What's in for the environment in Budget 2025?

Malaysia is advancing sustainability with over RM300 million allocated under the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) for renewable energy. Collaborating with PETRONAS and Tenaga Nasional Berhad (TNB), the government is investing RM16 billion to upgrade electrical grids. A carbon tax will be introduced in 2026 to fund green technology research, alongside extending the Green Technology Financing Scheme. Electric vehicle initiatives include local production and subsidies for electric motorcycles. The government is also boosting biodiversity, forest protection, and disaster management funding, aiming to strengthen environmental goals and economic resilience. Click here to learn more.

Experts shared opinions on Malaysia should utilize COP16 for biodiversity conservation

The 16th COP16 meeting on Biological Diversity in Cali, Colombia, addresses global biodiversity loss with 23,000 delegates from 196 countries. Malaysia, led by Natural Resources Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, integrates the Kunming-Montreal Framework into its biodiversity policy and plans to protect 30% of its land and seas by 2030. Experts call for cross-sector collaboration, public awareness, and human rights-based conservation, urging action on threatened species and youth engagement. To learn more, you can click here.

Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute received an award for peatland research contributions

The Sarawak Tropical Peat Research Institute (Tropi) received the Tan Sri Emeritus Professor Augustine Ong International Special Award for Lifetime Achievement at the Oils and Fats International Congress 2024. This award honors Tropi's significant contributions to tropical peatland research since 2008, including greenhouse gas studies and sustainable oil palm cultivation. Tropi's global collaborations have advanced peatland management and produced numerous graduates. With over 60 publications and IPCC contributions, Tropi is recognized for research excellence and innovative data management, featuring an accredited lab and a facility in Maludam National Park. Click here to learn more.

The government is developing the 3rd National Mineral Policy

Malaysia's Ministry of Natural Resources is developing the Third National Mineral Policy (DMN3) to enhance regulations and boost economic growth sustainably. Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad stated the policy balances development with conservation, impacting GDP and attracting investment. Building on the 2021-2030 plan, DMN3 focuses on advanced mineral technologies, positioning Malaysia as a green mineral leader. Collaboration with East Asian partners, especially China, is key for investment and innovation in the sector. To know more, you can click here.

Alto de Ventanas: Colombia's Pioneering Habitat Bank Dedicated to Restoration

South Pole has launched Alto de Ventanas in Colombia, a habitat bank focused on restoration, registered under the Colombian Ministry of Environment. It enhances habitats for threatened species over 168 hectares through native tree planting and natural regeneration, solely generating biodiversity credits for companies. The project emphasizes transparency, linking credit sales to environmental impacts, and supports sustainable development in Colombia, setting a model for international projects. To know more, you can click here.

SMI provides support to Commonwealth Member States at CHOGM in climate and biodiversity

The Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI) has launched initiatives to boost climate action and biodiversity in Commonwealth Member States. These include the Pacific Hub in Australia, the Marine Mangrove Sanctuary in Samoa, a Private Sector Training Programme, and the SMI's Impact Accelerator. The Nature Risk Tool by AECOM and the Natural Capital on African Governments’ Balance Sheets Initiative are also part of the efforts to integrate natural capital into financial frameworks. To know more, you can click here.

Question about funds arise in COP16

At COP16 in Colombia, debates on global biodiversity funds have resurfaced, with developing countries seeking a more transparent financial mechanism beyond the Global Environment Facility (GEF). Despite pledges from wealthy nations, only a fraction of funds have been delivered, prompting calls for reforms or a new fund. A compromise may involve improving the GBFF until 2030 while considering a replacement. Talks on a Digital Sequence Information (DSI) fund and alternative financing like biodiversity credits and debt-for-nature swaps are also gaining traction.To learn more, you can click here.

Nearly 200 countries at COP16 to discuss meeting 2022 treaty pledges

Environmental leaders from nearly 200 countries are meeting in Colombia for COP16 to assess 2022 biodiversity commitments. Discussions include protecting 30% of territories, reducing subsidies, and improving corporate reporting. With only 31 countries submitting action plans, there's a push for investment in nature goals, especially in developing nations. The conference also focuses on integrating Indigenous knowledge and addressing climate and biodiversity issues, with Indigenous communities advocating for their roles in conservation. To learn more, click here.

TNFD Adopters passed 500 in COP16

At COP16 in Cali, Colombia, 502 organizations committed to TNFD-aligned risk management, a 57% increase since January 2024. This includes $17.7 trillion in assets and $6.5 trillion in market capitalization, with 129 financial institutions, including 25% of systemically important banks, as TNFD Adopters.. Click here to learn more.

TNFD with WWF to improve nature-related corporate disclosure

The Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and WWF are working together to improve nature-related data using WWF's "geospatial ESG" method. This aims to enhance the TNFD's Nature Data Public Facility at COP16 in Colombia. WWF suggests corporate nature targets be science-based and geography-specific. The collaboration stresses the need for better data quality and timeliness, with TNFD planning to reveal a roadmap for the NDPF at the summit. Click here to learn more.