Reforestation is touted as the world’s best solution to combat climate change.
WHAT would happen if all trees were to disappear? Life as we know it will cease to exist.
Without trees, planet earth would dry up leading to extreme droughts, disastrous floods, and massive corrosion.
These incidents would wipe out habitats, biodiversity, disrupt supply chains, reduce food availability, ultimately resulting in the extinction of life on earth.
Trees absorb 7.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere every year, according to research published in Nature Climate Change in 2021.
However, mankind’s greed and propensity to accumulate wealth has led to incessant logging, mining and agricultural expansion — depleting forests which are regarded as the world’s best “carbon sinks”.
To counter this act of greed in Malaysia and realise the nation’s greening agenda, the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) has taken upon itself to help build a sustainable future through restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems.
“The abilities of trees to withstand harsh conditions, adapt to surroundings, and thrive against all odds are symbols of hope and resilience amid extreme environmental challenges.
“Tree-planting serves as a tangible representation of MPOC’s commitment to a healthier planet, a sustainable future, ecological restoration, and a legacy of environmental consciousness,” says MPOC.
Upholding long term commitment
In June 2019, MPOC kickstarted its “1 Million Forest Trees Planting” programme which aims to reduce carbon, improve air quality, reduce flooding and soil corrosion, support and enhance biodiversity, as well as improve physical and mental health and wellbeing of the locals.
As part of the government’s Greening Malaysia agenda by planting 100 million trees across the country, MPOC’s ten-year initiative — conducted by the Malaysian Palm Oil Green Conservation Foundation (MPOGCF) - is also in line with the nation’s target to become a net zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions nation as early as 2050.
Entering its fifth year of operations, the reforestation project is still going strong.
MPOC advocates for a greener, healthier planet for all life on earth as well as a sustainable future for future generations.
When the project was launched, MPOC and its project partner — the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD) — identified 2,500 hectares in Lower Kawag, part of Ulu Segama–Malua Forest Reserve in Lahad Datu as degraded forest due to over-logging and forest fire.
Currently, over 225 hectares out of the 2,500 hectares have been sowed with fast growing indigenous forest species and native fruit trees such as Pulai, Laran, Telisai paya, and Bayur among others.
Terap and Fig trees, which make up orangutans diet, have also been planted as part of MPOC efforts to conserve and protect forest biodiversity in the selected area as it is an important wildlife corridor to many species including the endangered Bornean pygmy elephant and the Bornean orangutan.
As of today, more than 90,000 trees have been planted on the 225 hectares area. The third phase of the project, which will kick start this year (2023) will cover 700 hectares of area with the aim to plant 300,000 seedlings of various species.
Optimistic of the project’s progress, MPOC hopes its efforts will leave long lasting impressions on the local community, wildlife, and Malaysia as a whole.
“Our actions of planting trees may contribute to positive changes and perhaps drive others to initiate tree planting activities on a larger scale.
“MPOC believes that we can create change through action as we all continue to strive to restore, conserve, and preserve our lush greenery we’ve been blessed with.”
Helping nature and its inhabitants
Reforestation calls for precise plans and measures as poor execution could increase carbon dioxide emissions - harming biodiversity, the ecosystem, landscapes and livelihoods in the long run.
Putting local people and communities at the heart of reforestation projects is central to generating lasting positive outcomes. Yet, this crucial factor is often overlooked in tree-planting projects.
In view of this, MPOC has made it a priority to engage with local communities and establish strategic plans to ensure successful execution and longevity of its initiative.
Aside from preserving the forest landscape, the council’s meticulous strategy offers 64 locals from Kampung Tampenau an opportunity to be part of the meaningful project which also helps them protect their homeland while generating additional income.
Planting materials for MPOC’s “1 Million Forest Trees Planting” programme are sourced from the local community as a corporate social responsibility initiative.
Villagers collect seeds during mass fruiting season from the forest reserve area which is later germinated and raised in a domestic nursery established right by their home.
Meanwhile, wildings are also collected and raised for up to 18 months to be ready for transportation and transplanting at the project site.
The SFD has also been organising workshops to educate and train villagers in seed germination and raising high quality seedlings to avoid hiccups in the execution process.
Seedlings and wildings, which have been traded according to the prevailing and agreed rates by both parties, are then planted in small blocks that have been identified by surveyors according to natural features of river networks and terrain.
They are planted in a zig-zag formation, 5m by 5m apart from one another to minimise damage by Bornean pygmy elephants which regard the project site in Lower Kawag as their foraging ground.
“By embracing the role as environmental stewards, MPOC advocates for a greener, healthier planet as well as a sustainable future for ourselves and future generations.”
