Author - jessica

KOTA KINABALU: FIVE non-governmental organisations (NGOs) received Shell Sustainable Development Grants here yesterday to undertake environmental and sustainable livelihood projects. The recipients were Partners of Community Organisations (Pacos) Trust, Land Empowerment Animals People (Leap), Tatana Roots Community, Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society and Persatuan Warisan Bung Bratak from Sarawak. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun and Shell Malaysia country chair Iain Lo were present during the ceremony. The five organisations were part of 16 NGOs chosen nationwide for the RM560,000 grants programme. Each NGO will receive between RM30,000 and RM50,000. Masidi said: "The Shell Sustainable Development Grants has given out more than RM2.5 million over the years to assist and educate our communities and youth, while simultaneously ensuring the initiation of key environmental projects in Sabah and other parts of the country. "This programme is yet another manifestation of its commitment to sustainable development. "After four years, this programme has grown to reflect a true testament of how much excellent progress can be achieved when key stakeholders, NGOs, government departments and the community, work hand in hand." He encouraged communities and NGOs to overcome environmental and social issues and not depend on the government. Lo said that in promoting and initiating more projects, Shell Malaysia would accelerate its progress towards sustainable development in the country. He added that such funding would act as a catalyst for groups and individuals to achieve their targets on environmental conservation as well as sustainable livelihood. "The programme seeks to empower Malaysian-based NGOs to initiate sustainability projects. "By working together, we can leverage on the reach and insights of NGOs and other like-minded organisations to uncover hot spots in the nation that require attention. "These partnerships also enable Shell to place funding where it warrants, and with the NGOS, deliver the results we need to make a difference in our communities, youth and environment." All projects selected at the event had been judged based on their practicality, direct benefits, financial needs and sustainability factors. The Pacos Trust, Leap and Tatana Roots Community received grants under the sustainable livelihood category while Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society and Persatuan Warisan Bung Bratak came under the environmental conservation project category. Source : New Straits Times