Volunteers from JPG, Yayasan JCorp and other companies within the JCorp Group at the tree planting initiative.
AN integrated plantation company took part in an initiative to plant 1,000 mangrove trees at Pulau Tanjung Surat, Kota Tinggi, Johor, as part of efforts to restore and preserve the mangrove ecosystem.
Johor Plantations Group Bhd (JPG) collaborated with Yayasan JCorp and Pertubuhan Sahabat Hutan Bakau Pulau Tanjung Surat (PSHBTS) in the initiative, which is part of JPG’s “One Million Roots for the Future” (1MRFF) campaign, in line with its commitment to protect biodiversity and the ecosystem.
This is the second year JPG is carrying out this initiative, with the ultimate goal of planting one million trees in 10 years to promote environmental sustainability and encourage active stewardship of natural resources and biodiversity.
This joint initiative between JPG and Yayasan JCorp is in line with their parent organisation Johor Corporation’s (JCorp) purpose of being custodians of nature’s resources by nurturing and safeguarding them for future generations.
“As a responsible operator, our environmental management practices aim to minimise environmental impact and focus on conserving our nation’s natural habitats.
“Under 1MRFF, which started last year, we aim to plant one million trees including in critical areas to improve the sites’ ecosystems by creating habitats for a wide range of marine and terrestrial species, as well as managing the water quality in those areas,” said JPG managing director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery.
Volunteers planting 1,000 mangrove trees as part of JPG’s commitment to protect biodiversity and the coastal ecosystem.
Yayasan JCorp chief executive officer Zaidatul Zurita Abdul Rahman said, “This initiative aligns with our ESG [environment, social and governance] goals of creating a better life by fostering a cleaner, healthier environment for local communities.
“As part of this programme, Yayasan JCorp donated RM3,000 to the SK Tanjung Surat Parent-Teacher Association (PIBG) to support students in need by providing them with the necessary resources and opportunities to enhance their education.”
Meanwhile, PSHBPTS plays a crucial role by overseeing conservation programmes, including mangrove planting activities and maintaining a mangrove nursery in Tanjung Surat.
According to JPG, this initiative had spillover economic and social benefits to the local population in Pulau Tanjung Surat by being a location for eco-tourism, a sustainable source of timber and non-timber products, as well as charcoal, firewood and piling poles for construction.
Many fishery products can also be harvested from the mangrove ecosystem including shrimp species, edible mud crabs and gastropods.
Mohd Faris said to achieve JPG’s target of 50% carbon emission reduction by 2025 based on its 2012 baseline, it had short-term and long-term programmes in place that included the integration of waste and pollution management and production of renewable energy.
As of 2023, it has successfully reduced 48% of carbon emission intensity, well on its way to achieving its 2025 target as well as its 2050 net zero carbon emissions goal.
JPG also has several active initiatives besides tree planting.
To ensure its supply chain complies with its “No Deforestation, No New Development on Peat and No Exploitation of People and Local Communities” (NDPE) Policy, JPG utilises an open-source platform to closely monitor deforestation in its supply base.
Since 2011, JPG has also established programmes to actively monitor and maintain wildlife corridors that link natural habitats within its estates, thus allowing for the free movement of animals, which is important for their survival.
It also established buffer zones around major water bodies and forest reserves with regular inspection to monitor the status of wildlife on its estates.
