Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is actively involved in maintaining and extending ecosystems and their biodiversity, with a particular focus on ecosystems under threat. Through key collaborations and research projects, USM is working to protect and restore both plant and animal species, ensuring the long-term health of these critical environments.

Penang Hill Conservation Project

USM has partnered with The Habitat Penang Hill (THPH) to develop a strategic plan for preserving the natural biodiversity of Penang Hill, a vital ecosystem under increasing pressure from urban development and tourism. This collaboration aims to protect the area's rich biodiversity, including its unique flora and fauna. The project focuses on long-term conservation strategies that include scientific research, habitat preservation, and biodiversity monitoring to ensure that the ecosystem remains resilient in the face of growing environmental threats. Through this partnership, USM is playing a key role in safeguarding the ecological treasures of Penang Hill, a critical biodiversity hotspot.

Trash Free Hill

The Trash Free Hill is an annual event involved 400 volunteers, including 45 students and staffs from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) to promote environmental conservation and reduce waste at Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Organized by Penang Hill Corporation (Perbadanan Bukit Bendera) with various collaborators such as Penang Green Council and The Habitat, this event brings together hundreds of volunteers, including students, local communities, and environmental organizations, to remove waste and raise awareness of sustainability practices that helps protect the biodiversity and ecosystem of this vital natural area. Collecting over 125 kg of waste from Penang Hill highlighted efforts to protect the area's UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status. The initiative reflects USM's commitment to preserving threatened ecosystems, as its student and staff participated directly in actions that maintain local biodiversity and environmental resilience, aligning with USM's sustainability and conservation goals.

Pulau Gaya Reef Monitoring Project

USM’s Centre for Marine and Coastal Studies (CEMACS) has been instrumental in marine conservation efforts, particularly through the installation of reef monitoring structures at Pulau Gaya. These structures are designed to monitor and support the growth of coral reefs, which are highly vulnerable to climate change, pollution, and destructive fishing practices. The project seeks to restore and extend coral ecosystems, which are essential for maintaining marine biodiversity. By continuously monitoring these ecosystems, USM is helping to protect marine life and the health of coral reefs, which are critical habitats for numerous marine species.

Through these initiatives, USM demonstrates its commitment to protecting endangered ecosystems and fostering biodiversity conservation. By maintaining and extending both terrestrial and marine ecosystems, USM supports efforts to preserve the ecological balance and resilience of ecosystems under threat.