Latest news with #environmentalSustainability
Malay Mail
a day ago
- General
- Malay Mail
The cry of a mother: A call for sustainable action to protect wildlife
KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 — On May 11, 2025, as the world celebrated Mother's Day, a grieving mother elephant stood beside her lifeless calf which was under a lorry along the East-West Highway. The footage of her standing by her calf's body, unwilling to leave, struck a nerve across the nation. The young calf had been struck by a lorry carrying poultry near KM80 of the Gerik-Jeli stretch, a critical wildlife crossing area within the Belum-Temengor Forest Reserve and a significant component of Malaysia's Central Forest Spine (CFS). For hours, the mother elephant remained by her fallen calf's side — a silent testament to the depth of their bond and a powerful call for urgent lasting action that not only prevents such tragedies but secures a future where wildlife and people can co-exist, sustainably and safely. This tragedy was not an isolated incident. Just last November, a tiger met the same fate on this very road. In recent years, this highway, which cuts through the heart of the CFS — a crucial ecological network stretching from Kedah to Johor — has become perilous for Malaysia's most endangered species. According to the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability, 2,361 wild animals have been killed by vehicles since 2020. Among them were eight Asian elephants, and since 2023, six Malayan tigers — a devastating toll for a species with fewer than 150 left in the wild. Now, we mourn yet another tragic loss — an elephant struck down on a highway that cuts through its ancestral habitat. Each death is not just a number — it edges these species closer to extinction and reflects a collective failure to safeguard our natural heritage. The critically endangered Malayan tiger photographed deep within the Central Forest Spine. — Picture courtesy of Nuvista Media As the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby Berhad, SD Guthrie Berhad, and Sime Darby Property Berhad, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) is deeply invested in safeguarding Malaysia's natural heritage. Since 2017, more than RM33.7 million has been channelled into environmental efforts across the CFS region — one of the last strongholds for species like the Asian elephant, Malayan tiger, and countless lesser-known but ecologically important species. Since 2012, YSD's almost RM9.5 million investment in the Management and Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME) has driven long-term research and practical innovations. These include GPS collaring of wild elephants, the deployment of bioacoustics monitoring, camera trap networks, and early warning systems in high-risk zones to mitigate human-elephant conflict and reduce the risk of collisions. In parallel, MEME works with local communities and plantation estates to translate research findings into actionable strategies that mitigate conflict and strengthen incident response, towards improving co-existence and minimising risks to both people and wildlife. Wild elephants observed at a roadside with little to no barriers in between. — Picture courtesy of MEME/Alicia Solana-Mena 'This tragic incident is yet another urgent reminder that this is a road that cuts across important wildlife habitats. We need tolerance and precautionary actions from road users to help increase safety for all,' said Dr Wong Ee Phin, Principal Investigator of MEME and Associate Professor at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. 'Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals. The death of one affects an entire herd. Over a decade of research into their behaviours around roads must now translate into decisive action.' This tragedy has only reinforced YSD's long-standing commitment to protecting Malaysia's biodiversity. As a long-time funder and advocate for conservation in the Central Forest Spine, YSD has worked closely with civil society organisations, researchers, communities, and policymakers to address threats to wildlife through sustained, science-driven solutions. In the days that followed the tragedy, YSD convened strategic consultations with their core conservation partners and a broader group of stakeholders across government, NGOs, academia and the private sector strengthening relationships and building new connections. These sessions revisited collision data, assessed mitigation gaps, and outlined practical, long-term interventions. But this is only the beginning. YSD is committed to leading that journey to prevent future tragedies, strengthen coordination and bring in more voices — including from the infrastructure and transport sectors with coexistence as the outcome, not just conservation. 'YSD has supported the Central Forest Spine with various initiatives for over a decade. What's urgently needed now is a coordinated, long-term impact approach — and we're committed to driving that forward,' said Puan Sri Normah Hashim, Governing Council Member of YSD. 'We are also working with partners like PLUS Malaysia Berhad, whose expertise in highway infrastructure and safety solutions is critical to ensuring the success of this effort.' YSD's work in Perak has centred on enabling co-existence in and around the Belum-Temengor forest complex. Through partnerships with Perak State Parks Corporation (PSPC), Tiger Protection Society of Malaysia (RIMAU), and Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre (TRCRC), these efforts have led to over 2,400 anti-poaching patrols, the training of more than 30 Orang Asli rangers under RIMAU, 38 rangers from the local community under PSPC, as well as the restoration of 30 hectares of degraded forest. These place-based initiatives have strengthened critical habitats for tigers and elephants and safeguarded endangered tree species, contributing to long-term biodiversity in the Central Forest Spine. 'Belum-Temengor forms part of a critical ecological corridor that is already under significant pressure. While we are working to restore degraded areas such as the Amanjaya Forest Reserve to improve habitat and strengthen connectivity, these efforts alone are not enough. 'Making a meaningful difference requires collaboration across all sectors. At present, the most pressing concern is the road and the complex issues surrounding it. Without a shared commitment to address this, we risk undoing decades of conservation progress.' stressed Dr Dzaeman Dzulkifli, Executive Director, TRCRC. While recognising the government's existing efforts — including wildlife crossings, signages, and certain structural measures along the Gerik-Jeli highway — this recent tragedy clearly indicates that current provisions are insufficient. The persistence of wildlife fatalities necessitates further urgent interventions – for long term impact. Among immediate feasible measures, average-speed enforcement — rather than isolated speed traps — can help ensure consistent safe speeds along wildlife-sensitive zones. Likewise, limiting heavy vehicle access along this highway during night hours, as successfully done in India's Bandipur Tiger Reserve, could help cut roadkill. With the East Coast Rail Link and alternative logistics corridors in development, Malaysia has options to shift freight patterns away from critical habitats. In the longer term, more investment is needed for public safety and national biodiversity protection, such as dedicated wildlife viaducts, strategic fencing, lighting technologies and vehicle movement and speed control, that reduce wildlife-road interactions without affecting nocturnal species' behaviour or the essential movement of commercial vehicles at night. 'There are broader environmental issues at play. Habitat fragmentation and forest encroachment are forcing wildlife, including elephants and tigers, to cross major roads in search of food and shelter,' said Lara Ariffin, President of RIMAU. 'The safety of our wildlife cannot be separate from human safety. Without comprehensive safeguards along highways like Gerik-Jeli, we risk losing not only wildlife but human lives as well.' YSD remains committed to supporting Malaysia's conservation priorities through actionable science, infrastructure cooperation, and community engagement. Protecting the CFS landscape — and within it, the Belum-Temengor ecosystem — requires coordinated effort, stronger policy alignment, and sustained investment. 'Thriving populations of large mammals are a strong indicator of a healthy, intact ecosystem. Their conservation requires vast, connected landscapes and the collaboration of many stakeholders through well-coordinated efforts,' said Lau Ching Fong, Acting Director of PSPC. 'Support from corporate partners like Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD) plays a crucial role in providing the resources needed to protect and preserve this shared natural heritage for all Malaysians.' The mother elephant's cry must not be forgotten. Let this tragedy mark the moment Malaysia chooses true coexistence — not just in principle but through sustainable actions from a collective national conscience that values long-term impact. Our response today will shape whether future generations inherit a land shared with our precious elephants and tigers, or only the memory of their final cries.
CTV News
3 days ago
- Automotive
- CTV News
Simcoe County Museum to reopen with modified access
Simcoe County Museum has announced they will begin to welcome back visitors on Monday June 9, after phase 1 of their major renovation projects nears its completion. The public will have access to the outdoor portion of the museum from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily. The museum is currently hosting its Wheels and Tracks event this weekend before its official reopening. The museum has been closed to the public while it works on an expansion project of the Matthews Innovation and Transport Gallery. The expansion and renovation include an expanded exhibit space, integration of zero-carbon, environmentally sustainable design and storage with an expected completion date next summer. Portions of the building will remain closed for expansion.
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Applications Open May 15: PSEG Foundation To Award $1.2 Million to Community Nonprofits in New Jersey and Long Island
Originally published on PSEG NewsRoom NEWARK, N.J., May 23, 2025 /3BL/ - For the 11th year, the PSEG Foundation invites nonprofits to apply for funding that helps close critical gaps for New Jersey and Long Island communities, through its Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP). Beginning May 15, 2025, the NPP will accept applications for up to $1.2 million in grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 to eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits. This year, the Foundation is encouraging more applications for programs that expand access to environmental sustainability and stewardship, as well as resources that support communities facing financial challenges. These resources include initiatives focused on basic needs such as food security, workforce development and training programs. Eligible organizations must submit applications by June 30. Awardees will be selected based on demonstrated program effectiveness, depth, breadth and overall alignment with the PSEG Foundation strategic pillars: environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment. 'Over the years, our nonprofit partners have become more than collaborators — they're trusted friends,' said Calvin Ledford Jr., president, PSEG Foundation. 'We know how hard it can be today for families to find good jobs, afford basic needs and build a better future. That's why we believe so strongly in working together — to help people find opportunities and make everyday life more affordable. The Neighborhood Partners Program is about investing in the people and organizations with a track record of making a real and ongoing difference. We're proud to support a shared commitment to a stronger future.' Among other things, past grant recipients have leveraged funding to expand vital services, enhance community impact and overcome rising business costs: America's Grow-A-Row, a longtime partner, distributed 3.6 million pounds of fresh produce to families facing food insecurity in 2024. 'The Neighborhood Partners Program has been instrumental to our mission. Without organizations like the PSEG Foundation, we couldn't grow the fruits and vegetables that are being utilized to feed families and positively impact their lives,' said Jackie Etter, Development & Marketing, America's Grow-A-Row. Women's Center for Entrepreneurship's (WCEC) mission is to build communities by providing technical assistance to women and men to successfully own, operate and grow their small businesses, thereby investing financially, intellectually and emotionally in their community. 'The PSEG Foundation's support has been invaluable to the WCEC Women's Business Center, helping us equip business owners — including those reentering the workforce — with critical digital and business skills. Their partnership has strengthened our mission to empower and advance economic opportunity in our communities,' said Rana Shanawani, executive director, WCEC. HomeFront Inc. mission is to end homelessness in Central New Jersey by harnessing the caring, resources and expertise of the community. 'The support the PSEG Foundation has provided to HomeFront has made so many important things possible: access to basic necessities like nutritious food and a safe place for families to rest their head at night, meaningful help to support families through healing and supportive services, and opportunities for young people to thrive and achieve their dreams,' said Sarah Steward, CEO, HomeFront Inc. 'PSEG has been a partner in every way that counts: through their impactful advocacy, generous financial support, important community leadership, and countless hours hands-on volunteerism from their employees to literally do the work to build and support our region. Families in New Jersey are living happier, more fulfilling lives in more inclusive and equitable communities because of the incredible support the PSEG Foundation provides in our state.' The Watershed Institute provides inquiry-based hands-on STEM education while encouraging schools in New Jersey to adopt sustainability efforts through the River Friendly Program. 'We are grateful to the PSEG Foundation for its steadfast support through the Supporting Sustainability in Communities Program. Their generosity has made a real difference —empowering The Watershed Institute to conduct stream cleanups, advancing vital river restoration work, and engaging hundreds of community members in protecting and restoring local waterways. Together, we are building healthier, more resilient environments for all,' said Jim Waltman, executive director, The Watershed Institute. Organizations interested in applying can visit Grant recipients will be announced on a rolling basis. For questions about the program, please contact [email protected]. ### About PSEG FoundationThe PSEG Foundation 501(c)(3), the philanthropic arm of Public Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE:PEG), prioritizes investments in promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and equity and economic empowerment. About PSEGPublic Service Enterprise Group (PSEG) (NYSE: PEG) is a predominantly regulated infrastructure company operating New Jersey's largest transmission and distribution utility, serving approximately 2.4 million electric and 1.9 million natural gas customers. PSEG also owns an independent fleet of 3,758 MW of carbon-free, baseload nuclear power generating units in NJ and PA. Guided by its Powering Progress vision, PSEG aims to power a future where people use less energy, and it's cleaner, safer and delivered more reliably than ever. PSEG is a member of the S&P 500 Index and has been named to the Dow Jones Sustainability North America Index for 17 consecutive years. PSEG's businesses include Public Service Electric and Gas Co. (PSE&G), PSEG Power and PSEG Long Island ( ). Contacts: Media Relations: 973-430-7734
BBC News
19-05-2025
- BBC News
Devon beach awarded Blue Flag status for 38th year in a row
A popular shingle beach has won an internationally recognised Blue Flag award for the 38th year in a Beach in Torquay has been featured by the programme, which recognises well-managed beaches with excellent water quality and environmental education programmes, since it began in other beaches in Torbay also earned the award for 2025, including Broadsands Beach and Torre Abbey Jackie Thomas said the accolades "would not be possible without the continued hard work" of the harbour authority and other partners. 'England's favourite' She said: "There's a reason the English Riviera remains one of England's favourite resorts, thanks in part to the quality of diversity of our coastline."Torbay's continued recognition from Keep Britain Tidy reflects the ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability, water quality, safety, education, and beach management.""I'd also like to thank all of you who visit and enjoy our beaches for doing your part to keep them safe, clean, and beautiful." To qualify for the Blue Flag award, beaches must satisfy standards in four categories with 33 individual targets covering environmental education and information, water quality, environmental management, and safety and Flag beaches also have to run a minimum of five educational activities each year making people aware of the importance of looking after the natural environment.A spokesperson for Torbay Council said: "All six of the Blue Flag winners have also been awarded the Seaside Award, alongside Goodrington Beach in Paignton."55 sites were awarded both a Blue Flag and Seaside Award, meaning 11% of England's best beaches are here in Torbay," they added.
CBC
08-05-2025
- Business
- CBC
Business park proposal that would relocate Fulton Creek, remove 6,900 trees fails to pass
A rezoning application that would relocate a creek in southeast Edmonton and remove thousands of trees to allow for more industrial land failed at a public hearing at Edmonton's city hall Wednesday. The application was submitted by V3 Companies of Canada on behalf of Fulton Creek Business Park with the aim of allowing for more land for industrial use near Roper Road, 30th Street and 24th Street. The complexity of the application meant requiring council to approve amendments to the zoning bylaw, the Maple Ridge Area Structure Plan, the North Saskatchewan River Valley Area Redevelopment Plan and the Southeast District Plan. However, council was divided by what proved to be one of the most controversial aspects of the application: the relocation of Fulton Creek. The motion failed as the vote ended in a 6-6 tie during Wednesday's public hearing meeting. "I think council and our administration has been put into a very sort of compromising or contradictory position," said Coun. Jo-Anne Wright, whose Ward Sspomitapi includes the creek. Wright was among those who voted against the motion. "We're being asked right now to compromise our commitment and policy direction for environmental sustainability," she said. "We're being asked to make a choice between the economic benefit — as slight as I think it is — in this specific land use case and the protection of our natural areas, which have been I think, degraded over the years." Wright also expressed concern over a lack of consultation with Papaschase First Nation. "I would have liked to seen a little more effort to connect with the Papaschase band," Wright said. "It was Papaschase band that stewarded these lands before they were stolen." CBC has requested further comment from Papaschase First Nation. City administration told council they were in support of the rezoning application after weighing the pros and cons of the project. An approved application would have seen an expansion of 4.9 hectares of land for industrial use and create up to 400 jobs. However, city administration found it would require the removal of 6,900 trees and might cause potential harm to the ecosystem. "The sound bite of 6,900 trees being removed. Remember that these trees are being replaced," Mark Edwards, the senior director of development at Panattoni Development, told council about the mitigation efforts the company would undertake in relocating the creek. "This isn't a net loss, so there's actually a net gain in trees." Other council members like Tim Cartmell and Mayor Amarjeet Sohi, who both voted in favour, said they felt satisfied by the mitigation efforts outlined by the business park applicant. "We're still a city of 1.2 million people. We still need a significant amount of non-residential development. We still have considerable financial restraints and concerns on our city," Cartmell said. "This will actually, with approval of this application, result in a protected space and a well-managed space, which is not necessarily the case if it falls back to the city to take responsibility for." Sohi expressed apprehension at voting against the application, citing it could be seen as a deterrence to other projects. "We have lost a huge amount of industrial growth to the region, and that has put our city in a very difficult financial position, where we are putting such a burden on the residential property owners, because we have lost our share of industrial growth from 74 per cent, to six down to 60 per cent," said Sohi. "So every incremental decision that comes in front of us to rebalance that back into more industrial growth." Other public stakeholders like the Edmonton River Valley Conservation Coalition were staunchly opposed to the application. "We're very relieved that this proposal did not pass," Kristine Kowalchuk, coalition chair, told CBC in an interview. "This landscape formed over thousands of years, and you can't just replace trees … you can't just replant them and redevelop an ecosystem, a functioning ecosystem, in 10 years," Kowalchuk said noting the land was found to have at least 20 species of birds in an environmental assessment made public as part of the hearing at city hall. "We did a site visit just a few days ago to take a look at this creek, and right now, the creek is full of frogs singing. So it's not a heavily degraded land. This is land that is functioning as important habitat and a wildlife corridor today."
