Kuala Lumpur: Innovative financial instruments must be actively explored and leveraged to strengthen biodiversity management in Malaysia, ensuring a balanced, prosperous, and sustainable future for future generations. Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Fadillah Yusof, in a statement following his chairing of the third meeting of the National Biodiversity Council (MBN) today, called on all stakeholders to unite in strengthening policies and implementing high-impact initiatives for the country's biodiversity management.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the Energy Transition and Water Transformation Minister said the MBN had outlined a shared commitment to enhancing biodiversity governance in line with the need to ensure sustainable development based on future-oriented values. Fadillah emphasized the necessity of innovative financial instruments, stating that biodiversity conservation requires substantial funding and should be a priority in the quest for socio-economic progress.
Fadillah highlighted that biodiversity conservation is not merely an environmental issue but also a moral obligation and a shared responsibility of 'khalifah' (vicegerent of God) on Earth. He pointed to a recent incident involving the death of a baby elephant on the Gerik-Jeli East-West Highway as a reminder of the need for considerate physical development that does not threaten wildlife habitats.
He also expressed appreciation for significant achievements resulting from collaboration between the Federal Government, state governments, and communities. These include the gazettement of over 350,000 hectares as new protected areas and the appointment of over 1,900 community rangers under the Biodiversity Protection and Patrolling Programme (BP3). The establishment of the Malaysia Biodiversity Centre (MBC) as a national interest project has also been a key success.
Fadillah noted that the planting of the 100 millionth tree through the Malaysia Greening Campaign and UNESCO's Triple Crown recognition for Sabah reflect the outcomes of comprehensive strategic cooperation. The meeting was also attended by Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, Deputy Minister of Economy Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib, and representatives from federal and state governments.