Latest news with #WorldBiodiversityDay
Daily Express
6 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Exploring Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion potential in Tawau
Published on: Friday, July 25, 2025 Published on: Fri, Jul 25, 2025 Text Size: Nizam visiting one of the booths at the World Biodiversity Day celebration. SEMPORNA: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor said the passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 during the recent State Assembly sitting has placed Sabah at the forefront of environmental conservation and resilience against climate change. He said the implementation of the Enactment will ensure the involvement of Sabah's native communities and protect their rights through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) process. 'I wish to emphasise that the State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the State's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystems,' he said during the State-level World Biodiversity Day celebration at Dewan Arena Belia, here, Thursday. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister, Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Hajiji said this year's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development', is meaningful as it highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy planet, enhancing human wellbeing and securing a sustainable future. He reminded the public, especially Sabahans, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities and to always consider the impact on biodiversity, wildlife and ecosystems. 'By protecting and valuing nature, we safeguard not only biodiversity but also our economic and social wellbeing for current and future generations,' he said. He emphasised that the theme aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024-2034 and the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which promotes green practices and sustainable development. Hajiji also said Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda. Through this initiative, the State Government is exploring the potential of Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in Tawau waters as a renewable energy source. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, together with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), in carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah. He commended their commitment and contributions to marine conservation. He assured that tourism activities in Semporna will be well regulated to ensure they do not harm marine biodiversity, while still providing benefits to the local community. He said conservation efforts require strong support from all parties, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, local communities and the people of Sabah. 'I urge everyone to continue protecting Sabah's natural wealth so that future generations can continue to benefit from these resources,' he said. He said the State Government will continue to prioritise green sustainability in its development programmes, by ensuring responsible management of natural resources and a balance between environmental protection, social well-being and economic growth. Captions: Dekeep Halisca CLIMATE1 - Nizam visiting one of the booths at the World Biodiversity Day celebration. CLIMATE2 - Nizam receiving a memento after presenting the participation certificate to the Wildlife Department. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
Borneo Post
7 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Sabah to regulate Semporna tourism activities for marine biodiversity
SEMPORNA (July 24): The State Government will ensure that tourism activities in Semporna are well-regulated and do not disrupt marine biodiversity but providing benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah. This is in line with the focus on exploring, promoting and supporting the Blue Economy, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji Noor. However, he said conservation efforts needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, NGOs, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general. 'I urge that we continue to protect Sabah's natural wealth so that the current and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the benefits and advantages of these natural resources,' he said during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia here today. The Chief Minister's speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. Hajiji added that the State Government, on its part, would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations. He also said the approval of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025 at the recent State Assembly sitting had positioned Sabah as the nation's leader in environmental conservation and resilience against climate change. He said the implementation of the Enactment would ensure the involvement of Sabah's native community and their rights are protected through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) procedure. 'I wish to emphasise that the Sabah State Government is committed to protecting and preserving the state's natural resources, biodiversity and ecosystem,' he said. He said the celebration's theme, 'Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development', is meaningful and underscored the crucial roles both elements play in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being and ensuring a sustainable future. 'This theme is also timely and serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives,' he said. 'By ensuring that nature is protected and valued, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations. 'This concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034. At the same time, today's celebration and theme also reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which is fundamentally anchored in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development,' he said. Hajiji said that Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to actively implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda. Through this initiative, the Sabah State Government sees the potential to implement Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in the Tawau waters as a source of renewable energy, he said. 'In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah. Well done!' he said. He also assured that in line with the focus on exploring, promoting, and supporting the Blue Economy,
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Sabah to regulate Semporna tourism for marine biodiversity
TAWAU: The Sabah government will ensure tourism activities in Semporna are regulated, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He added that the assurance is to ensure the industry does not disrupt marine biodiversity but provides benefits and advantages to the people of Sabah. Conservation efforts, however, needed strong support from all quarters, including government agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, the local community, and the people of Sabah in general, he said. "I urge that we continue to protect Sabah's natural wealth so that current and future generations will continue to experience and enjoy the benefits and advantages of these natural resources. "By ensuring that nature is protected and valued, we not only safeguard biodiversity but also secure economic and social well-being for current and future generations. "This concept aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Sabah Biodiversity Strategy 2024–2034," he said during the World Biodiversity Day celebrations at the Dewan Arena Belia today. His speech was delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan. He said the celebration's theme, "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development", is meaningful and underscored the crucial roles both elements play in preserving the health of the planet, enhancing human well-being, and ensuring a sustainable future. "This theme is also timely and serves as a reminder to humanity, especially the people of Sabah, not to be complacent when carrying out development activities without considering the sustainability of biodiversity, the well-being of animals, plants, and ecosystems that bring benefits to our lives," he said. He added that the state government, on its part, would continue to implement development programmes that emphasise green sustainability by prioritising the responsible use and management of natural resources, as well as ensuring environmental protection, social well-being, and economic growth for future generations. "I wish to emphasise that the Sabah state government is committed to protecting and preserving the state's natural resources, biodiversity, and ecosystem," he said. At the same time, today's celebration and theme also reflect the aspirations of the Sabah Maju Jaya (SMJ) development agenda, which is fundamentally anchored in promoting green practices and supporting sustainable development, he said. Hajiji said that Sabah is the first state in Malaysia to actively implement the Blue Economy concept under the SMJ development agenda. Through this initiative, the Sabah state government sees the potential to implement Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) in the Tawau waters as a source of renewable energy, he said. "In addition, the Sabah Biodiversity Centre and Yayasan Petronas, in collaboration with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), are also actively carrying out the Seaweed Mapping Project across Sabah."
Daily Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
Sabah leads with new carbon governance law
Published on: Thursday, July 24, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jul 24, 2025 Text Size: Nizam visits one of the exhibition booths at the programme. - Pic by CMD SEMPORNA: Sabah has taken the lead nationally in environmental governance with the passing of the Climate Change and Carbon Governance Enactment 2025, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor. He said the law will protect native rights through the Prior Informed Consent (PIC) process and support community involvement in climate action. Hajiji, in a speech delivered by Assistant MInister to the Chief Minister Datuk Nizam Abu Bakar Titingan at the World Biodiversity Day celebration here, said the theme "Harmony with Nature and Sustainable Development" reflects the State's commitment to balancing development and conservation. Sabah is also pioneering the Blue Economy under its SMJ development agenda, including exploring renewable energy through Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion in Tawau and a Seaweed Mapping Project with UMS and Yayasan Petronas. The Chief Minister urged all parties to work together in protecting biodiversity and pledged continued support for green-focused development that benefits both people and nature. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Sun
26-05-2025
- General
- The Sun
Nature and humanity, hand in hand
MALAYSIA is home to some of the world's richest biodiversity. From lush rainforests and winding rivers to vibrant coral reefs, our natural heritage provides clean air, fresh water, food security, climate stability and cultural identity. 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@
