Sarawak govt assesses 7 new forest carbon research permit applications

Sarawak government is evaluating seven forest carbon research permit applications under the Forests (Forest Carbon Activity) Rules 2022. Two permits issued, one in final process, and three rejected. Deputy Premier highlighted Sarawak's leadership in forest carbon initiatives for sustainable management and climate change mitigation, aligning with PCDS 2030. Carbon trading enhances conservation efforts without deforestation, contributing to global net zero emissions goal by 2050. Click here to learn more.

CDL and DBS collaborate on TNFD targets-aligned sustainability-linked loan

CDL and DBS Bank collaborated on a S$400 million sustainability-linked loan in Singapore to support nature conservation and sustainable development, aligning with TNFD Recommendations for biodiversity conservation and waste management, driving ESG milestones and net-zero ambitions. This partnership demonstrates a commitment to advancing sustainability in finance and integrating nature considerations into decision-making. To learn more, you can click here.

FAO boosts forest data collection in Southeast Asia

FAO trained experts from Southeast Asia in Bangkok to enhance forest data collection using satellite imagery, focusing on mangroves for the 2025 Global Forest Resources Assessment. Despite facing challenges like high loss rates, mangroves are crucial for biodiversity, climate change mitigation, and coastal community services. To know more, you can click here.

17 million trees planted in Sabah

In Sabah, 17 million trees have been planted as part of the Greening Malaysia campaign, aiming for 40 million in total. Significant progress with 8 million trees planted annually, ranking second in tree planting after Sarawak with over 80 million trees nationwide. Various tree species are planted in forest reserves, private lands, and company conservation areas to support biodiversity and mitigate climate change. Residents can participate in tree planting efforts through the Penghijauan Malaysia app or website. Click here to learn more.

Sarawak aligns forest management with global standards, reducing logging to 2 million cubic meters

Sarawak aims to reduce logging to two million cubic meters annually, ensuring global competitiveness with certified forest and plantation management units covering 2.38 million hectares. Deputy Premier Awang Tengah emphasizes sustainable forest management to boost income and support the 2030 goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 45%. Green development efforts, including hydropower, solar energy, biomass, and biofuel, attract global investments and job opportunities. Click here to learn more.

Several Malaysian species face extinction and are on the IUCN Red List

Several species in Malaysia are currently facing extinction and have been added to the IUCN Red List, as recently reported. Over 2,200 firefly species globally, with at least 400 in Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific region. Four congregating firefly species in Malaysia are threatened by habitat loss, light pollution, and climate change, requiring collaborative conservation efforts. Meanwhile, the Bornean elephant, classified as 'endangered' on the IUCN Red List, faces extinction due to habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect this unique species native to Borneo. Click here to learn more.

TNFD adopters surpass 400, with over $6 trillion in market capitalization

96 more organizations have adopted nature-related financial disclosure recommendations from TNFD, totaling 416 adopters with over $6 trillion in market capitalization. This reflects a shift towards recognizing the costs of nature loss in business and finance. Geographically, Japan leads with 28 new adopters, followed by the UK and Taiwan. The recommendations aim to align with global biodiversity targets and are supported by guidance for reporting in various sectors. To know more, you can click here.

Study finds expanding protected areas can save threatened species at a lower cost

Expanding protected areas to 1.2% of the world’s terrestrial surface can save threatened species at a lower cost. A study by Resolve identified 16,825 sites covering 164 million hectares hosting rare species. Protecting 0.74% of tropical land could cost $169 billion over five years but is vital to prevent biodiversity loss, with estimated annual costs of $76.1 billion. Researchers urge prioritizing conservation imperative sites with over 4,700 threatened species to expand the global PA network, reducing management costs. Click here to learn more.

TROPI researchers excel at AOGS meeting in South Korea

TROPI, led by Dr. Lulie Melling and researchers, had a significant impact at the 21st AOGS meeting in South Korea. The session focused on direct measurements of heat, water, and GHG for societal benefits, with a highlight presentation on enhancing tropical peatland vulnerability assessments through remote sensing. This showcases TROPI's dedication to addressing environmental challenges through global scientific collaboration. To learn more, click here.

200 investors support corporate engagement on biodiversity loss

204 investors, representing $15 trillion in assets under management, support nature stewardship, targeting 60 companies for improved biodiversity risk management and environmental policies. PRI engages with firms like L’Oreal, Bayer, Toyota, and Brasil Foods to address forest loss and land degradation over five years. CCLA Investment Management and Dorval Asset Management lead discussions with L’Oreal. To know more, you can click here.