Earth Matters

More than a year ago, in July 2021, the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Secretariat released the first official draft of a new Global Biodiversity Framework, to guide actions worldwide through 2030 to preserve and protect nature and its essential services to people. The framework includes 21 targets for 2030, and there has been particular interest in Target 3, a global target known colloquially as ’30×30′ which aims to protect and conserve 30% of the world’s terrestrial, freshwater, coastal and marine ecosystems. Malaysia is one of the world’s 17 mega-biodiverse countries, but we are rapidly losing our rich biodiversity. How can working towards the 30 × 30 target help Malaysia? How can and should it be implemented? We discuss this and more with Julian Hyde (General Manager, Reef Check Malaysia) and Jasmin Mohd Saad (Policy Consultant, Reef Check Malaysia) on another episode of Biodiversity for Malaysia, our monthly series looking at the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process.

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The Sunda or Diardi’s Clouded Leopard was only identified to science in 2006, when genetic research indicated they were a separate species from the mainland Clouded Leopard. Named as such because of the large, blotchy, cloud-like markings on their body, Sunda Clouded Leopards are said to be only found on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN's Red List, a major threat to their existence is habitat loss, but they are also poached for the illegal wildlife trade. 

It was International Clouded Leopard Day on the 4th of August, and on this episode of the ABC's of Biodiversity, our ongoing series where we explore why biodiversity loss is our loss, we speak about the vital role Sunda clouded leopards play in maintaining Borneo's ecosystem, with Chrishen Gomez, a biologist who is currently attached to the Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) at the University of Oxford. He is also a researcher who has studied these elusive creatures, developing the first genetic based research project on the Sunda clouded leopard and its sympatric carnivores.

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The U.N. General Assembly — the highest UN body that wields considerable influence over its member states — adopted a historic resolution: the recognition that it’s a universal human right to live in a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, on the 29th of July 2022. The resolution has been five decades in the making, and is described as an important tool for accountability and climate justice. But as a non-legally binding resolution, can it still serve as a catalyst for change and climate action? What is Malaysia’s constitutional position on environmental rights? We discuss this and more with Emeritus Professor Datuk Dr Hj Shad Saleem Faruqi, Holder of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Chair, at the University of Malaya, and Kiu Jia Yaw, the Secretary of the CERAH Anti-Haze Action Group, and Co-chair of the Malaysian CSO-SDG Alliance.

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According to a recent report in Macaranga, plantation company AA Sawit Sdn Bhd has just submitted an environmental impact assessment (EIA) report to get federal approval for its new plantations in Johor. However, the development on the site had already begun two years ago, with satellite images showing that between 2020—2021, more than 600 ha of forests on the 3,775 ha site in Endau, northeast Johor, were cleared. Why did the state and local authorities allow logging to commence without an EIA, which is clearly against regulations stipulated in the Environmental Quality Act 1974? Has the development already caused negative impacts to the wildlife and environment in the area? We find out from science and environmental journalist, Law Yao Hua, an editor at Macaranga, who investigated this story in collaboration with the Pulitzer Center’s Rainforest Investigations Network. 

*After this interview was recorded, one of the existing plantations run by the Johor Farmers’ Organisation Endau, or PPK Endau (Pertubuhan Peladang Kawasan Endau) responded to Macaranga, saying that it has had no issues related to river pollution and elephants since it began operations there in 1998 until 2020. But it points to new oil palm projects as the cause for recent elephant problems.

Image credit: Law Yao Hua

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It's estimated that fewer than 150 Malayan tigers remain in the wild in Peninsula Malaysia, led to near extinction by the usual suspects of poaching and habitat loss. But efforts have been stepped up through the years, not only from hard working NGO's, but through the establishment of the National Tiger Task Force headed by the prime minister, and the setting up of a Wildlife Crime Bureau under the police. What more can be done? We speak to Christopher Wong, the Tiger Lead at WWF-Malaysia, ahead to World Tiger Day, to discuss what solutions still remain.

Image credit: Linda Tanner

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Every last Monday of the month, we gather for a roundup of important environmental news from the month past, with the good folks of journalism portal, Macaranga. This month, Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, co-founders of Macaranga, join us to discuss how over 53 NGOs are calling for more transparency surrounding environmental impact assessments (EIAs) by the Department of Environment, before we turn to the promising news that the DEWAN Rakyat has approved the National Forestry (Amendment) Bill (RUU) 2022. Looking forward to August, we've got a few "observation" days coming up, including World Elephant Day and World Orangutan Day, and we discuss how we can support these observances by supporting local NGOs working on these issues.

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We've seen the reports and news headlines: "Our planet is choking on plastic" "Microplastics: Polluting our blood, foetuses - and now the dairy and meat we eat." Along with the climate and biodiversity loss crises, pollution - including air and plastic pollution -  is the third part of the Triple Planetary Crisis. How can we be part of the solution to end plastic pollution? In conjunction with #PlasticFreeJuly, we discuss this and more on this month's episode of Plastic Soup - an ongoing series where we ask whether we are indeed living in a giant bowl of plastic soup, and explore ways we can get out of this goop. Helping us today is Hema Mahadevan, a Public Engagement Campaigner at Greenpeace Malaysia, who will also share her views on the Global Plastics Treaty, and Malaysia's Plastics Sustainability Roadmap.

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Biodiversity for Malaysia is a monthly series which aims to get everyone on the same page when it comes to all things biodiversity-related, especially on issues surrounding the Convention on Biological Diversity post-2020 framework process, the 30X30 target, and more. As we've been discussing over the past few months, there has been little progress on negotiations for a new Post 2020 Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF). Talks in Geneva in March had little progress, and the recently convened talks in Nairobi in June were said to have had only two clear wins. There is particular interest in Target 3, the so-called “30x30 target” which looks to protect 30% of the world’s land and oceans by 2030. But recent interventions by many countries, including Malaysia, have resulted in a somewhat confused situation. What are the issues worrying countries about this target? We discuss perceived problems and available solutions with Jim Gamble (Programme Director, Pacific Environment), Masha Kalinina (Senior Officer, Conservation Support, The Pew Charitable Trusts) and Julian Hyde (General Manager, Reef Check Malaysia).

Image credit: Shutterstock / Andrea Izzotti

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The Petaling Jaya Dispersal Link or PJD LINK is a proposed 34.3 km, 2 lane dual carriageway expressway, which, as per its description, will act as a traffic dispersal for the Petaling Jaya area, and serve as an alternative to traffic congested areas. Fully funded by the private sector without government subsidies, the proposed highway - which will be a tolled one - is also being mooted as a means to stimulate the economy which has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. But there are many who are opposing this proposed highway, including, but not limited to, Petaling Jaya residents and other business owners in the area, who are concerned the highway may bring more problems than solutions. We speak to David Yoong, the Chairman of the The Stakeholders cum Residents Against PJD Link (SCRAP Highway) group, about the concerns PJ residents and other stakeholders have about this proposal, which includes the fact that it may irreversibly change the green landscape of PJ.

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A biologist turned wildlife photographer, Chien Lee began his career in northern California as an environmental educator, before moving to Sarawak in 1996, which has been his base ever since. Using the power of photography to help more of us understand the beauty and wonders of nature, his works are also a powerful reminder of all the natural heritage that needs protection, as we face the dual crises of biodiversity loss and climate change. We speak to Chien about his career as a naturalist and wildlife photographer, and how photography complements and promotes environmental conservation. He also tells us more about “Masters of Disguise,” his solo exhibition that specifically focuses on the art of deceit in nature, through camouflage and mimicry.

Image credit: Chien Lee Wildlife Photography

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