Our aim is to protect our nation’s rainforest, freshwater, and marine ecosystems, ensuring they can survive and thrive in the years to come. The Central Forest Spine (CFS), for example, is a biologically diverse region in Peninsular Malaysia, providing ecosystem services to 80% of the nation’s people, including water supply and carbon absorption. With efforts to stop further degradation, we work with several partners to build knowledge, advocacy, and engagement within communities. This includes the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre in preserving our endangered tropical rainforest plants, and the Global Environment Centre in promoting protection, restoration, and sustainable use of our rivers.  To ensure successful conservation of our coral reefs, we support Reef Check Malaysia in engaging local communities to protect these underwater ecosystems through education and rehabilitation programmes.

In addition, beyond conserving natural resources, the Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES) programme is an innovative economic mechanism for local communities to build a sustainable livelihood. In partnership with LEAP Spiral and Forever Sabah, villagers in the Babagon water catchment area were trained on water quality monitoring, ecotourism livelihood, as well as best practices for advocacy and engagement with government representatives. Equipped with these new skills, the communities are now working towards various collaborative efforts with Sabah government agencies to develop a PES mechanism for managing water services. The successful development of the PES programme will ensure a win-win situation, allowing for the protection of the Babagon water catchment, enhanced livelihood for the Babagon villagers, and a sustainable water supply for downstream users. Collectively, our efforts are to balance our nation’s rapid development with conservation of our natural ecosystems.