JOHOR BAHRU: The Rotary Club Johor Bahru (RCJB) and the Malaysian Nature Society Johor Branch (MNSJ) are launching a six-month initiative to promote biodiversity awareness and community conservation in Bandar Seri Alam.

This is the first time RCJB is partnering with Malaysian Nature Society Johor Branch to support an environmental literacy and biodiversity conservation project in Bandar Seri Alam.

RCJB sponsored a six-month project titled “Community Partnership for Environmental Literacy and Biodiversity Conservation” to document Bukit Tiz/Bukit Lunchu’s biodiversity, enhance environmental literacy, and empower youth.

A cheque presentation ceremony for the project was held at the Amari Hotel. The event was sponsored by RCJB. Present for the occasion were MNSJ committee members Chiang Lai Peng and Moses Wong and Javier Ng, a representative from the Jane Goodall Institute of Singapore.

RCJB President Steven Wu presided over a ceremony where Belinda Wong, secretary of MNSJ, received the full grant cheque. Some 30 rotarians attended, with the event being broadcast live on Zoom.

MNSJ is collaborating with RCJB to promote hands-on learning experiences and deepen connections with nature.

In defining biodiversity conservation, Belinda said, “Protection, restoration, and management of biodiversity in order to derive sustainable benefits for present and future generations.”

She also said it can also be defined as, “the totality of genes, species, and ecosystems in a defined area.”

According to Belinda, biodiversity conservation refers to the protection, preservation, and management of ecosystems and natural habitats and ensuring that they are healthy and functional.

She said the three main objectives of biodiversity conservation are to protect and preserve species diversity, ensuring sustainable management of the species and ecosystems.

It is also prevention and restoration of ecological processes and life support systems.

She said activating citizens to protect biodiversity is crucial for advancing climate sustainability and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the face of increasing environmental challenges.

She said SDG 15 is life on land emphasizes the importance of halting and reversing biodiversity loss for healthy ecosystems, climate regulation, and human life support.

She mentioned that SDG 1: no poverty emphasizes the link between environmental health and economic well-being, while SDG 10 is reduced inequalities emphasizes equitable resource access and inclusive conservation efforts.

She said by engaging citizens in biodiversity protection, we not only safeguard natural habitats but also empower communities, enhance economic resilience, and promote social equity.

“Cross-border collaboration exemplifies the principle of “Act Local, Think Global” reinforcing that localised actions can have far-reaching global impacts, driving progress towards a more sustainable and just world,” she stated.

According to Belinda, preliminary field observations in Bukit Lunchu and Bukit Tiz, Bandar Seri Alam, Johor Bahru District, reveal a rich biodiversity that is not yet fully understood or documented.

She went on to say that the area’s forests are threatened by mining and estate plantations, necessitating collaboration with stakeholders, communities, and schools to document, safeguard, and restore biodiversity before their irreplaceable loss.

Thus, RCJB in partnership with Rotary Foundation and has committed RM15,000 for an initial six-month project with MNSJ with support from the Jane Goodall Institute (Singapore), focusing on initial documentation of the biodiversity in the area, followed by environmental literacy and biodiversity conservation within the Bandar Seri Alam area.

This project officially begins today with the following objectives and activities:

She added that the project aims to document biodiversity in Bukit Lunchu and Bukit Tiz, increase environmental literacy in Seri Alam students through talks and nature walks, and promote active citizenry in Johor Bahru District.

Meanwhile, Steven said MNSJ partners with RCJB to undertake an environmental and biodiversity study of the Masai area helps to enhance the environmental knowledge and awareness of the environmental systems and processes, and the environmental impacts.

He said this area is one favourite location for spotting the endangered Raffles Banded Langur monkey.

He pointed out that the results of the study will be used to educate communities and youth including interactors, on biodiversity.

The Malaysian Nature Society, established in 1940, catalogs and publishes field notes on Malayan flora and fauna. Its Johor Branch, incorporated in 1980, promotes habitat conservation and environmental education.

JGIS, Singapore’s Jane Goodall Institute, was established in 2007 to promote harmony with nature. Its Roots & Shoots program enables students to engage in conservation and service learning projects.

Chartered in 1952, RCJB is the oldest and largest Rotary Club in Johor. RCJB, a service organisation, aims to bring together business and professional leaders to provide humanitarian services and help build goodwill and peace.

The late Sultan Sir Ibrahim and members of the royal family graced the inaugural installation dinner. Ever since then, the Sultan of Johor or his representative graces the annual installation dinner.