MNS bags Merdeka award
Teresa Yong, The New Straits Times 12 Nov 08;
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia's environmental group, the Malaysian Nature Society, has been duly recognised for its efforts in conserving and preserving the country's environment and heritage. It is one of the recipients of the Merdeka Award 2008 in the environment category and will receive a cash prize of RM500,000, a certificate and a trophy.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi will present the award on Nov 17.
MNS head of communications Andrew Sebastian said: "I think the prize money will go towards phase two of the Belum-Temenggor forest conservation project. We are in the process of getting the forest gazetted as a nature reserve for research."
MNS was picked for the collective effort of its members and volunteers towards the preservation and conservation of the environment.
"MNS has always fought against popular opinions on many issues. We are the voice for Mother Nature."
MNS was established in 1940 by a group of British administrators interested in the then Malayan natural heritage. Today, it is helmed by Malaysians who are passionate about the environment.
To date, MNS has about 5,000 members and 27 secretariat staff who spearhead projects in promoting conservation, environmental education and communications on nature advocacy.
Its mission is to promote the study, appreciation and conservation of Malaysia's natural heritage, focusing on biological diversity and sustainable development.
MNS has been credited with many environmental conservation efforts, one of which is the creation of Endau Rompin National Park. The park was formed after an MNS expedition team explored the area between 1985 and 1986.
The society also manages the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, Boh Tea Estate chalets and conducts educational programmes at Universiti Malaya and the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia.
It also publishes two periodicals: the quarterly Malaysian Naturalist and the annual Malayan Nature Journal.
Some of its prominent projects include the conservation of giant leatherback turtles in Terengganu (1963), Save Batu Caves campaign and research on the Kinta Valley limestone (1960s) and at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park.
It was also through MNS' lobbying that laws were enacted to enable islands such as Redang and Tioman to be gazetted as marine parks.
MNS also had endorsed a resolution to support the Malayan Sub-Aqua Club programme to conserve four marine areas as national underwater parks to help curb the deterioration of reefs.
Chairman of the Merdeka Award board of trustees, Tan Sri Hassan Marican, said the award was for the society's achievements and relentless efforts in the conservation of the 130-year-old Belum-Temenggor forests in Perak.
The Merdeka Award was established by Petronas, ExxonMobil and Shell in conjunction with the 50th Merdeka Day celebrations last year for individuals and organisations whose works and achievements have made an impact on the nation.
The other recipients include Royal Professor Ungku Aziz for education and community; the Nipah encephalitis investigation team from Universiti Malaya and Professor Datuk Dr Khalid Kadir for health, science and technology; and Datuk Leslie Davidson for outstanding contribution to the nation.
