Mangrove restoration collab takes root along Tg Karang coast
A total of 450 mangrove saplings have been planted at Banjar North Forest Reserve in Tanjong Karang as part of a joint conservation effort on the Kuala Selangor coast.
The Mangrove Forest Conservation Project, aimed at restoring and protecting mangrove ecosystems, is a collaboration between DRB-Hicom and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).
The event saw volunteers from DRB-Hicom's Sahabat programme and UiTM students pitching in to plant Rhizophora mucronata (bakau kurap) during the launch of the project.
According to a media statement from DRB-Hicom, the project will ultimately see 1,000 saplings planted, with continuous monitoring to support the rehabilitation of the coastal area impacted by erosion.
Speaking at the launch, DRB-Hicom chief communication officer Cairil Irwan Amir said the Mangrove Forest Conservation Project reflected the company's emphasis on sustainability, which included active engagement with academic institutions and local communities.
'This programme is a long-term investment in our environment and our people.
The 'bakau kurap' planting is part of the collaboration between DRB-Hicom and UiTM.
'By working hand-in-hand with UiTM, we hope to not only have a positive impact on the environment, but also contribute towards better education and wider community development,' said Cairil.
The Mangrove Forest Conservation Project is a three-year collaboration with UiTM's Built Environment Faculty, which includes ongoing monitoring of the mangrove forest in the area, soil-carbon stock analysis, and educational workshops with the local community.
'This project gives our employees first-hand knowledge and experience to understand the real impacts of environment degradation.
'Our partnership with UiTM and links through various operating companies create a wide foundation towards engaging and supporting the local community, while contributing meaningfully to the national sustainability agenda,' Cairil added.
The project will also be supported by a host of DRB-Hicom subsidiaries such as Bank Muamalat, Proton, EON and DRB-Hicom University of Automotive Malaysia.
Also present at the launch were representatives from DRB-Hicom, UiTM Built Environment Faculty and Selangor Forestry Department.
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