Kuala lumpur: Investment in urban biodiversity can yield not only economic returns but also contribute to environmental sustainability and the social well-being of communities, said Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof. He said that adopting a sustainable approach to urban development can help create a greener, cleaner environment, thereby enhancing residents' quality of life while also attracting investors and tourists.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Fadillah emphasized that the benefits of urban biodiversity extend beyond financial returns, highlighting the environmental and social advantages. He noted that cleaner air and an improved living environment are direct benefits to communities as a result of sustainable urban development. These remarks were made following the closing ceremony of the Urban Biodiversity Conference (UBC) 2025 held at the Sime Darby Convention Centre.
Fadillah further noted that creating green spaces and recreational parks in urban areas aligns with sustainable development goals, enhancing the social well-being of residents. The conference, which began at 10 am, was graced by the presence of the Raja Muda of Selangor, Tengku Amir Shah Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah.
Additionally, Fadillah, who serves as the Minister of Energy Transition and Water Transformation, pointed out that environmentally friendly developments that incorporate biodiversity considerations could lead to an increase in property values. He explained that people are willing to pay a premium for homes located in cleaner and greener environments.
The Urban Biodiversity Conference (UBC) 2025, themed 'Coexistence: Shared Environments for Balance and Resilience', was organized by Sime Darby Property. The conference aimed to promote the integration of biodiversity into urban planning through cross-sector collaboration, emphasizing sustainable development and community well-being.
During the event, Fadillah witnessed the signing of a five-year partnership agreement on Urban Biodiversity between Sime Darby Property Berhad and the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC). This strategic partnership aims to strengthen efforts to conserve urban biodiversity in Bandar Elmina.
In a fireside chat moderated by Bullhound Capital managing director Shahril Hamdan, Fadillah cited Putrajaya as a model for sustainable urban design and advocated for the establishment of similar biodiversity-focused zones in other cities. He also praised Malaysian youth for their role in environmental preservation, particularly their contributions to the country's initiative of planting 100 million trees.
Fadillah reiterated that urban biodiversity aligns with the MADANI Government's values of sustainability, compassion, and innovation, which are essential components of the national development framework. He reaffirmed Malaysia's commitment to global environmental goals through key national policies such as the Fourth National Physical Plan, the National Policy on Biodiversity 2022-2030, and the National Energy Transition Roadmap.
He urged industry leaders and the private sector to integrate biodiversity into their core business strategies, promoting concepts like Biodiversity Net Gain and investing in green supply chains. As Malaysia chairs ASEAN this year, Fadillah highlighted the country's leadership in regional sustainability efforts through initiatives like the ASEAN Smart Cities Network Action Plan and the ASEAN Biodiversity Plan, aiming to foster inclusive and climate-resilient urban ecosystems.