From misleading advertisements to vague sustainability promises, greenwashing is becoming a major hurdle in the fight against the climate crisis. The Zero Greenwashing Alliance, a first-of-its-kind initiative in Asia, aims to hold corporations accountable for their greenwashing while encouraging genuine climate solutions. We find out all about this groundbreaking initiative, including the Zero Greenwashing Alliance Database and Green Claims Guide, from Adam Farhan, the Director of RimbaWatch, the environmental think-tank conducting research and advocacy on climate-related issues in Maritime Southeast Asia.

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Every day, perfectly good food ends up in the trash while countless people struggle to find their next meal. But what if there was a way to fix both problems at once? Justin Cheah, Marketing Director of Kechara Soup Kitchen, joins us to show how it’s done. We discuss Kechara Soup Kitchen’s efforts to combat food waste, the inspiring stories behind their work, and the environmental and social ripple effects of their mission.

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Nestled at the base of the Titiwangsa Mountains, the Behrang Ulu urban forest is a natural treasure that the local community has worked tirelessly to protect. Home to over 1,100 distinct varieties of trees and recognized as Asia’s largest conservation nursery, the area is now under threat from industrial development. Local activists, conservationists, and legal experts are now calling for urgent measures to protect the forest, and we want to examine the importance of preserving this biodiversity-rich area, the legal protections in place, and what more needs to be done to secure its future. We speak to Prof. Dato’ Er. Ts. Dr. Santharasekaran Subramaniam, President of the Nature Conservation Organisation of Malaysia, P Y Wong, Director of Greenleaf@Kampar, and Danielle Kuang, from Greenleaf@Kampar, to find out more.

*You can sign the petition to support the preservation of the Ulu Behrang urban forest here.

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Petting zoos, with their promise of up-close wildlife encounters, have surged in popularity, blending education, entertainment, and exotic allure. Yet, as highlighted in Macaranga's latest two-part investigative report (Petting Wildlife Sending Mixed Signals and Jury Out on Whether Petting Zoos Aid Conservation), these facilities often walk a fine line between fostering conservation awareness and inadvertently harming wildlife. From stress-induced behaviours in animals to ethical concerns about sourcing exotic species and the risk of zoonotic diseases, the articles probe the complex realities of petting zoos in Malaysia. Joining us to discuss this are Macaranga co-founder and editor Wong Siew Lyn, and writer Lee Kwai Han, to explore the deeper implications of petting zoos on wildlife welfare, conservation, and public perception.

Image credits: Lee Kwai Han, Shutterstock

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Lara Ariffin is an award-winning filmmaker whose passion for conserving wildlife has shaped her stunning documentaries, including the acclaimed online documentary series Layar Liar. As the President of Persatuan Pelindung Harimau Malaysia or RIMAU, a citizen-driven NGO dedicated to protecting the Malayan tiger, Lara is also a powerful advocate for Malaysia's incredible but fast-disappearing biodiversity. We catch up with Lara for updates on RIMAU's work, and also for a behind-the-scenes look at Layar Liar's latest series of documentaries which showcase fascinating animals that live in our Malaysian rainforest, and the people working to protect them.

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Organised by the Biji Alam Conservation Society, the Biji Alam Awards for Nature Conservation represent a groundbreaking initiative to honour and empower mid-career Malaysian conservationists who dedicate their lives to protecting nature, often with little recognition or support. Founded by a passionate team of environmentalists and experts, the awards aim to address the challenges faced by these unsung heroes, and by celebrating their efforts and providing both financial aid and visibility, the awards hope to inspire local support and foster confidence in conservation initiatives. We speak to Biji Alam’s co-founders, Natalie Yong, an ex-financier and charity trustee, and Dr Teckwyn Lim, a senior conservationist, natural resource consultant, and part-time lecturer at the University of Nottingham, to find out all about their vision for the award and organisation, and also their hopes for reshaping the narrative around Malaysia’s vital conservation efforts.

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For decades, PACOS Trust - Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah - has been at the forefront of supporting Sabah’s indigenous communities, helping them protect their heritage, land, and resources. By fostering local leadership, promoting collaboration, and championing land rights, PACOS works hand-in-hand with grassroots organisations across 14 districts and 23 areas, to create sustainable change. Through training, advocacy, and collaboration, PACOS ensures that indigenous voices are central to discussions about development and environmental stewardship. We speak to Anne Lasimbang, the Executive Director of PACOS Trust, and Gordon John Thomas, the Programme Coordinator at PACOS Trust, to find out more about this organisation's work, and how they are collaborating with indigenous communities, enabling them to reclaim their voice and protect what matters most.

Image credit: GJT @ PACOS Trust

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We are at the end of 2024 – again, it’s been quite a year for the planet, and we take a look back at some of the top news covered by environmental journalism portal Macaranga with co-founders, Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua. We discuss how carbon emissions are still rising, and how forest conservation (or the lack thereof) is playing a part in that, before we turn our attention to mangrove conservation in Malaysia. We then discuss how Malaysia’s newly-identified Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) are a win for conservation and citizen science, before examining how the illegal wildlife trade is thriving, boosted by online trading, and in spite of conservation methods such legalising the breeding and trade of certain species. Finally, how is global warming exacerbating existing environmental challenges like flooding and coral bleaching? We discuss all this and more.

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Macaranga's latest article “Banking on River Reserves to Protect Water Supply” explores Selangor's urgent measures to safeguard its water resources amid recurring pollution-related water cuts. We discuss how the state plans to gazette river reserves and enforce stricter regulations to address these issues, and how they could possibly counter challenges such as private land ownership, inter-agency coordination, and the protection of upstream ecosystems. We also look at community-driven conservation efforts, industry accountability, and the importance of holistic water basin management for sustainable water security. Joining us are journalist Chen Yih Wen, Macaranga co-founder Law Yao Hua, and Kennedy Michael, co-founder of Alliance of River Three (ART!)

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Mariani Ramli and her team at the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) of Malaysia have dedicated over a decade to rescuing and rehabilitating gibbons, with the ultimate goal of returning these magnificent apes to their natural habitat. We catch up with Bam as she is fondly known, who is the Founder and President of GCS, to revisit the incredible story of these amazing but underprotected primates, and how the team are tirelessly working on their conservation. We'll also get updates on baby Axel - the first baby gibbon born in captivity at the centre to rescued gibbons Ebony and Coley - and discuss how the family are on the brink of being  released back into the wild, and what's needed to get them there.

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