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sea turtles

Our team on the ground collect data on endangered Green and critically endangered Hawksbill turtles in strategic partnership with the Department of Fisheries, Malaysia. Our sea turtle work includes a hatchery, tagging of adults, photo identification and monitoring of local nesting populations.

 
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TERRESTRIAL

As hotspots for biodiversity, island ecosystems are unique and special. Our terrestrial work includes the monitoring of terrestrial biodiversity, vegetation mapping, coastal erosion profiling and habitat restoration.

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marine ecosystems

TIC runs a wider marine conservation programme in startegic partnership with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, which includes coral reef mapping of the Johor Islands, coral reef surveys and monitoring, reef restoration and underwater clean-ups.

 
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COMMUNITY

TIC is working on various community projects including the PEDAS Schools Initiative, Training of Trainer Events and projects to support communities with sustainable and environmentally friendly infrastructure. We work in collaboration with local NGOs and authorities like the Johor Marine Park and District Council.

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marine debris & pollution

We are working to combat marine debris and organise beach and underwater cleanups on a weekly basis. In 2018 alone we collected over 10 tonnes of marine debris. TIC has been a member of the Global Ghost Gear Initiative since 2018.

 
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SUSTAINABILITY & sustainable tourism

Our team also provide expert advice and suuport on sustainability for businesses, communities and the tourism sector. We support Batu Batu Resort on it’s sustainability policies and environmental management, as well as guidance on ethical interactions and limiting impacts on nature and wildlife.

 

check out our blog for the latest acitivites on tic projects

Blog
TAKING A GIANT STRIDE INTO A NEW WORLD - CHUA XIN NING
TAKING A GIANT STRIDE INTO A NEW WORLD - CHUA XIN NING

Just 20 minutes off Mersing and civilization seems a world away… (fear not! There was still access to the internet and local phone networks – though intermittent at times) What can we do on an island that is just 3 km in circumference? The answer is a lot! Situated within the Johor Marine Park, Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) focuses mostly on conservation of sea turtles and coral reefs across 7 islands. It was a world of unknown for me as I had no prior knowledge on marine science and was purely interested in understanding what is happening in the conservation world – thank you to TIC for creating this platform for people from various backgrounds!

Tengah Memoirs: Embracing New Beginnings - Alyssa Lim
Tengah Memoirs: Embracing New Beginnings - Alyssa Lim

A whirlwind of emotions and memories engulfs me as I reminisce about my 3 months here at Tengah Island Conservation. It has been a time filled with captivating landscapes, warm-hearted people, new experiences, and personal growth. In my blog, I aim to capture the essence of this remarkable place and invaluable knowledge I’ve learned along the way. So, join me on this virtual voyage as I share the moments that defined my time as an intern here!

Five Months of Timeless Memories and Everlasting Emotions - Siti Nur Baiduri
Five Months of Timeless Memories and Everlasting Emotions - Siti Nur Baiduri

Everyday I woke up to the calming sound of waves and refreshing morning breeze with the cheerful chirping of birds around welcoming the sun. Starting the day with the brightest smile and meaningful ‘good morning’ ready for the morning patrols around the island. 

How time flies~

Create your own story? Just add water - Iskandar Hazlan
Create your own story? Just add water - Iskandar Hazlan

Some chapters are gloomy, some joyful and some very exciting. But if you never turn the page, you will never know what the next chapter holds. “Sun, Sea, Salt… Life on an island is tough” that’s what I thought in the first place. However, it turns out wrong. It has been the greatest chapter that I have ever created in my Book of Life. 

Island Reflections: Embracing Nature, Finding Strength - Nur Baiti Azizi
Island Reflections: Embracing Nature, Finding Strength - Nur Baiti Azizi

When I got off the boat, I felt both excited and unsure about my decision. The plants and animals on this island seemed to have secrets waiting to be discovered. Then, I realized that living on the island was a different world. As a city dweller, I had to adapt to the limited resources and the absence of modern conveniences. On my first few days, I found myself feeling out of place. But soon, I discovered the warmth and hospitality of my teammates that knew no bounds.

3 Months Full of Memories and Experiences - Muhammad Aiman Farhan
3 Months Full of Memories and Experiences - Muhammad Aiman Farhan

Sad, frustrated, and almost got my heart broken in my final days with Tengah Island Conservation (TIC) in Pulau Tengah, Mersing. I will always remember everything I have done, learned and memories that were created together on this beautiful island. Having a refreshing sunrise every morning, fantastic scenery every dawn, and the beautiful clear blue water every day made me realize that three months of staying here was not enough. 

LET'S GET STURTLED: Ali on Pulau Tengah - Alice Leonardi
LET'S GET STURTLED: Ali on Pulau Tengah - Alice Leonardi

Pulau Tengah welcomes you with its crystal water, with baby sharks swimming in, as soon as you set your first foot on the dock.

First thought is for sure “am I really so lucky to be here?”. Second, of course, “let’s start exploring”.

So, facts are: you’re on an incredible island, accommodated at the Ranch which is a big open-air living room surrounded by nature and equipped with comfortable rooms for everyone. The sea is 30 steps away. And you’ve just arrived, to learn and help and share, and create your own adventures…

Vitamin S every day: Sea, Sun, Sand, Shore, Scenic, and Sea turtle - Chong on Pulau Tengah
Vitamin S every day: Sea, Sun, Sand, Shore, Scenic, and Sea turtle - Chong on Pulau Tengah

Hi there! My name is Chong, and this is my internship experience in Tengah Island Conservation. Since it was announced that I am required to find an internship to complete my degree in Marine Science after 2 years lockdown in Malaysia due to pandemic Covid-19, I had already decided that I wanted to find a placement that would allow me to do more field work in nature…..

IN THE THICK OF IT: Arina at Pulau Tengah
IN THE THICK OF IT: Arina at Pulau Tengah

2021, roller-coaster ride indeed! Accepted as an intern with TIC for a solid 5 months, it was unbelievable! Met new people, developing new skills and getting involved with diversity of projects here has eventually prepared me for my future career. Diving skills has improved from zero to hero with endless intensive training by our certified Divemsater (DM) Nur Aiman Suhaimi and Izzat Hakimi A’rizu….

Field Assistant: A New Beginning
Field Assistant: A New Beginning

A year have passed, and now its May 2021. After finishing my intern in November 2020 with TIC, it is on February 21st, that I was officially accepted into the team, working as a full-time field assistant on the island. Feeling grateful for the opportunity given, I was very excited to start my career journey as soon as I can! As a field assistant, my roles included conducting surveys and collecting various data for TIC projects, supervising interns and volunteers in all aspects, managing social media and networks, supporting TIC special needs, as well as educating the guests, staff and local people….