Remarks

Environmental practitioners share their views here. If you have a burning issue or a heart-warming tale, pitch us: editorial@macaranga.org

REMARKS

GEOPARK NOT JUST ANOTHER LABEL FOR KINABALU

"In my work across Sabah and Labuan, I realise that most of the significant geological heritage sites are located outside of conserved areas."

~ Dr Felix Tongkul, Kinabalu Global Geopark Advisor

Mount Kinabalu is the only glacial landscape in the tropical region. Glacial erosion from melting ice 10,000 years ago formed these parallel grooves. (Felix Tongkul)
Mount Kinabalu is the only glacial landscape in the tropical region. Glacial erosion from melting ice 10,000 years ago formed these parallel grooves. (Felix Tongkul)

REMARKS

LOCALS MAKE TERRAPIN CONSERVATION SUCCESSFUL

"Wildlife conservation can only be sustainable when the local communities have a good working relationship with the respective conservation organisations."

~ Dr Chen Pelf Nyok, president of Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia

Houses in Kemaman were flooded in early January 2021. (Turtle Conservation Society Facebook)
Houses in Kemaman were flooded in early January 2021. (Turtle Conservation Society Facebook)

REMARKS

YOUTH ASSEMBLY PLATFORM EMPOWERS CLIMATE ACTIVISTS

"..The most meaningful part to us, as the chairs, was being able to provide an opportunity for these passionate individuals to speak up for what was important to them."

~ Kieran Li Nair, Josephine Koay and Lee Ee Jenn, activists, Malaysian Youth delegation

Youth Assembly at MYLCOY2020 (Photo: MYD)
Youth Assemblies can empower every participant to freely speak their minds. (Photo: MYD)

REMARKS

ISLANDER PARTNERS IMPROVE RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

"I am increasingly convinced that stakeholder participation in the co-management of natural resources is the way to go."

~ Julian Hyde, General Manager, Reef Check Malaysia

All together now: Tioman islanders and NGO members remove reef-smothering ghost nets. (Reef Check Malaysia)
All together now: Tioman islanders and NGO members remove reef-smothering ghost nets. (Reef Check Malaysia)

REMARKS

THE PANDEMIC AND OUR GROWING DISCONNECTION FROM NATURE

"Have I stopped birdwatching because of my lingering fear of Covid-19 infection or because I have simply become too comfortable with staying home?"

~ Tan Win Sim, Senior Analyst, Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre

A Grey-bellied Bulbul taking a dip in a stream, Malaysia. (Tan Win Sim)
A Grey-bellied Bulbul taking a dip in a stream, Malaysia. (Tan Win Sim)

REMARKS

NGOS DANGEROUSLY STUCK IN A RUT

"If I still had to raise the same issues after that many years, then perhaps a different approach is in order."

~ Ginny SL Ng, Environmentalist with multi-sectoral experience

While territoriality is good for tigers, it is not a good approach for environmental NGOs. (Ginny SL Ng)
While territoriality is good for tigers, it is not a good approach for environmental NGOs. (Ginny SL Ng)

REMARKS

Stop the Playbacks If You Love Helmeted Hornbills

"The calls of the bird lingered in my ears as I unloaded my car upon return. But the birds themselves did not plant them there."

~ Dr Ravinder Kaur, Scientific Director, GAIA

A Helmeted hornbill perched on a tree branch.
Helmeted hornbill, a critically endangered species threatened by poaching and deforestation. Credit: SANJITPAAL SINGH / JITSPICS.COM©

A Malaysian Environmental Journalism Site