Feature Stories
Conservation of Life on Land and Life Below Water
Environment 31 October 2022
The complex interactions of living organisms inhabiting environments both on land and in the water are highly interdependent and they supply both tangible resources (food, nutrient cycling, balance in ecosystems, water purification, etc.) and intangible benefits (tourism and aesthetic value) to communities we depend on. It is therefore critical that we work together to protect and restore biodiversity and ecosystems toward meeting climate goals. At YTL Group, we have embarked on various initiatives in both restoring and protecting terrestrial and marine ecosystems, in line with SDG 14 – Life Below Water, SDG 15 – Life On Land and SDG 17 – Partnerships For The Goals.
As part of our biological conservation efforts, several business units within YTL Group have established nature conservation centres within areas where we operate in Malaysia. We also formed partnerships with numerous organisations including Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to restore, rehabilitate and protect life on land and life below water against various threats. Through partnerships, we can address issues that we may not have the expertise, skills or resources to manage on our own.
Nature conservation centres in YTL Group
1. The Centre for Biodiversity, Conservation, and Research Efforts (BCRE)
In 2014, Malayan Cement Berhad (MCB) established BCRE, with the vision to develop a better understanding of the natural environment. They work with research institutions and organisations to conduct research into the diversity of flora and fauna. Through the findings, MCB aims to understand the behaviour and ecology of different species, whilst building an inventory of various species.
Gunung Kanthan is a unique karst ecosystem surrounded by complex microhabitats comprising both natural and man-made landscapes. MCB worked with the Institute of Biological Science, University Malaya (UM) to develop the foundation of Kanthan’s biodiversity inventory for flora and fauna through a series of comprehensive biodiversity surveys in 2014. In October 2018, Gua Kanthan was declared as part of the Kinta Valley Geopark, a National Geopark hosting various endangered species of flora and fauna.
MCB continues conservation efforts with a focus on the area’s unique flora and fauna to conserve the rich diversity of plants and their habitats. MCB has done this by establishing a seed bank and digital herbarium whilst conducting translocation and replanting as part of their efforts. MCB researchers actively investigate the ecology, evolution, and conservation of biological diversity through research at all levels.
2. Pangkor Laut Resort (PLR) Nature Conservation Centre
In 2021, PLR established a Nature Conservation Centre as part of its long-term strategy and vision to help conserve its unique environment. The centre aims to provide exposure to and education for employees and hotel guests on the unique biological elements around the resort.
The centre showcases photographs and/or specimens of flora and fauna that can be found around the resort, as well as the outcome of conservation programmes on Pangkor Laut island.
Partnering with RIMBA, conservation works are done with the centre on the giant fruit bat, commonly known as the flying fox (Pteropus sp.), which is a protected species under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010 and the IUCN Red List, including the study of species diversity and population studies, as well as the provision of suitable and safe roosting sites.
To conserve hornbills, PLR planted Macarthur Palms (Ptychosperma Macarthurii) in 2014 as part of their garden plants, which also provide fruit for hornbills. Several wooden nesting boxes made from recycled wood were also built to provide breeding and nursery habitats for the hornbills. Three juvenile hornbills were successfully bred in 2022, making up a total of 12 juvenile hornbills bred since 2018. In April 2022, PLR’s naturalist team initiated a census method of data collection for the Oriental Pied Hornbill to obtain their population data and prepare for future population control.
PLR has also partnered with Reef Check Malaysia in a coral reef restoration programme. To date, 734 coral colonies have been transplanted at Mentagor Island and 39 at PLR Jetty.
3. Gaya Island Resort Wildlife Centre (GIRWC)
Located in the biodiversity-rich region of Borneo, Gaya Island is home to some of the most fascinating and exotic species in the world, allowing its guests to embrace the wealth of flora and fauna it is part of. GIRWC was established in October 2016 as a research and conservation centre by Gaya Island Resort (GIR). The centre is committed to long-term conservation, raising awareness for sustainable seafood choices, and crafting experiences and educational programmes (to protect and improve the natural environment for resort guests and future generations) and all with the support of Sabah Parks and local governing bodies.
To date, the centre has identified ten new flora and 446 new fauna species in and around GIR. In 2017, GIRWC initiated a proboscis monkey conservation project in collaboration with Sabah Wildlife Department and Sabah Parks to enrich their gene pool on Gaya Island. They also carried out rescue work to treat injured wildlife before releasing them back into their natural habitats.
GIRWC has also recognised the importance of seagrass as one of the main staple foods for sea turtles, and how green turtles play a vital role in maintaining seagrass meadows. They continue to expand their seagrass nursery and planting programme, adding two more species of seagrass to the previous two (Enhalus sp., Halophila sp., Halodule sp. and Cymodocea sp.). They also support a thriving mangrove planting programme nearby.
4. Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre (GIRMC)
The GIRMC – a Turtle Rescue Centre and Marine Sanctuary – cares for and protects the reefs, marine biodiversity and aspects that affect them. Established in 2013, GIRMC is committed to long-term, hands-on conservation and rehabilitation programmes.
Over the years, GIRMC has rescued 23 turtles and released nine with two injured turtles being treated under a rehabilitation protocol.
The centre also advocates coral reef conservation. Since the launch of the coral reef restoration programme in 2017, GIRMC has transplanted a total of 1,735 coral nubbins onto 153 cement blocks, with a 78.9% survival rate to date before the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased to less than 25% due to unknown factors. Ongoing research was also carried out by the marine biologist team to study critical factors for future solutions.