Malaysia’s participation at the Expo 2020 Dubai from Oct 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, will highlight tree-planting as one of its sustainability initiatives and also in conjunction with the World Environment Day celebrated on June 5.
Malaysian Green Technology and Climate Change Centre (MGTC) chief executive officer Shamsul Bahar Mohd Nor (above) said the tree-planting programme was a collaborative effort between MGTC, Yayasan Hijau Malaysia and Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia, which will see 500 'kapur' (Dryobalanops aromatic) trees to be planted at Taman Eko-Rimba Bukit Sungai Puteh in Cheras.
He said the tree-planting activity was one of the three carbon offset programmes adopted by the Malaysia Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai to realise its net zero carbon commitment in the construction, operation and decommissioning of the 1,234 square metre installation.
“Through these three programmes, carbon offset will be realised by neutralising the equivalent amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) produced, estimated at 1,510 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent,” he told Bernama today.
Shamsul Bahar said the Malaysia Pavilion’s efforts to address climate change, in line with its theme, ‘Energising Sustainability’, encapsulates the country’s commitment to sustainable development by balancing socio-economic progress with environmental protection.
He said the tree-planting activity was consistent with Malaysia's efforts to ‘touch the ground lightly’ in terms of environmental impact with its presence at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“In keeping true to our theme, Malaysia is committed to constructing a net-zero carbon pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which I am proud to say is the first of its kind for the world expo.
“This effort also reaffirms our determination to not leave any carbon footprint at Expo 2020 Dubai," Shamsul Bahar said.
He also revealed the Malaysia Pavilion's green features include energy-efficient elements such as light-emitting diodes (LED) lightings, heli fans, natural lighting, solar rooftop, self-shading, green landscaping with vertical gardens and water harvesting fixture.
This, he said will reduce greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions as well as achieve 20 percent energy savings.
Shamsul Bahar said more updates on the net-zero carbon initiative will be announced in due course.
The tree-planting programme is also in support of Greening Malaysia: 100 million Tree-Planting Campaign, led by the Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia with Yayasan Hijau Malaysia, an agency under the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, as one of the campaign's implementing agencies, he said.
Shamsul Bahar explained the 'kapur' tree was chosen due to its endangered status, thus adding to the conservation significance of the national tree-planting campaign.
He said the collaboration includes the supply of the tree saplings, site preparation work and maintenance service for two years to ensure the survival of the trees.
'Kapur' is a species of Southeast Asian timber tree famous for its distinct canopy behaviour known as crown shyness.
This was a natural phenomenon where the canopies of neighbouring trees are disengaged, forming a striking gap with each other as well as visible from the ground and forms a beautiful sight.
Malaysia is among 192 countries and organisations taking part in the Expo 2020 Dubai, themed ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
Malaysia's participation will be led by the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry and MGTC as the implementing agency.
- Bernama
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