Strategic Collaboration Sees Planting Of 20,000 Mangrove Trees In Tawau

KUALA LUMPUR, July 30 (Bernama) -- A strategic collaboration between Yayasan Hijau Malaysia, the Sabah Forestry Department, and Wiwynn Technology Service Malaysia Sdn Bhd saw 20,000 mangrove trees planted in Sabah today.

Yayasan Hijau Malaysia, in a statement today, said the initiative was in conjunction with the International Day for the Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems at Sungai Mangkalitan in Tawau Forest Reserve, marking another significant milestone for mangrove conservation in Malaysia.

It said the large-scale tree planting initiative is part of the Greening Malaysia Programme: 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign, highlighting the powerful impact of public-private partnerships in environmental conservation.

"This effort underscores Malaysia's steadfast commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems, supporting biodiversity, and mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.

"Spearheaded by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES), the 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign stands as a testament to the nation's resolve to achieve global sustainability goals and cultivate a greener, healthier future for all," the statement read.

Meanwhile, Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said in the same statement that the ministry welcomed all programmes aligned with the goals of the tree planting campaign.

He said the campaign encouraged the participation and involvement of all parties, including the private sector and corporate bodies, through financial contributions, sponsorships, and planting activities.

"Since 2005, the government has taken significant steps to preserve and conserve mangrove areas through the Tree Planting Programme with Mangroves and Suitable Species along National Coastlines. These initiatives were implemented following the devastating tsunami tragedy on Dec 26, 2004.

"By 2023, an impressive 3,456.74 hectares of coastal areas across the country have been restored with mangrove trees and selected coastal forest species. A staggering 7,938,531 trees have been planted, contributing to the preservation and enhancement of these precious ecosystems," he added.

The 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign, which runs from 2021 to 2025, themed "Greening Malaysia: Our Trees, Our Life," is part of the government's initiative to promote awareness about the importance of increasing forest cover for enhanced well-being and quality of life, in addition to improving the country's ecosystems and biodiversity.

As of July, 91.16 million trees were planted across the country, covering 1,849 species, and about 100 million trees are expected to be planted throughout Malaysia by the end of 2025.

The progress can be tracked through the "Penghijauan Malaysia" mobile app and the dedicated website www.100jutapokok.gov.my.

-- BERNAMA