Summary of The Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme: Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology

 

The Training of Trainers (ToT) Programme:  Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology took place from 12th to 23rd August 2024 at the HTC KL Training Center, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia, Cyberjaya. The program was divided into two sessions, each featuring 20 participants from various sectors, including DID engineers, academicians, consultants, and NGOs.

Program Structure:

First Session (12th – 16th August 2024):

  • Opening: MEJAR (K) DATO’ Ir. Dr. Hj. Ahmad Anuar Bin Othman, Director-General, Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia.
  • Closing: Dato Ir. Ratna Rajah Sivapiragasam, Director of Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Lumpur (HTC KL).
  • Outcome: The session went smoothly, and participants gained valuable insights into ecohydrology. They expressed satisfaction with the knowledge gained, particularly in understanding the intricate relationships between hydrological and ecological processes and the importance of integrating ecohydrology into their respective fields.

Second Session (19th – 23rd August 2024):

  • Opening: Dato Ir. Ratna Rajah Sivapiragasam, Director of Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Lumpur (HTC KL).
  • Closing: Dato’ Ir. Rozman bin Mohamad, Deputy Director-General (Specialist), Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID) Malaysia.
  • Outcome: The session concluded successfully with the signing of a Joint Intention to Establish a Strategic Partnership between the UNESCO Humid Tropics Centre Kuala Lumpur and the UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology at the University of Algarve, Portugal. Dato’ Ir signed the agreement. Rozman bin Mohamad, Deputy Director-General (Specialist), Department of Irrigation and Drainage Malaysia, and Professor Luís Manuel Zambujal Chícharo, UNESCO Chair on Ecohydrology: Water for Ecosystems and Societies, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal. Participants from both the first and second sessions witnessed this signing, as well as the Deputy Director of Wetland Putrajaya Corporation and the UTHM Education and Training Sdn Bhd.

Experts Involved:

  • Professor Dr. Luis Chicaro: University of Algarve, Portugal.
  • Dr. Pawel Jarosiewicz: University of Lodz, Poland.
  • Professor Dr. hab. Maciej Zalewski: UNESCO-IHP program.
  • Dr. Rahmah Elfithri: UNESCO-IHP, Paris.

Outcomes:

  • Training at least ten (10) trainers per session in Ecohydrology and Applied Ecology.
  • Improved understanding and expertise in ecohydrology among participants.
  • Active involvement in ecohydrology projects and integration of concepts into national plans.

Program Agenda:

The agenda included theoretical knowledge, practical skills development, field trips, workshops, and project presentations spread across five (5) days in two separate sessions.

 

Both sessions successfully contributed to completing level 1 training, laying a strong foundation for future ecohydrology initiatives and collaborations that will enhance sustainable water and ecosystem management in Malaysia.