Latest news with #WWF-Malaysia
The Sun
26-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Nature and humanity, hand in hand
MALAYSIA is home to some of the world's richest biodiversity. From lush rainforests and winding rivers to vibrant coral reefs, our natural heritage provides clean air, fresh water, food security, climate stability and cultural identity. To achieve true sustainability, we must recognise that nature is not just a resource but is also the foundation of life. When ecosystems thrive, they help secure a sustainable future for all. Some of Malaysia's most treasured wildlife includes the Malayan tiger, the Bornean orangutan, Borneo pygmy elephant, Malayan tapir and endangered sea turtles, such as the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle. These remarkable animals are not only symbols of our national and natural heritage but they are also indicators of the health of our environment. They remind us of the urgent need for conservation. Our biodiversity is under threat. Habitat loss, pollution, unsustainable practices and climate change are pushing species and ecosystems to the brink. World Biodiversity Day was celebrated on May 22 and this year's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,' reminds us that the health of our planet is inseparable from human progress. It highlights the interconnectedness between the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The message is clear, whereby we cannot achieve sustainable development without protecting biodiversity. Nature supports every aspect of sustainable development, from poverty mitigation and health to economic growth and climate resilience. In recent days, the heart-breaking loss of a baby elephant has sparked widespread concern. The government has also responded and agreed to create more ecological corridors to enable wildlife to move across landscapes, which can thus reduce conflict. These corridors will also benefit many other wildlife species and allow the ecosystem to thrive. These commitments reflect the ambitions of the GBF, particularly Target 2, which aims to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, and Target 9, which focuses on minimising human-wildlife conflict through sustainable solutions. This approach also supports the objectives of SDG 13, which calls for urgent climate action and highlights the importance of ecosystem connectivity and adaptive management to build climate resilience. In addition, it aligns with SDG 15, which promotes the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems to safeguard life on land. Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving wildlife. It is about safeguarding our future. By restoring ecosystems and improving landscape connectivity, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Malaysia for generations to come. All parties, including the private sectors should work together with the government and conservation bodies towards this cause. At WWF-Malaysia, we are committed to solutions that benefit both people and nature. Our living landscape effort integrates tiger conservation, sustainable palm oil, responsible forestry and circular economy innovations, all in close collaboration with communities, businesses and policymakers. Together we are building landscapes where wildlife can thrive and people can prosper. Living in harmony with nature is not just a dream for the future; it is a choice we must make every day. Every action matters, from supporting conservation efforts to embracing sustainable lifestyles. Change begins with us. Let us embrace a future where nature and humanity move forward hand in hand, ensuring a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come. Because at WWF-Malaysia, we believe it is only 'together possible'. Join us in making a difference. WWF-Malaysia's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Comments: letters@
Borneo Post
25-05-2025
- Business
- Borneo Post
Sabah's sustainable palm oil vision: Leading way for people and planet
This regular op-ed column features WWF-Malaysia's perspectives on pressing environmental issues and events unfolding in Sabah. As an environmental conservation NGO, we also use this space to share our views on potential policy shifts that Sabah's leaders can implement to foster a greener and more sustainable future for the state. Oil palm was first introduced to Malaya as an ornamental plant before 1875. Commercial planting began in 1917 in Selangor, and large-scale expansion of palm oil in Sabah took off in the 1970s. Throughout the country, the expansion was part of the government's diversification strategy to reduce its reliance on rubber and timber. The Federal Land Development Authority (FELDA) and plantation companies were tasked to drive this expansion. Rows upon rows of oil palm trees in a Sabah plantation estate. In Sabah, companies such as Sabah Softwoods Berhad started their first oil palm planting in the early 1980s. By 1998, the development of oil palm had reached more than 800,000 hectares. The industry has since grown to be a major economic force in the state. In 2023, Sabah became the largest crude palm oil (CPO) producing state in Malaysia, producing 4.5 million tonnes of crude palm oil (CPO) out of 1.5 million hectares of plantation area. While generating economic revenue, the development of the palm oil industry has impacted Sabah's rich biodiversity. In just over 15 years, between 2002 and 2017, land clearing and conversion of forest for palm oil production have reduced the population of orangutans by 30%. Recognising this, Sabah has shifted towards sustainability by emphasising the need for development to be amply balanced by biodiversity conservation. Sustainability-certified palm oil production can be a game changer for Sabah's economy, biodiversity and people. Rather than seeing the need for development and biodiversity conservation as conflicting priorities, Sabah has charted a bold path that unites them, showing that it is possible to protect forests and wildlife while cultivating prosperity. By embracing sustainability at scale, the state is emerging as a global leader in producing palm oil that works for both people and the planet. Sabah has proven that palm oil production does not have to come at the expense of the environment. In fact, it can be a solution. The future lies not in choosing between forests or farms, but in making them work together. A statewide commitment to sustainability In 2015, the state committed to achieving 100% compliance of sustainability standards for all oil palm in Sabah. This set the pathway to transform Sabah's palm oil production and supply chain by halting deforestation, restoring ecosystems and securing livelihoods. Sabah has made a bold move by becoming the first Malaysian state to achieve full RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil) certification across all oil palm operations by 2030. This commitment goes beyond compliance. It signals a long-term vision where sustainable production is the foundation for global competitiveness, environmental protection, and community resilience. To fulfil this, the Sabah Jurisdictional Approach for Sustainable Palm Oil (JASPO) initiative was set up with the support of the government and stakeholders to transform the palm oil sector. Conservation through cultivation – Applying WWF's Living Landscape Approach Inspired by these progressive policies of the state of Sabah, WWF-Malaysia supports the sustainable palm oil production through an innovative Living Landscape Approach (LLA). The LLA integrates conservation, sustainable development, and responsible land use in places with high distribution of wildlife such as the iconic orangutan and Bornean elephant. This approach focuses on three pillars: 'Protect, Produce, and Restore' – advocating for the preservation of forests, wildlife, and rivers, while also supporting the sustainable production of palm oil and the restoration of degraded lands. The Living Landscape Approach aims to balance biodiversity conservation with sustainable development, providing a platform for stakeholders to build partnership towards achieving this common goal. These are not mere theories. This approach is already taking place on the ground. Plantation companies like Sawit Kinabalu, KLK, and Sabah Softwoods have voluntarily set aside areas within their estates to reforest and establish wildlife corridors. These corridors are crucial in reconnecting fragmented forests, allowing endangered species such as orangutans, Bornean elephants, and Bornean sun bears to move safely between habitats. Supporting oil palm growers through strategic partnerships and cooperatives The transition to sustainable oil cultivation in Sabah has its own challenges. Companies embarking on certification often require initial investment in training their employees, adopt new technologies, and becoming familiar with third party auditing processes. For most independent smallholders and mid-sized palm oil growers, high certification cost hinders them from pursuing stringent RSPO certification. WWF-Malaysia works with smallholders and mid-sized growers to help them pursue RSPO certification. To address this, WWF-Malaysia has supported the formation of grower cooperatives to make RSPO certification more accessible and affordable. An alphabet soup of cooperatives has been established including Koperasi Landskap Kelapa Sawit Sabah Bhd (LKSS); Koperasi Lestari Penanam Sawit Sabah Berhad (KLASS); and Koperasi Pekebun Kecil dan Sederhana Sawit Lestari Sabah Berhad (KOSALESA). Through these cooperatives, growers share the cost of audits and training, while also benefiting from technical guidance and group support. All financial benefits from the certification will go back to the growers as an incentive for their sustainability efforts. When WWF first engaged growers in priority landscapes like the Tawau-Kunak Districts and Tabin in Lahad Datu, only 25 smallholders were willing to pursue certification. When the pioneer cooperative began earning premiums and selling RSPO Credits, interest grew among the growers. Today, three times that number are in the process of getting certified. This growing momentum, coupled with supportive policies from the state government and progressive actions by large plantation groups, is putting Sabah at the forefront of sustainable palm oil globally. How sustainable palm oil benefits Sabah The palm oil industry remains a major contributor of GDP in Sabah as well as an economic engine that creates employment opportunities for the people. Sustainability isn't just good for the environment — it's smart for business. RSPO certified producers enjoy a range of benefits such as premium market access in Europe and North America. Certified growers obtain higher prices for certified Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) and are able to trade RSPO Credits as an extra income stream. They too benefit from increased returns as a sustainable approach to palm oil cultivation results in improved productivity from better soil, water and pest management. Through responsible practices, growers also become stewards of the land, protecting high conservation value (HCV) areas, preserving ecosystem services, and strengthening their relationships with local communities and workers. Beyond its direct benefits to oil palm growers, support for sustainable palm oil is crucial for addressing environmental, social, and economic concerns associated with palm oil production. Sustainable palm oil embraces the People, Planet, Profit framework, also known as Triple Bottom Line (TBL) sustainability framework that expands the traditional focus of business beyond financial profits to include social and environmental performance. Under the TBL framework, sustainable palm oil incorporates social equity aspects throughout its supply chain. These are fair labour practices, wages and working conditions, employee well-being, community engagement, as well as diversity, equity and inclusion. TBL environmental sustainability commits to the goal of minimising negative environmental impacts and contributing positively to environmental health by reducing carbon footprint, employing responsible waste management, conserving water and energy, sustainable sourcing of materials, and protecting biodiversity. Lastly, the TBL framework's economic viability aspect aims at not only maximising financial performance based on revenue, expenses and profitability. It also takes into account its overall economic impact on a society as represented by job creation and economic stability, responsible tax payments, as well as ethical and fair financial practices. Consumers are the answer In environmentally conscious markets, consumers drive the demand for sustainable palm oil. Over the last 30 years, arising from consumer pressure, supermarkets and retail companies in consumption countries have required their suppliers to supply sustainability-certified palm oil products. Slowly but surely, growing consumer awareness from Asia Pacific countries including the affluent and middle class from China and India will drive producers to adopt more responsible practices, protecting the environment and supporting livelihoods. Sabah being a global leader on environmental protection, biodiversity conservation and sustainable palm oil production will stand to gain by becoming an even more globally competitive state.
Daily Express
22-05-2025
- General
- Daily Express
Kudat coral planting enters record book
Published on: Thursday, May 22, 2025 Published on: Thu, May 22, 2025 Text Size: Kudat coral planting enters record book KUDAT: Sabah Parks along with WWF-Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, local communities, enforcement agencies, volunteers, and the private sector, reached a milestone in conservation efforts through the recognition by the Malaysia Book of Records (MBR) for planting 12,000 coral fragments on the seafloor within Tun Mustapha Park (TTM) at Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo) close to Pulau Kalampunian. State Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Seri Christina Liew officiated the Recognition Ceremony in conjunction with the 9th Anniversary of the Gazettement of Tun Mustapha Park at Dewan Tun Mustapha Kudat on Monday. 'Congratulations to the Director of Sabah Parks (Dr Maklarin Lakim) and his team, all collaborative partners and implementing agencies that turned this vision into reality. 'To the local communities – you are the true guardians of the sea. This collaboration strengthens an inclusive and effective conservation network. 'The figure 12,000 (coral fragments) reflects our determination and unity. This activity was accomplished in just four days with the participation of over 500 individuals.' The participants comprised certified divers, non-divers, local communities from Kg Tajau Laut and Simpang Mengayau, and various stakeholders, including tourism players. Advertisement Liew said the mammoth project was made possible through corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions from various entities, including the private sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). She asserted that these contributions reflect broad confidence in marine conservation efforts in Sabah and serve as proof that public-private collaboration can drive sustainable environmental restoration initiatives. 'The spirit of togetherness shown by participants – divers, communities, students, and volunteers – is the true backbone of this event's success. This is the 'Unite for the Ocean' spirit we aim to cultivate,' Liew said. From another perspective, the Minister noted that this significant project not only contributes to the implementation of biodiversity policies at the state, national, and global levels but also supports the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), namely SDG 13: Climate Action, SDG 14: Life Below Water, and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Additionally, she said, it reflects Malaysia's commitment to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, especially the '30 by 30' principle. 'My hope is that this initiative does not end as a symbolic event, but is followed through with action plans such as scientific monitoring, community education, and regular reporting so it may serve as a national and global reference,' Liew added. Liew said gazetting of Tun Mustapha Park pioneered the management of marine protected areas in Sabah. Spanning over 898,000 hectares of sea and coastline, it is Malaysia's largest multi-use marine park and one of the most expansive in the region. 'Today, Tun Mustapha Park is home to over 528 species of fish, 250 species of coral, three endangered sea turtle species, dugongs, dolphins, and iconic species such as whale sharks and whales. 'These achievements result from science-based conservation, including marine biological monitoring and coral restoration techniques, underscoring the importance of scientific data in decision-making and evaluating management effectiveness,' Liew pointed out. 'Admittedly, preserving such a vast area is no easy task. The decision to gazette Tun Mustapha Park was based on years of scientific research, including biodiversity mapping, critical habitat analysis, and data-driven zoning. 'This area encompasses more than 50 islands, such as Banggi, Balambangan, Malawali, Tigabu, and Maliangin, with over 80,000 residents living in 53 coastal and island villages.' This initiative (gazettement) requires unwavering dedication, multi-stakeholder coordination, and patience in facing legal challenges, economic pressures, and climate change, Liew added. Acknowledging the equally important role played by villages like Tajau Laut, Marang Parang, Bavang Jamal, and the Banggi Island community, she commended them for having been key contributors to conservation efforts ranging from joint monitoring and coral reef restoration to community-based ecotourism. The highlight of the event was the presentation of the MBR Certificate of Recognition to the Chairman of Sabah Parks, Peter Lintar by MBR official Edwin Yeoh who represented MBR, witnessed by Liew. Also present were Tanjong Kapor Assemblyman Datuk Ben Chong, the Ministry's Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Dr Maklarin and Kudat District Officer Charles William Dabbi. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
20-05-2025
- General
- The Star
Sabah breaks coral planting record
12,000 fragments laid in sea around Kudat in a reef restoration initiative KOTA KINABALU: A large-scale reef restoration effort in Sabah has landed in the Malaysia Book of Records after 12,000 coral fragments were laid in the sea around Kudat in what is recognised as the 'largest coral fragment planting initiative'. The achievement was verified yesterday, in conjunction with the ninth anniversary of the gazettement of the Tun Mustapha Park in Kudat. Various agencies, local communities and volunteers managed to plant the coral fragments on the seafloor at Simpang Mengayau (Tip of Borneo), close to Pulau Kalampunian, from May 5 to 18. 'Congratulations to the director of Sabah Parks (Dr Maklarin Lakim) and his team, all collaborative partners, and implementing agencies that turned this vision into a reality,' said Datuk Seri Christina Liew, Sabah's Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister. 'To the local communities – you are the true guardians of the sea. This collaboration strengthens an inclusive and effective conservation network,' she said, adding that the figure of 12,000 (coral fragments) reflected everyone's determination and unity. Acknowledging the equally important role played by villages like Tajau Laut, Marang Parang, Bavang Jamal and the Banggi Island community, Liew commended them for having been key contributors to conservation efforts ranging from joint monitoring and coral reef restoration to community-based ecotourism. She said this activity was accomplished earlier than expected in just four days, with the participation of over 500 individuals, including from Sabah Parks, WWF-Malaysia, Universiti Malaysia Sabah, enforcement agencies and the private sector. The participants comprised certified divers, non-divers, local communities from Kg Tajau Laut and Simpang Mengayau, and various stakeholders, including tourism players, she said. Since its gazettement nine years ago, the Tun Mustapha Park (TTM), which spans over 898,000ha, has pioneered the management of marine-protected areas in Sabah. It is Malaysia's largest multi-use marine park and one of the most expansive in the region, housing over 528 species of fish, 250 species of corals, three endangered sea turtle species, dugongs, dolphins and iconic species such as whale sharks and whales, she said. Meanwhile, tourists caught handling starfish (also known as sea stars) in Sabah's territorial waters will face stern action, said Liew in response to yet another incident that took place near Tanjung Aru, just outside the boundaries of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The viral video showed a tourist, believed to be a foreign national, who was on a paddleboard (stand-up-paddle), doing the misdeed recently. 'KePKAS views this incident seriously and authorities will not hesitate to take stern action against any party found violating regulations related to wildlife and natural ecosystems in the state,' said Liew. Following an investigation conducted by Sabah Parks, it was confirmed that the incident involved a tour company, with a total of 30 sea stars collected in the incident, ranging from the Horned Sea Star or Chocolate Chip Sea Star, known locally as tapak sulaiman bertanduk (Protoreaster nodosus). She urged all tour operators to exercise greater responsibility in ensuring that their clients and staff adhere strictly to guidelines and regulations, particularly those concerning the protection of marine life. 'Awareness and compliance with these regulations are vital to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem for the well-being of future generations,' she said.
New Straits Times
19-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
NST Leader: Wildlife under siege
HUMANS think the planet was created for us alone. We wilfully forget that it is the home of wildlife, too. How else would you explain the roadkill of an elephant calf along the East-West Highway on May 11? Drivers should know by now that they are passing through a wildlife habitat. It is high time we realised that we are the intruders, not the animals. There are enough warning signs to alert even motorists with minimal concern for the safety of wild animals. Being humane means caring for all creations. Those who gave the go-ahead for the 120km highway, cutting through the Royal Belum State Park and the Temengor Forest Reserve — home to elephants, tigers and tapirs — cannot be excused as being ignorant. Didn't the Public Works Department, as the highway's builders, conduct an environmental assessment prior to construction? Were wildlife crossings not incorporated due to a lack of funds? Since the government managed to raise RM1.6 billion in the 1970s for the highway, it could have found the money to build enough animal crossings. The decline of wildlife will have serious repercussions for the country's ecosystem, and for us as well. The Perak Wildlife and National Parks Department has identified 40 such elephant crossing points. Naturally, in an elephant habitat, they have to hunt for food. Our selfish pursuit of development often overlooks the animals living in our forests. This lack of consideration has only one consequence: the loss of wildlife. The decline of wildlife will have serious repercussions for the country's ecosystem, and for us as well. Given the current rate of animal deaths on our roads, this decline is not a distant possibility. A Bernama report quoted Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad as saying that a total of 2,361 wild animals were killed in collisions with vehicles nationwide between 2020 and May 12 this year. That's a daily loss of one wild animal! Pahang had the highest number of roadkills with 765 animals, followed by Perak (478), Kelantan (224), Terengganu (201), and Negri Sembilan (187). The World Wide Fund for Nature Malaysia (WWF-Malaysia) is right: without more interventions — both immediate and long-term — roadkills will only get worse. For animals, roads and highways are just another part of the forest habitat. But we understand the danger, so it's our responsibility to take the necessary actions to prevent these needless roadkills. The first is to stop destroying animal habitats. This is crucial because, according to WWF-Malaysia, a 2016 study found that elephant roaming areas had shrunk by 68 per cent due to agriculture, infrastructure and land-use change. The rest comes later. Habitat loss forces animals to cross roads more often, the WWF-Malaysia says. The organisation reminds us of a basic truth: the forest was theirs long before the roads were ours. While we are not against development, it must be sustainable — benefiting not only humans, but animals as well. Unsustainable development is not true progress, it is deforestation. Wild animals need their space, just as much as we do.
