Protect whatever forests are left and create new ones
Published on: Sunday, March 17, 2024
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As we contemplate the future of our planet and the legacy we wish to leave for future generations, the time to act is now. Protecting our existing forests while planting new ones must go hand in hand with sustainable management and conservation policies.
Forests are not mere ornaments to our environment but are crucial for ecological balance, human health and mitigating the adverse effects of climate change.
This narrative becomes even more compelling in light of Malaysia’s ambitious 100 Million Tree-Planting Campaign, which, as highlighted by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, has already seen 58.52 million trees planted.
However, the effectiveness of these efforts is overshadowed by talk of planned projects that promise to deforest areas 100 times larger than Kuala Lumpur.
The spectre of such loss brings into question the fate of newly planted trees and underscores a broader environmental crisis.
The hot season, with temperatures reaching up to 37ºC, serves as a potent reminder of the invaluable cooling services that trees provide.
Amid hotter and drier conditions, the role of trees in offering shade, moisture and contributing to carbon sequestration becomes even more vital.
Cutting down trees indiscriminately undermines conservation efforts like the 100 Million Tree-Planting Campaign, and significantly diminishes their positive environmental impacts.
To turn the tide against deforestation and bolster the success of tree-planting initiatives, a multifaceted approach is needed. Here are some strategies to consider:
IMMEDIATE moratorium on all non-critical deforestation to reassess and refine current land-use and conservation strategies.
Strengthen environmental laws to ensure all land-use changes undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments (EIA), emphasising sustainable development and conservation.
INVOLVE local communities and indigenous peoples in forest management and recognise their knowledge and stake in conservation.
PROMOTE sustainable land management and incentivise sustainable agricultural practices such as agroforestry, which harmonises crop cultivation with tree conservation.
INTENSIFY efforts to replant deforested areas using native species, and monitor and nurture the saplings to maturity.
ENHANCE forest protection and implement stringent penalties for illegal logging and land encroachment.
ENCOURAGE timber companies to practise sustainable logging and ensure products are certified as sustainably sourced.
LEVERAGE financial instruments like green bonds and engage in carbon credit trading to fund conservation projects.
LAUNCH educational initiatives to raise public awareness about the role of forests in sustaining life on Earth.
ENGAGE in global partnerships to share knowledge, resources and best practices in forest conservation.
As we contemplate the future of our planet and the legacy we wish to leave for future generations, the time to act is now. Protecting our existing forests while planting new ones must go hand in hand with sustainable management and conservation policies.
By adopting these strategies, we can ensure that initiatives like the 100 Million Tree-Planting Campaign are not just symbolic gestures but part of a broader, effective movement towards a more sustainable and ecologically balanced world.
It is only through sincere, concerted efforts across all sectors of society that we can hope to achieve a sustainable, livable future for all.
Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye
- The views expressed here are the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Daily Express.
- If you have something to share, write to us at: [email protected]
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