The Selangor State Development Corporation or fondly known as PKNS and Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) today inked a Memorandum of Understanding to preserve 85.3 acres of the Shah Alam Community Forest (SACF) which is owned by PKNS.
The said forest is located in Bandar Sierra Alam and will serve as a green lung and ecological corridor.
“The SACF is a green lung beloved by people of all ages. Recognising this natural treasure’s biodiversity and role in the mitigation of climate change, we believe in doing our part in its conservation. This is in line with PKNS’ efforts to adopt ESG best practices and create a better life for all. We are excited to embark on this partnership with UiTM and hope to inspire industry peers to participate in similar collaborations which produce solutions that benefit the community at large,” remarked PKNS CEO, Dato’ Mahmud Abbas, at the signing ceremony.
A plan that is in the pipeline by PKNS and UiTM is to apply the ‘other effective area-based conservation measures’ (OECMs) conservation approach to the designated community forest area under its care. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) defines OECMs as a geographically defined area other than a protected area, which is governed and managed in ways that achieve positive and sustained long-term outcomes.
A joint task force comprising PKNS and UiTM representatives will be formed to submit an application to the Southeast Asia Rainforest Research Partnership (SEARRP) to categorise the PKNS Community Forest as an authorised OECM.
To recap, SEARPP is an organisation which facilitates world-class scientific research addressing major environmental issues. The authorisation will be significant in increasing recognition and support for effective long-term conservation efforts at the PKNS Community Forest.
Weighing in on the MoU, UiTM’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic & International), YBhg Prof Datin Dr Suzana Sulaiman, shared that in addition to conservation, the partnership paves the way for quality education (SDG 4) through stronger industry-academic collaborative ties.
“The space created by this MoU enables the sharing of ideas, knowledge, research outcomes and training that will provide a value-added teaching and learning experience to our academics and students alike,” said Prof Datin Dr Suzana.
“Incorporating sustainable business models is now critical to any organisation. There’s a lot of work to be done to achieve the milestones outlined in this MoU. With UiTM’s research capabilities and PKNS’ resources, we look forward to supporting the United Nation’s SDG15 in relation to ‘Life on Land’ through our conservation efforts in the PKNS Community Forest under our care,” concluded Dato’ Mahmud.
The MoU was signed by Dato’ Mahmud on behalf of PKNS and Prof Datin Dr Suzana, representing UiTM’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof Datuk Ts Dr Hajah Roziah Mohd Janor.
