneo, Universiti Putra Malaysia Bintulu Sarawak Campus (UPMKB) successfully organized a regional webinar titled "From Ecosystems to Communities: Building Climate Resilience for a Sustainable Future" on 13 May 2025 via Zoom.

The webinar brought together participants from across Malaysia and Southeast Asia — including researchers, students, NGOs, and community leaders — to explore innovative strategies for fostering community resilience through sustainable agriculture, inclusive practices, and ecosystem-based solutions.

The session was coordinated by Dr. Sharon Ong Yong Yee and Puan Zahora Binti Ismail, and featured Ms. Christine Jodloman, Director of Community Development and Programs at AGREA Foundation, Philippines, as the keynote speaker.

Insights from the Ground: Christine Jodloman’s Message

Drawing on over 11 years of development experience, Ms. Christine shared AGREA’s pioneering framework for climate-smart agriculture, framed around their impactful "Zero Waste, Zero Hunger, Zero Insufficiency" model.

Key topics addressed during the session included:

• The integration of ecosystem-based approaches in agricultural systems
• Empowerment of women and youth in climate-resilient farming
• The role of education, agroforestry, and food systems mapping in rural sustainability
• Community-led innovation and circular economy practices

She left the audience with a thought-provoking reflection:

“If farmers no longer want their children to become farmers — what kind of future are we preparing for?”

Localizing Sustainability Solutions

Participants were encouraged to bring these insights back to their local communities — applying climate-resilient strategies at the grassroots level, particularly in rural and indigenous areas across Malaysia and Southeast Asia. The webinar highlighted the importance of reconnecting sustainability practices with community needs and local wisdom.

This initiative underscores UPMKB’s commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — especially:

• SDG 2: Zero Hunger
• SDG 13: Climate Action
• SDG 5: Gender Equality
• SDG 4: Quality Education

— by promoting academic dialogue that empowers both scholars and communities.

The organizing committee extends its sincere appreciation to Ms. Christine Jodloman and all participants for their engagement and contributions. Special thanks go to the Institut Ekosains Borneo, UPMKB, for its continued support in advancing sustainability education and outreach.

Date of Input: 13/05/2025 | Updated: 13/05/2025 | lanz