MPOGCF Wins Sustainable Development Award For Barn Owl Initiative
KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 26 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) has been awarded the Sustainable Development Award (SDA) under the ‘Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15: Life on Land’ category, for its flagship initiative, Barn Owl for Smallholders Initiative (BOSI).
The award was presented by Sarawak Deputy Premier, Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, in a ceremony that gathered 30 outstanding finalists in Kuching on Sept 21, 2025.
In a statement, MPOGCF said BOSI supports oil palm smallholders in adopting barn owls as a natural and sustainable solution for pest management -- reducing reliance on chemical pesticides while also enhancing biodiversity conservation and safeguarding ecosystems for future generations.
MPOGCF general manager Hairulazim Mahmud said the achievement serves as a catalyst for projects that benefit stakeholders in the palm oil industry, including smallholders, while enhancing the image of Malaysian palm oil sustainability.
"MPOGCF will expand the BOSI initiative through BOSI 2.0, which will involve the participation of a larger number of oil palm smallholders," he said.
The foundation also extended its appreciation to Dr Hasber Salim and his Barn Owl and Rodent Research Group (BORG) for their commitment, innovation, and hard work on the BOSI, which has greatly contributed to sustainable agriculture and biodiversity conservation.
Initiated by Junior Chamber International Malaysia, the SDA recognises organisations, corporations and institutions that have made significant contributions toward advancing the United Nations' SDGs.
-- BERNAMA