KUALA LANGAT, June 16 – In a collective effort to mark the International Day for Biological Diversity on May 22, approximately 130 dedicated volunteers from various age groups gathered at the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve (KLNFR) in Selangor on May 20. Their mission: to plant a remarkable total of 600 trees, symbolizing their commitment to restoring the peat swamp forest and safeguarding it for future generations.
Recognizing the immense importance of peatlands in preserving biodiversity, these tree-planting activities within the peatlands are crucial for the survival of a unique and diverse range of plant and animal species. Peatlands serve as a vital ecosystem, playing a critical role in mitigating climate change, storing carbon, maintaining water resources, and safeguarding biodiversity. The planting of trees serves as an effective means to restore degraded peatlands that face imminent threats. KLNFR, in particular, represents a delicate peat swamp forest that has been the focus of restoration efforts since 2015.
These efforts involve rewetting the area to manage hydrology, revegetation through tree planting, and community-based fire patrolling to reduce fire risks. Collaborative initiatives between Sahabat Gambut Asli Temuan (SGAT), the Global Environment Centre (GEC), and the Selangor State Forestry Department (SSFD) have been instrumental in driving these restoration endeavors. One of the notable programs contributing to peatland restoration and public engagement is the Monthly Tree Planting initiative, jointly organized by GEC, SSFD, Friends of North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest, and SGAT.
This program also aligns with the Greening Malaysia Programme, supporting the National 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign, and has successfully raised awareness about peatland restoration among the public. BOH Plantations (BOH) has actively participated in GEC’s Peatland Water Management and Forest Rehabilitation Work in KLNFR since 2015. In line with its long-term sustainability program, themed ‘BOH, A Cup of Sustainabili-tea,’ the company has generously sponsored a tree planting exercise and committed to the ongoing care and maintenance of the trees.
Jason Foo, CEO of BOH Plantations Sdn Bhd, expressed the company’s dedication to sustainability, stating, “As a company that owes much of our success and legacy to the environment, sustainability is non-negotiable to realize our goal of becoming a fully sustainable tea grower in the near future. We prioritize maintaining a balanced ecosystem for the forest lands surrounding all our plantations. At BOH’s Bukit Cheeding plantation, which adjoins the Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve, we maintain a buffer zone to preserve biodiversity and soil integrity.”
Foo added, “This tree planting exercise is part of our long-term Sustainability Program, themed ‘BOH, A Cup of Sustainabili-tea.’ We are pleased to play a role in raising awareness about the restoration and sustainability of our peat swamp forests.” The efforts of these passionate volunteers and the support from organizations like BOH Plantations contribute significantly to the collective mission of preserving and restoring peat swamp forests. Through their dedication and commitment, the importance of maintaining the ecological balance and protecting the future of our natural resources is reinforced on this International Day for Biological Diversity.
