Malaysia: Greener nation in 5 years

ROBIN AUGUSTIN New Straits Times 26 Oct 14;

KUALA LUMPUR: THE government plans to ensure there is foliage coverage in all areas nationwide within five years.

Under a plan, trees will be planted in areas that are poorly stocked and degraded, such as permanent forest reserves, on state land, alienated land, open areas and coastal areas.

Following the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry’s successful Tree Planting Campaign, which saw 53.13 million trees planted in a span of three years between 2010 and last year, the ministry is now aiming to expand its record to 80 million trees.

Its minister, Datuk Seri G. Palanivel, told the New Sunday Times that the ministry was confident the target could be reached.

While the areas had already been identified for the additional 30 million trees, discussions would still need to be carried out with relevant state governments before the trees could be planted, he said.

“The trees that we will plant in coastal areas include loop-root mangrove (bakau kurup), tall-stilt mangrove (bakau minyak), beach casuarina (rhu pantai) and Alexandrian Laurel (bintagor laut), as they grow well in these areas.”

In the forest areas, dipterocarp and non-dipterocarp trees would be planted.

Dipterocarp trees produce winged seeds or fruits that is dispersed by wind, while the seeds of non-dipterocrap trees are dispersed by animals.

The initiative does not come cheap, however. The average cost of seedlings range between RM10 and RM20.

“This does not include management and operational costs, which is why we look forward to working together with corporate companies through the Tree Planting Strategic Cooperation Programme,” said Palanivel.

The cost of maintenance, he said, would be borne by the government.

“Cooperation would ensure sustainable funding for the maintenance of the planted trees, which will take an average of 15 to 30 years to mature.”

Palanivel said the ministry's enforcement team was committed to monitoring and protecting the planted areas.

He also welcomed participation and input from non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

“Relevant NGOs are invited to participate in our programme on the conservation and rehabilitation of the mangrove and suitable species along the coastline areas, and take part in a task force meeting chaired by the NRE Ministry secretary-general.”

The NGOs, he said, could share their views and opinions and even receive financial support from the ministry to carry out mangrove planting activities.

Since the launch of the 26 Million Tree Planting Campaign in 2010 , a total of 53.13 million trees have been planted throughout Malaysia, covering an area of 65,559.01 hectares.

Meanwhile, environmentalists said there was need for a monitoring and enforcement mechanism to ensure the success of the tree-planting exercise.

Otherwise, they said, it may end up a futile exercise.

Centre for Environment, Technology and Development Malaysia (Cetdem) chairman Gurmit Singh urged the ministry to outline its maintenance plans and publish an assessment of the tree-planting programme.

“It is easy to plant trees, but the seedlings’ growth must be monitored to ensure they survive for at least five years.”

He said that if a tree could survive for at least five years, on average, it would be able to survive environmental factors.

Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) head of communications Andrew Sebastian agreed and urged for the publishing of all records related to the maintenance of the trees.

“We welcome the ministry’s initiatives. The publishing of maintenance plans and reports will attract the public and nearby communities to contribute to the cause.”

Andrew said MNS looked forward to being part of a joint task force for forested areas.

“There are a lot of forested areas that are degraded and need protection and a task force involving NGOs would definitely help protect these areas.”