Continuing its efforts from its reef rehabilitation project last year, RBC employees recently returned to the island to construct and deploy traps designed to remove coral-eating snails.
These snails are a major factor in the widespread on-going coral degradation and bleaching in Southeast Asia.
The project is being run in partnership with Reef Check Malaysia, a non-profit company that engages local stakeholders to protect, restore and revive coral reefs in Malaysia.
RBC, in a statement, said employees collected 53kg of rubbish on Tioman Island. They also planted 82 coral fragments.
In addition, RBC employees, friends and family members, as well as children from the Yayasan Sunbeams Home, participated in beach cleaning and tree-planting activities in Selangor to highlight the importance of protecting and preserving the local environment.
“We’re pleased to support Reef Check Malaysia’s efforts to protect the local coral population on Tioman Island and participate in RBC Blue Water Day activities in Selangor,” said Gary O’Leary, RBC’s global head of shared services and sponsor of RBC’s Malaysia Corporate Citizenship Committee.
“RBC’s purpose is to help clients thrive and communities prosper.
“We have a significant presence in Malaysia and we’re proud to work with local organisations that make a difference in our community.”
RBC also awarded a RM55,000 Blue Water Grant to Reef Check Malaysia in support of their initiatives to protect biodiversity.
The RBC Blue Water Project is a 10-year global commitment to help protect fresh water, with RBC having pledged nearly C$47 million since 2007 to more than 760 charitable organisations worldwide that protect watersheds and promote access to clean drinking water.