FGV Annual Report 2016

FELDA GLOBAL VENTURES HOLDINGS BERHAD 68 REPORTING ON WHAT MATTERS the Kinabatangan Mega Biodiversity Corridor. As to date, we have re- established the riparian reserves by alienating a minimum distance of 50 meters from our estates to the river bank and planted with saplings of indigenous timber tree species, bought from nurseries raised by local communities. This exercise involves voluntarily abrogating approximately 20 Ha of productive and plantable land for the re-establishment of riparian reserves. This 20 Ha will now be part of the existing 280 Ha of riparian reserve which we are presently managing as a wildlife corridor. In addition to that, we are also engaged in REDD+ programme, Kinabatangan Component project that aims to tackle climate change through sustainable forest management and community development. As the project will focus more on capacity building on developing sustainable eco-tourism, sustainable farming practices, forest restoration and empowering communities to create sustainable change or alternative livelihood, it will include a series of comprehensive capacity training programmes for the local communities in the area. The tree planting programme under FGV-BCT could provide the relevant capacity building especially in fostering innovation and business skills. Currently, we are working with BCT and other partners to develop a credible guideline to enable the local communities to estimate carbon assessment in several forest types and benefit from carbon trading schemes. These projects will also provide a strategy to identify alternative livelihood for at least 30 families of the local community, while ensuring the protection and conservation of the mega biodiversity corridor in Kinabatangan. With these projects, we hope the local communities, flora and fauna (specifically elephant and orang-utan) within the FGV landscape, the Tourism Industry of Sabah at a wider scale and the earth as a global ecosystem will benefit from this initiative. Apart from these projects, we are also looking for opportunities to work with as many Stakeholders possible as the greatest impact in conservation can only be possible with bigger landscape programmes. SUN BEAR CONSERVATION PROJECT (SBCP) One of our landmark sustainability initiatives is the SBCP, which is a collaboration between FGV with the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP), Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) and University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM). The SBCP is involved in various aspects of sun bear conservation efforts including the rescue, rehabilitation and release of bears back into the wild. The SBCP is also actively involved in research, and education and awareness activities. The programme is working on initiatives such as developing a management plan for Malayan Sun Bears in Peninsular Malaysia and producing research publications on the animal as well as wildlife capacity building. The SBCP is also preparing a training module for primary and secondary schools and build awareness on the importance of sun bear conservation through organised nature camps. The SBCP has successfully rehabilitated and released 10 sun bears back into the wild since its establishment. Under the SBCP, four (4) Citizen Action Groups (CAG) known as Sahabat Beruang Madu were established to engage local communities in helping manage the environment and HCV elements. At present, we have established CAG groups in Kuala Lipis, Kuala Terengganu, Sabah and Johor comprising 160 members from FGV, FELDA staff and also local community. This CAGs will be trained to identify environmental issues of concern within a stipulated location and the appropriate action to be taken with the help of local regulatory agencies. The CAG members have undergone basic training on HCV elements of interest in the region, map reading, GPS usage and protocols on boundary patrols. SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT ENVIRONMENT STEWARDSHIP Her Excellency, Ms. Maria Castillo Fernandez, launching the Biodiversity Awareness Programme and 'Plant Trees, Save the Earth' campaign at Lower Kinabatangan. Her Excellency, Ms. Maria Castillo Fernandez hands over the appreciation token to FGV Sustainability Officer. Group photo of FGV group, SWD Group and REDD+ Community Group at the project site (Forest Enhancement Programme). Forest Officer of Kinabatangan, Hj. Hussin Tukimin planting an indigenous species of tree in the project area.