Virtual Booth

Landslides are a significant geohazard, causing loss of life, economic damage, and environmental degradation, particularly in tropical regions like Malaysia where heavy rainfall and human activity increase slope failures. Current slope protection methods often rely on plastic, non-biodegradable mats that harm the environment and provide only temporary soil stabilization, leaving exposed earth vulnerable to erosion and landslides. This project aims to develop an eco-friendly solution using natural, biodegradable materials, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 15: Life on Land, to conserve soil, restore vegetation, and empower communities. Our innovation, LandAid, is a biodegradable slope protection mat made from coconut coir and natural starch-based glue. Inspired by the concept of treating exposed soil like a wound, LandAid stabilizes soil, absorbs water, reduces runoff, and allows vegetation to grow naturally. Made from locally available materials and producible by small cottage industries, it is affordable, scalable, and supports local economies. Laboratory testing showed that LandAid successfully prevents soil displacement under simulated heavy rainfall, unlike bare slopes where significant erosion occurs. By stabilizing slopes and introducing pioneer plant species, LandAid mitigates landslide risks, protects property and lives, enriches the soil, and fosters sustainable environmental practices. In conclusion, LandAid represents a practical, low-cost, and environmentally sustainable approach to landslide prevention. Through the combination of natural materials, local production, and ecological restoration, this innovation addresses immediate geohazard threats while promoting long-term land stewardship, demonstrating that simple, locally inspired solutions can have meaningful global impact.

Keywords: Landslide risk mitigation, biodegradable slope mats, coconut coir, soil stabilisation, sustainable land management