RiLeaf to lower Kinabatangan
THE Kinabatangan River has found a champion through a collaborative agreement between two corporate giants.
Nestle (Malaysia) Bhd signed an agreement with the Sime Darby Foundation to jointly undertake Project RiLeaf, to preserve and sustain the environment and ecosystem of the Kinabatangan River.
The project is an initiative to reforest critical riparian reserves along the river to provide a natural buffer to filter the river from pollutants, mainly soil sediment and chemical fertiliser.
It will also engage local communities and oil palm small holding companies to adopt sustainable practices through awareness and knowledge- sharing programmes.
Together, the two corporate giants will team up to manage and optimise funding and resources for Project RiLeaf.
Sime Darby Foundation will be co-founding Project RiLeaf for a period of two years, beginning next year with a total contribution of RM2mil. The funds will help to sustain and regenerate the Lower Kinabatangan River through the replanting of trees.
The Kinabatangan River, the second longest river in Malaysia, is the source of food and water for the people who live along the river, the Orang Sungai.
It is also one of two places on earth where 10 primate species are found, including the orang utan and proboscis monkeys.
Nestle Southeast Asia and zone director for Asia, Oceania, Africa and Middle East executive vice-president Nandu Nandkishore said the project was in line with the company’s philosophy of creating shared value.
“We believe that we can do business in ways that benefit not only our shareholders but also our people and society at large, which includes the environment and its protection for future generations,” he added.
The collaboration will support capacity building of local communities, namely the Komuniti Anak Pokok Kinabatangan by providing forest tree seedlings for reforestation and the appointment of local contractors to implement demarcation activities as well as planting and maintenance works.
“This partnership fulfils two of the main pillars of the Sime Darby Foundation, namely conservation of the environment and protection of the ecosystems and community development,” said Sime Darby Foundation governing council member and Sime Darby Berhad president and group chief executive Tan Sri Mohd Bakke Salleh.
He said that part of the programme was to engage with independent smallholders and assist them to eventually attain Certified Sustainable Palm Oil (CSPO).
“The involvement of smallholders will help protect the dynamic and unique biodiversity of the Kinabatangan area, which includes the inland wildlife corridors and degraded sanctuary areas,” he added.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun, Nestle Malaysia chairman Tan Sri Syed Zainol Anwar Jamalullail and Sime Darby Foundation governing council member Caroline Christine Russell.
Source: The Star
