Nature and humanity, hand in hand
To achieve true sustainability, we must recognise that nature is not just a resource but is also the foundation of life. When ecosystems thrive, they help secure a sustainable future
for all.
Some of Malaysia's most treasured wildlife includes the Malayan tiger, the Bornean orangutan, Borneo pygmy elephant, Malayan tapir and endangered sea turtles, such as the Green turtle and Hawksbill turtle.
These remarkable animals are not only symbols of our national and natural heritage but they are also indicators of the health of our environment. They remind us of the urgent need for conservation.
Our biodiversity is under threat. Habitat loss, pollution, unsustainable practices and climate change are pushing species and ecosystems to the brink.
World Biodiversity Day was celebrated on May 22 and this year's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development,' reminds us that the health of our planet
is inseparable from human progress. It highlights the interconnectedness between the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The message is clear, whereby we cannot achieve sustainable development without protecting biodiversity. Nature supports every aspect of sustainable development, from poverty mitigation and health to economic growth and climate resilience.
In recent days, the heart-breaking loss of a baby elephant has sparked widespread concern. The government has also responded and agreed to create more ecological corridors to enable wildlife to move across landscapes, which can thus reduce conflict. These corridors will also benefit many other wildlife species and allow the ecosystem to thrive.
These commitments reflect the ambitions of the GBF, particularly Target 2, which aims to restore at least 30% of degraded ecosystems, and Target 9, which focuses on minimising human-wildlife conflict through sustainable solutions.
This approach also supports the objectives of SDG 13, which calls for urgent climate action and highlights the importance of ecosystem connectivity and adaptive management to build climate resilience.
In addition, it aligns with SDG 15, which promotes the protection, restoration and sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems to safeguard life on land.
Protecting biodiversity is not just about saving wildlife. It is about safeguarding our future. By restoring ecosystems and improving landscape connectivity, we can build a more resilient and sustainable Malaysia for generations to come.
All parties, including the private sectors should work together with the government and conservation bodies towards this cause.
At WWF-Malaysia, we are committed to solutions that benefit both people and nature. Our living landscape effort integrates tiger conservation, sustainable palm oil, responsible forestry and circular economy innovations, all in close collaboration with communities, businesses and policymakers. Together we are building landscapes where wildlife can thrive and people can prosper.
Living in harmony with nature is not just a dream for the future; it is a choice we must make every day.
Every action matters, from supporting conservation efforts to embracing sustainable lifestyles. Change begins with us.
Let us embrace a future where nature and humanity move forward hand in hand, ensuring a healthier, more resilient planet for generations to come. Because at WWF-Malaysia, we believe it is only 'together possible'. Join us in making a difference.
WWF-Malaysia's mission is to stop the degradation of the earth's natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature. Comments: letters@thesundaily.com
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Malay Mail
8 hours ago
- Malay Mail
The only mark that matters — Nahrizul Adib Kadri
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Malay Mail
9 hours ago
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‘Amid tragedy came relief': UPSI student hurt in fatal crash secures long-awaited MARA loan
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Free Malaysia Today
10 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
New book celebrates 90 years of the valiant Royal Malay Regiment
Men of the 1st Experimental Company Malay Regiment, with Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel G.M Bruce on March 3 1937. (Creative Commons pic) KUALA LUMPUR : It started with a simple question in the 1930s. The British colonial government, concerned about the security of their territory in Malaya, wondered: 'Were the Malays capable of forming an effective modern fighting force?' An experiment was proposed. In 1933, a group of 25 Malay recruits were assigned to train with British officers in Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan as part of the 1st Experimental Company. They would later form the Malay Regiment. This valiant group of dedicated men surpassed all the expectations of their superiors, and rose to become the country's most iconic Malaysian military unit. Known today as the Royal Malay Regiment, this intrepid fighting force has served the country in many of its most turbulent periods, including the first Malayan Emergency (1948-1960); the Indonesia-Malaysia Confrontation (1962-1966); the 2nd Malaysian Insurgency (1968-1989); and the Sarawak Communist Insurgency (1962-1990). This year marks the 90th anniversary of the founding of the Malay Regiment, and a new book has been published to mark this milestone. 'The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of the Malay Regiment' is a comprehensive account of the origins of this military unit, and details the bravery, loyalty and sacrifices of its men. Author Stuart Lloyd at a book signing. (Stuart Lloyd pic) Author Stuart Lloyd said his latest work is not a 'war book' but one about human stories. 'All my books are about the human spirit. About the people, good or bad, at the heart of the stories. I don't like talking so much about statistics, or numbers of troops in a battle. I prefer writing whether this person was crapping his pants as the enemies descended,' Lloyd told FMT Lifestyle with a laugh. Lloyd, a sixth-generation Southern African, was born in Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) before emigrating to South Africa, then Australia. He has lived in Hong Kong, Singapore, China, and Thailand for nearly 25 years. The author has conducted special-interest military history tours through Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, and has written 21 non-fiction books which have topped best-seller charts in three countries. 'The Malay Experiment', Lloyd's fifth military history book, is a slim, 94-page book that will intrigue and captivate both military enthusiasts and casual readers alike. Published by CatMatDog Storytelling, it features a foreword by Brigadier General Mohamed Arshad Raji (Retired), a distinguished member of the Regiment. The cover of 'The Malay Experiment: The Colonial Origins and Homegrown Heroism of the Malay Regiment'. (CatMatDog Storytelling pic) The book's pages are populated with colourful personalities. The Malay Regiment's commanding officer, Captain George McIllree Stanton Bruce, almost feels like a character from a Hollywood blockbuster: a rugged World War hero with a jagged scar on his face. Bruce, however, proves adept at winning over his recruits: not only does he speak Malay, he also designs the regiment's iconic insignia, uniform and 'Taat dan setia' (faithful and true) motto. 'There could have been a clash of cultures. But ultimately, the story resolves itself through cultural sensitivity, which I think led to the eventual success of the regiment,' said Lloyd. 'Their uniform was localised, integrating part of the sarong, and colours significant to the Malays. These really showed the recruits this was something they could call their own, that their unit was not just a British transplant.' One of the most relatable parts of the book are details of Bruce's successful methods of attracting early recruits: 'Good soldiers need good food,' he (Bruce) reflected. 'I think more recruits were obtained by the words 'Makan ada baik' (our food is good) than by 'Ta'at setia''. Other fascinating characters making appearances are Raja Lope, the adopted son of a Sultan who rises from private to brigadier, and Lt Adnan Saidi, who valiantly sacrificed his life fighting Japanese invaders at the battle of Pasir Panjang. The crest of the Malay Regiment. ( pic) The book's engaging narrative takes readers from the fall of Singapore to the climactic battle of Bukit Chandu and the glorious parades of Merdeka. It's clear that the story of the Malay Regiment is not over yet: it will be interesting to see how it continues to serve the nation into the future. Lloyd said the story of the Malay Regiment developed in parallel with the story of Malaysia, with both the country and military unit growing in strength and confidence over the years. 'I think the Malay Regiment is a success story Malaysians can all take pride in. I will make the point that they outperformed many British and Australian regiments in Singapore at the time,' the author concluded. 'It's a moving account of how a culture, previously untested in warfare, managed to stand up and show the world what they could do.' 'The Malay Experiment' is available at selected bookstores nationwide. Also visit Stuart Lloyd's website.
