Latest news with #environmentalsustainability
Free Malaysia Today
2 days ago
- Business
- Free Malaysia Today
Sabah named ‘Malaysia's Most Outstanding State' for 2024
Azman Ujang, a chief judge of the awards, highlighted Sabah's potential in economic development and environmental sustainability. (Wikipedia pic) PETALING JAYA : Sabah has made its mark by being named 'Malaysia's Most Outstanding State' for 2024 at the International Business Review (IBR) Asean Awards 2025. Former Petagas assemblyman James Ligunjang said that for the first time, the awards extended recognition to state governments, acknowledging exceptional leadership and accomplishments at the state level alongside corporate achievements. Ligunjang said in a statement that under chief minister Hajiji Noor's leadership, Sabah had received the highest honour for implementing the Sabah Maju Jaya development framework. The framework centres on four pillars: championing Sabah's rights, leading with integrity and efficiency, fostering development aligned with the Shared Prosperity Vision 2030, and maintaining unity among the state's diverse communities. He said key achievements that contributed to the recognition include an increase in federal special grants from RM26 million in 2022 to RM600 million in 2025, and a 47% rise in foreign tourist arrivals, boosting the state's revenue. Other highlights include a substantial stake in oil and gas revenues from the commercial cooperation agreement with Petronas, yielding over RM3 billion in 2023, as well as foreign investments soaring from RM132 million in 2023 to over RM1 billion in 2024. Ligunjang also cited progress on the Pan-Borneo Highway, linking major cities and rural areas, as a key achievement by the state. He said that Azman Ujang, a chief judge of the awards, also highlighted Sabah's potential in economic development and environmental sustainability. 'He noted increased foreign investment interest, with investments rising from RM132.7 million in 2023 to RM1.07 billion in 2024, and praised the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park's record-high occupancy rate of 90% with 288 active investors. 'Sabah also achieved the highest manufacturing sector growth rate in Malaysia at 4.4% in 2023,' Ligunjang said. He said Azman had also emphasised the state's focus on human capital development and environmental conservation, with 62% of Sabah's land, amounting to 4.6 million hectares, declared free of logging, as part of long-term sustainability strategies. The official awards ceremony is scheduled to be held on July 19, at the Sabah International Convention Centre, Kota Kinabalu, with Hajiji expected to attend as an honorary guest. Ligunjang said the award was announced by the event's secretariat, which also honoured Negeri Sembilan as Malaysia's 'Most Progressive State' for 2024.
Zawya
29-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Gombe govt signs multi-billion naira contract for 18km gully erosion control project
The Gombe State Government on Wednesday signed a multi-billion Naira contract for an 18km gully erosion control project within Gombe metropolitan city, aimed at protecting residents from annual flooding that has long defied solution. Speaking at the official contract signing ceremony and groundbreaking for the GGMC Doma Gully Erosion Control Project—held at Hayin Misau in Gombe Metropolis—Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his administration's commitment to environmental sustainability and the protection of lives and livelihoods across the state. The project, which spans 18 kilometres, is designed to mitigate one of the most severe gully erosion problems affecting the area. Governor Inuwa Yahaya, in his address, reaffirmed that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has prioritised environmental protection and public safety. He highlighted several strategic interventions introduced under his leadership, starting with the flagship Gombe Goes Green (3G) project, which has resulted in the planting of over five million trees to combat desertification and support environmental regeneration. He further cited successful erosion control projects carried out under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) and Agro-Climatic Resilience in Semi-Arid Landscapes (ACReSAL), including the GSU gully reclamation, the 21km FCE(T) gully control, and the 7.5km erosion corridor stretching from International Hotel to the Commissioner of Police's residence. The Governor announced that compensation would be paid to all individuals affected within the 10-metre buffer zone of the project area. He added that the project would also empower local communities by providing resilience-building support, such as fishponds, poultry farms, and other sustainable livelihood initiatives. The GGMC Doma project was awarded to Triacta Nigeria Limited at a contract sum of ₦48.6 billion, with a completion timeframe of 30 months. 'I extend my profound appreciation to the ACReSAL National Coordination Office led by Dr Abdulhamid Umar and the World Bank Task Team Lead, Dr Joy Iganya Agene, for their sustained technical and financial support. I also thank all stakeholders involved in this transformative effort,' the Governor stated. He urged residents to take ownership of the project and protect it from vandalism, describing it as a collective investment and a legacy for future generations. Governor Yahaya also flagged off the compensation payment, presenting symbolic cheques to affected individuals. Additionally, he commissioned the distribution of agricultural and mobility assets, including 12 tractors, 3 Hilux utility vehicles, 12 tricycles, and 1 Hiace bus, to enhance agricultural productivity and environmental resilience. In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Environment, Forest and Water Resources, Hon. Saidu Mohammed Fawu, revealed that over 200 active gullies exist across the state. He noted that past interventions such as the 21km FCE(T) gully project have safeguarded nine vulnerable communities and that more than ₦2.1 billion has been disbursed as compensation. According to him, 'We estimate that over 1.8 million people will directly or indirectly benefit from this intervention,' he added, urging the contractors to ensure timely and high-quality delivery. Also speaking, Chairman of Akko Local Government Area, Hon. Muhammad Danladi Adamu, expressed deep gratitude to the Governor for the life-saving initiative. 'For years, communities around this gully have suffered. Many administrations came and went, making empty promises. But today, we are witnessing real, tangible transformation,' he said. He described the Bogo–Hayin Misau Bridge and erosion control works as iconic, saying they have brought safety and renewed hope to numerous residents. He also commended other impactful projects executed in Akko, including roads, healthcare, and education. Hon. Musa Muhammad Wuro Biriji, Member representing Akko North in the Gombe State House of Assembly, echoed similar sentiments. 'We've raised our voices for years, but only now under Governor Inuwa Yahaya have our cries been heard. We feel seen, heard, and supported.' Managing Director of Triacta Nigeria Limited, Engr. Eli Abu Fahad, assured the state government and its citizens of timely and high-quality delivery. 'This is not just a contract, it's a mission to save lives and preserve the environment. We are committed to excellence in every aspect of execution,' he said. In a goodwill message, the Lamido of Gona, His Royal Highness Alhaji Abdulkadir Abdussalam, commended the prioritisation of erosion control, describing it as essential for land preservation, food security, and sustainable development. He also lauded the Governor for ensuring that compensation was provided to affected residents. 'This is not merely an engineering feat, it is a legacy of protection, prosperity, and environmental stewardship,' the royal father remarked. Delivering the vote of thanks, Dr Sani Adamu Jauro, State Coordinator of the ACReSAL Project, noted that the 21km FCE(T) gully erosion control project had reached 98% completion and had attracted commendation from the World Bank and other partners. 'Security has improved, school enrolment is rising, health risks are declining, and the quality of life is improving significantly in the impacted communities,' he said. He emphasised that all activities are in alignment with the Development Agenda for Gombe State (DEVAGOM), which serves as the blueprint for Governor Yahaya's inclusive and sustainable development vision. Speaking on behalf of the host communities, Dr Sadiq Adamu, Chairman of the Hayin Misau Development Association, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Governor for turning a long-standing dream into reality. 'Since 1967, this bridge and gully intervention were mere political promises. You are the first leader who have turned it into a reality,' he said. He praised the resilience and foresight of the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration and pledged the community's support in safeguarding the project and ensuring its long-term impact. Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
23-05-2025
- Science
- Zawya
Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi disperses 6.5mln native seeds using drones
ABU DHABI - As part of its continued drive to adopt cutting-edge technologies that support biodiversity in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD) has completed its 2025 native seed dispersal programme in nature reserves. The initiative, conducted in partnership with UK-based environmental restoration company Dendra, used custom-designed drones to carry out aerial seeding. The Agency continues to advance its drone-based seeding programme through the expertise of a dedicated team comprising seasoned professionals and promising young Emirati talent. The team carries out comprehensive studies and precise assessments of vegetation cover within the targeted reserves, taking into account soil characteristics and their suitability for the native plant species selected under the programme. Commenting on the initiative, Ahmed Al Hashmi, Executive Director of the Terrestrial and Marine Biodiversity Sector at EAD, stated, 'We successfully implemented one of the largest drone-based seeding operations ever undertaken in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, within a notably short timeframe. This achievement is in line with Abu Dhabi's Climate Change Strategy and covered a total of 320 hectares of habitat, many of which were seeded for the first time.' He added, 'This initiative underscores the Agency's commitment to harnessing advanced artificial intelligence tools in support of environmental sustainability and reflects our leadership's ongoing vision to safeguard natural ecosystems through the integration of innovation and technology in pursuit of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.' A total of 6.5 million seeds from native species were dispersed, including Samar (Vachellia tortilis), Moringa (Moringa peregrina), Rumex (Rumex limoniastrum), Cleome ) Cleome pallida(, Desert cotton (Aerva javanica) and Panicum (Panicum turgidum) in the mountainous slopes and wadi habitats of Jebel Hafit National Park. As for the Sand dunes ecosystems of Qasr Al Sarab Nature Reserve, seeds of Fire Bush (Calligonum polygonoides), Rimth (Haloxylon salicornicum), Tricholaena (Tricholaena teneriffae), Panicum (Panicum turgidum), and Agriophyllum (Agriophyllum minus) were distributed. The use of drones enables the Agency to cover extensive areas in significantly less time compared to traditional manual seeding methods. This technology also facilitates operations in remote and difficult-to-access terrain without the need for vehicles, thereby reducing environmental disturbance to fragile ecosystems. Seeding marks only the beginning of the process. EAD will continue to monitor the designated areas to assess vegetation response over time, employing AI-powered sensors and advanced monitoring technologies to track the growth of shrubs and native plants. This initiative builds upon the natural rangeland study programmes launched by the Agency in 2024 and are continuing into 2025. These efforts aim to establish a comprehensive, field-based assessment of current vegetation conditions, serving as a benchmark for evaluating the effectiveness of grazing regulations and other environmental management measures across the emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Zawya
20-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
EmiratesGBC enters MoU with Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region
EGBC and CNRE to work together to realise their common objectives. Partnership aims to leverage joint strength to achieve environmental sustainability in the region Dubai, UAE: Emirates Green Building Council (EGBC) has announced a partnership with Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region (CNRE), a public-private partnership between the Dutch Government and knowledge institutes, technology companies and technology providers, to further champion key issues related to environmental sustainability in the region. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed recently in Dubai seeks to leverage EGBC and CNRE's respective networks to promote a host of good practices in the region and internationally, including Near Zero and Net Zero buildings and communities; Resilience in the built environment for new buildings and retrofits; and Research and education in areas of sustainability in the built environment. The signing of the MoU was marked by a welcome note by Habiba Al Marashi, Co-Founder, Vice Chair, and Treasurer of the Emirates Green Building Council; opening remarks by Consul General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, H.E. Dr. Carel Richter and an introduction by Andre Vreman, Chairman of Climate Neutral Real Estate. A round table discussion on 'Towards Climate Neutral Real Estate in the UAE – Opportunities and Challenges' moderated by Abdullatif AlBitawi, CEO of EmiratesGBC, further advocated the urgent need to prioritise environmental sustainability in the region. As part of the MoU, CNRE and EmiratesGBC will partner to host informative events on green building topics to meet their joint environmental and sustainability objectives. They will work towards enabling real estate to become climate neutral in energy and water supply, while driving asset value and enabling green finance. Habiba Al Marashi, Co-Founder, Vice Chair, and Treasurer of the Emirates Green Building Council, said; 'Collaboration is key to driving collective action across industries to achieve a sustainable future for all. At Emirates Green Building Council, we are deeply committed to advocacy to ensure we provide the right platform to drive change, and we are thrilled to partner with Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region (CNRE) in their mission to accelerate net-zero design, construction and operations for real estate assets in desert climates. We look forward to powering our shared vision of sustainable building and environmental impact in the region through this strategic partnership.' EmiratesGBC is a professional forum devoted to protecting the environment through promoting and encouraging the green building concept within the whole building supply chain, shaping policies for the built environment and facilitating collaborative solutions to promote sustainable practices in the UAE. EGBC is part of a global network of more than 75 Green Building Councils across 31 countries to join hands to find solutions to Reduce. Electrify. Adapt. for a sustainable built environment with the core belief that what we build today defines our tomorrow. About Emirates Green Building Council: The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was founded in June 2006, and became the 8th full member of the World Green Building Council in September 2006. EmiratesGBC promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and is the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. EmiratesGBC currently has around 170 members in the UAE which represents 1000s of individuals interested and involved in Green Building in the UAE and the region. In addition, EmiratesGBC members receive discounts on a number of programmes such as those related to conferences, seminars, training and green building events. About Climate Neutral Real Estate: The Climate Neutral Real Estate Gulf Region programme is a public-private partnership between knowledge institutes, technology companies, technology providers and the Government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Climate Neutral Real Estate aims to achieve net-zero buildings, first during operations, and also address and later include the emission impact of construction materials. The aim of this programme is to achieve leadership to accelerate net-zero design, construction and operations for real estate assets in desert climates. For more information: Nivine William Burson
