GENTING HIGHLANDS: Sustainability and economic growth are not mutually exclusive but go hand-in-hand, says the Regent of Pahang.
Tengku Mahkota Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri’ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah said there was a misconception that a choice had to be made between protecting the planet and promoting prosperity.
“Achieving sustainability and economic growth together requires collaboration between the government, businesses and communities in a whole of society approach.
“My vision is one where sustainability and economic growth are not seen as opposing forces but as powerful allies.
“By recognising the immense value of our natural resources, embracing innovation and fostering collaboration, we can forge a path towards a prosperous and sustainable future for ourselves and generations to come,” the Regent said in his keynote speech at the CEO Action Network (CAN) Nature Retreat 2023 held here on Monday.
The two-day, one-night retreat themed Combating Nature Loss and the Climate Crisis was organised by CAN together with WWF-Malaysia.
CAN is a closed-door, peer-to-peer informal network of CEOs and board members focused on sustainability advocacy, capacity-building, action and performance.
It brings together CEOs in a high-level dialogue to pool knowledge, galvanise support to operationalise commitments, and amplify collective actions in combating climate change and nature loss.
Tengku Hassanal acknowledged the challenges, noting how the large network of protected areas and forest reserves required more frequent patrols and enforcement.
One for the album: Tengku Hassanal (back row ninth from left) posing with participants at the CAN Nature Retreat 2023 in Awana Resorts Genting Highlands on Monday. Also in the group are Pahang Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Wan Rosdy Wan Ismail (back row eighth from left), Nik Nazmi (back row 10th from left) and WWF-Malaysia Chairman and Bursa Malaysia Chairman Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar (back row 11th from left). — AZMAN GHANI/The Star
“There will always be challenges and we need to take them up and transform them into opportunities,” he said.
The Regent said the opportunity should be seized and used to establish carbon mitigation targets and zero waste strategies.
“We can transition away from a nature exploitative economy that is centred on logging and plantations, and move towards a clean, green economy.
“With a green economic framework and hyperlocalised efforts, Pahang can be a centre of excellence for wildlife conservation and forest restoration,” Tengku Hassanal added.
Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, who was present, said the government needed support from the private sector in addition to the public and civil society.
“Climate action will not succeed without companies big and small; local, and global alike.
“CAN members are encouraged to foster a culture of innovation within your organisations. Seek out new technologies, business models, and practices that promote sustainability,” he said in his speech.
Nik Nazmi said circular economies, renewable energy and resource-efficient processes should similarly be embraced.
“This not only reduces your environmental impact but also creates opportunities for growth, resilience, and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving global landscape as collaboration is key.
“Forge partnerships with other businesses, government agencies, and civil society organisations that share your commitment to sustainability.
“By working together, we can create an ecosystem that fosters innovation, supports sustainable businesses, and drives positive change throughout Malaysia,” he added.
The private sector, he said, should also be willing to finance green activities.
“Adopt rivers. Support impactful initiatives like the ‘Save the Malayan Tiger Campaign’ championed by the Regent.
“By being a part of organisations like CAN, you have already gone a long way in embracing sustainability. Indeed, you are showing leadership which is equally crucial in the fight against climate change,” he added.
The retreat also saw several focus group dialogues held between corporate leaders as well as ambassadors to pool knowledge and improve efforts towards ensuring climate friendly practices.
The session between the minister and CAN representatives also raised the need for policies supporting the transition to net zero commitments, alongside promotions for renewable energy in a more sustainable manner.
It was also mentioned that advocacy was required to ensure the balance between humanity and the environment.
The dialogue with Ambassadors from the European Union Delegation to Malaysia, Germany, the United States, and the British High Commission, meanwhile, discussed incentives to spur companies towards being more sustainable.
This included through tax credits, refunds and rebates, noting how a whole-of-society approach globally was needed.
Day two of the event on Tuesday continued with further discussions and reflections from participants, where the discussions were hoped to translate into actions towards a sustainable Malaysia.
