MNS: Protect first, then plant

September 18, 2010
By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG
Star

INSTEAD of planting new mangrove saplings in unprotected areas, the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS) wants the state to first concentrate on protecting existing mangrove swamps.

One such critical area is the north Seberang Prai coastal belt, spanning about 2km to 2.5km long from Teluk Air Tawar to near Kuala Muda, said MNS Penang branch advisor D. Kanda Kumar.

He said the coastal swamp should be gazetted as a protected area.

“The mangrove trees have been there for a very long time. The size of the swamp varies from only a few strands to about 10m wide at some parts, and more than 100m wide at other parts.

“Natural reclamation and erosion have also occurred at certain places, and some of the trees have also been cut,” he said.

Kanda Kumar said the coastal mangrove was quite rich in terms of animal biodiversity, especially during the migrant bird season between September and March.

“At least four species of globally threatened migrant birds can be found there — the Asian Dowitcher, Chinese Egret, Nordmann’s Green-shank and Lesser Adjutant.

“It also has slightly more than 1% of the global population of Chinese Pond Herons, and 1% of the world population of Common Redshank,” he said.

He added that the coastal swamp in north Seberang Prai was globally recognised as an important bird area by Birdlife International and classified as an important wetlands area by Wetlands International.

He also said there were other mammals not commonly seen in Penang at the coastal swamp, such as mongooses and otters.

Kanda Kumar was speaking in light of the felling of six young mangrove trees of about 2m tall near the Gurney Drive roundabout, said to have been planted by the state on Aug 31.

He had said that it was a waste of time and money to plant the trees at Gurney Drive if it was not gazetted as a protected area.

Kanda Kumar said that in Penang, there were two known large protected mangrove forests — at the southern part of the National Park near the Pantai Acheh Village on the island and at the Byram forest reserve near the Pulau Burung landfill on the mainland.

He said: “Unprotected mangrove areas included the Gurney Drive, Tanjong Tokong and Bayan Bay areas, and there used to be other protected mangrove areas in Balik Pulau that had since been de-gazetted for aquaculture.”

MNS: Sign the Pledge - Save Temengor Campaign 2010

Dear Members,

Greetings from MNS.

I write to encourage all members, their family and friends to help support our ‘Save Temengor’ Campaign pledge at http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/savetemengor2010

In conjunction with our 70th anniversary, MNS have set itself a target for 2010, to get Temengor Forest Reserve protected and gazetted as part of Royal Belum State Park or equivalent. Time is not on our side as logging activities are ongoing as we speak, putting precious biodiversity at risk or even worse, extinction!

Please join us in this pledge and let’s do this our country and its future. For more information and full campaign details, pls visit www.mns.my or the campaign and short documentary at

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSjCnA6QQ2o

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcL8962xUcU&playnext_from=TL&videos=obsxfoiej44

Or visit any The Body Shop outlets in Peninsular Malaysia and sign the pledge book there.
For our members in Sabah and Sarawak, pls contact your branch representatives.

Thank you.


Warm regards,

Tan Sri Dr Salleh Mohd Nor
President
Malaysian Nature Society

Dams for the future, damn the past

MNS has lost her fangs!!!! Is this what becoming of our MNS now? I hope the president speaks for himself, and not me (as MNS member).

"It must have been galling for SAM when another NGO, Malaysian Nature Society's president, waded in to condemn the credibility of certain green groups, similar to SAM".

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Monday, 04 January 2010
malaysianmirror.com
Mariam Mokhtar

WHEN I first flew over Sarawak, about two decades ago, the tree-tops, from above, looked like a carpet of tempting green broccoli.

Today, the landscape resembles a scarred battleground. Deep troughs, gouged out of the land, expose red-orange soil. Logging activities scatter trees like ten-pins. Green land masses stretching to the horizon, display spiral patterns from the regimented planting of only one type of tree. Oil palm has displaced the native species.

Back then, the bus journey from Miri to Batu Niah, was an exciting bumpy ride with occasional hair-raising bends, steep gradients or deep ravines on either side of the road. Our travelling companions were the people and their livestock, living along the route.

Today, the pan-Borneo highway is a major artery and channels development into the countryside. Nevertheless, there are reports that this major road is a dirt track in places. Bad lighting, terrible communication systems and highway robberies are common. So much for development!

My first visit to a longhouse then, was a two-hour trek along a belian walkway. We gathered ferns and fresh-water snails, en-route for dinner. Food, from nature’s bounty, was plentiful.

Our arrival was greeted with much gaiety. When my host presented me with a chicken to slaughter, I didn’t know which was more petrified – the squawking chicken or me, with the knife that was placed in my hands. I was touched by the Ibans’ kind gestures and concern over my religious dietary obligations.

Today, the reality is depressing

The following morning, we washed in the clear, fast flowing river. The water was teeming with life, and later, we feasted on fish and fruits, harvested from the river-bank. We hurried quietly but respectfully past sacred burial grounds before checking the ripening golden crop in the nearby padi fields.

Today, the reality is depressing.

Various indigenous people report that some river waters are murky - the colour of milo. Children break out in a rash after playing in the water. It is also alleged that logging companies tear down their prized fruit trees. Others have claimed that padi-growing areas are ear-marked for buildings, large-scale agriculture or industry. Hunting has become increasingly difficult. With their habitat fragmented and little to feed on, deer, wild boar, bear and squirrels migrate to other distant territories or perish altogether.

But the latest revelation by James Masing, the Rural Development Minister, is as welcome as the tolling of a death-knell.

Bakun hasn’t even got off the ground, yet a further twelve mega-dams have been proposed.

And, as if acting in concert, the director of the Registrar of Societies (ROS) has threatened Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM) with deregistration.

This must be pure fantasy. No formal complaint has been made against SAM. Nor has it failed to submit its annual report, which we are told is a common cause for deregistration.

It must have been galling for SAM when another NGO, Malaysian Nature Society's president, waded in to condemn the credibility of certain green groups, similar to SAM.

He is correct to state that NGOs like Greenpeace and Oxfam have been criticised in the west. Nevertheless, he must appreciate that NGOs play a vital role here, by creating awareness, engaging public support and collecting voluntary contributions. They also sometimes assist the government in delivering goods and services to needy areas.

The methods used by different NGOs vary. Some act as lobbyists or conduct programs and activities. Others provide skills and equipment. Or they investigate and document human rights violations and provide legal assistance to victims of human rights abuses. A few offer specialised technical products and services to support existing projects.

Respect those who help others

It is well documented that sections of our community lack the means and methods to request and obtain aid. Some have difficulty highlighting issues about religion, health, environmental or humanitarian needs.

Thus SAM, like the other NGOs in Malaysia, is only acting on behalf of beleaguered communities. They provide the mouthpiece and they are the link between the aggrieved party, the government, the companies involved and the wider world.

Consequently, involvement in activities against commercial logging, plantation development and dam construction, is unavoidable.

Maybe it is this unwelcome assistance to people who would otherwise be helpless, that irks the Sarawak government and its ‘pseudo-agent’, ROS.

Ironically, the arm-twisting actions of ROS may backfire.

Subtle threats against SAM will only give greater coverage, wider worldwide publicity and increasing respect for the people who are exercising their rights.

ROS may have shown an unwelcome stroke of spiteful cunning, with a director who has demeaned his office with his remarks. This intimidation might even galvanise the indigenous people and unite the various NGOs.

So, how else can the indigenous people of Sarawak highlight their issues? Via politicians who magically reappear only before election time? Or politicians who will jeopardise their own self-interests when they address the problem? Or politicians who pussyfoot around the issues?

The people experience enough difficulty raising funds to reach the nearest hospital for medical aid, never mind the extra expense organising petitions to parliament or Putrajaya.

So, SAM has alerted us to the forced relocation, the pitiful compensation if any, and the ghastly goings-on that were once shielded from us, the blissfully ignorant Malaysian public.

SAM deals with people at the ground level. In doing so, it may have inadvertently exposed, the true extent of exploitation.

It is this revelation and the potential of further embarrassments that annoy the state and federal governments, ROS and the companies that are implicit in this terrible injustice.

Malaysians may be shocked by the sheer greed and dishonesty of the individuals and companies involved. But what is unpalatable is when ROS acts as a bully for the state.

Need to reconnect with ‘real’ people

Thus, it is disturbing when James Masing claims that these dams are the ‘masterplan’ to change the people for the better.
Politicians like him need to reconnect with ‘real’ people, who have ‘real’ concerns about their future. He cannot treat the indigenous people like the metal counters and title deeds of the Monopoly board game - to be moved around at the toss of a dice.

The people are demoralised and are sick of promises for change. Modernity has robbed them of their culture, traditions, history and heritage.

They want stability. They feel threatened by progress which leaves their elderly, vulnerable; their youth, disillusioned. They see benefits going to the fat-cats in government and industry. They watch in horror when their homes, ancestral lands, burial sites and livelihood are wrecked.

We shouldn’t expect James Masing and the other senior politicians to admit their damning role in the plight of the displaced people. Nor should we expect the companies to forego their commercial gains either.

How will we stop people living in fear (of their future), and restore their faith in governance?

Ironically, James Masing tried to placate the people with “we are not there to destroy them”. Sadly, his comments reeked of hypocrisy.

MARIAM MOKHTAR has a passion for people, places and plain speaking. Don't suffer fools gladly.

NGOs: Enact wildlife laws quickly

Dec 17, 2009
Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: As the Year of the Tiger approaches, impassioned calls are being made to the government to sharpen its legal claws for greater protection of wildlife.

Already, three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have called for a stronger and more comprehensive wildlife law.

The Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWFMalaysia want the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 to be amended at the next Parliament session.

In a joint statement yesterday they noted that the legislation, meant to protect wildlife against domestic threats like poaching, had failed to be a deterrent.

Instead, the legislation continued to allow wildlife criminals to escape justice, it said.

Nevertheless, the statement acknowledged that the government had addressed part of the problem, with the coming into force of the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 in a week’s time.

“However, Malaysia also needs a strong legislation to combat wildlife crimes that occur inside the country.

“Amending the Wildlife Protection Act 1972 must be made a priority if our wildlife is to stand a chance,” said MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong in the statement.

Meanwhile, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia acting director Chris R. Shepherd said only powerful tools such as strong legislation could enable the authorities to combat wildlife crimes effectively.

The three organisations urged the government not to delay the tabling of the law any further and hoped that all parties would give it the support it sorely needed. — Bernama

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Calls for tougher wildlife law
Alyaa Alhadjri
Sun2surf

PETALING JAYA (Dec 16, 2009): Wildlife organisations have called for the amendments to the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 to be passed at the next meeting of Parliament to ensure tougher measures to combat wildlife crimes in the country.

The campaign, led by Malaysian Nature Society, TRAFFIC Southeast Asia and WWF-Malaysia, has received the support of 56,062 people from 161 countries.

Current legislation is considered inadequate for defending wildlife against domestic threats like poaching, and wildlife criminals continue to escape justice.

Part of the problem is being addressed with the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 which will come into force in a week’s time.

"This new law, which governs the import and export of wildlife, is timely. However, Malaysia also needs a strong legislation to combat wildlife crime that occurs inside the country," MNS executive director Dr Loh Chi Leong said.

"Therefore, amending the Protection of Wild Life Act 1972 (Act 76) must be made a priority if our wildlife is to stand a chance," said Loh.

TRAFFIC Southeast Asia acting director Chris R, Shepherd said only with strong legislation will authorities be able to effectively combat wildlife crimes.

MNS Says: Who's Protecting our Wildlife?

Malaysia may not be the world's largest wildlife smuggling centre but if nothing is done now, it probably won't be long before it can lay claim to that title. This seems to be the grim reality on the status of wildlife, protected or otherwise, in our country, which is one of the 12th mega diverse countries in the world.

RM2.1mil is the value of the seizures from illegal wildlife trade in Malaysia from at least 12 major enforcement actions conducted between July and December 2008. This surely is just the tip of the iceberg. This figure is astounding if you compare this with the budget for enforcement units at our national parks. Clearly, business is good – but who benefits? Certainly not our wildlife.

Denying these problems exist does nothing to solve the problem, which is about wildlife being increasingly threatened. While we hear news reports of seizures, does that mean we are getting better in wildlife enforcement, or is wildlife trade simply becoming more rampant? While issues of illegal wildlife trade, smuggling and government transparency are currently being debated, one would be more inclined to believe the latter.

In 1993, MNS led the first Belum Scientific and Heritage Expedition to study and promote its astonishing natural wealth, to conserve it as a national or state park in direct conflict with short-term logging plans. Fourteen years later in 2007, the Royal Belum State Park was unveiled to the world. With the exception of Temengor, which is still being pursued by MNS for protection, this park on the northern tip of peninsular Malaysia was a major environmental victory for all Malaysians. So it was thought.

A "protected" area, no matter what the label says at its entrance or tourism brochures, does not mean that its precious occupants are safe from harm. Temengor remains unprotected. What's more, Royal Belum, situated at the border of Thailand and Malaysia, is known as one of the entry points for illegal hunters and poachers. Most offenders at our borders to Thailand are non-Malaysian offenders. What are we doing to address this problem?

While illegal trade thrives, the question is, where do these traders acquire wildlife supplies? Where else do these poachers and dealers get their products but at the very place that you and I have toiled and gazetted as safe and stored away for our next generations – our forest reserves, state and national parks.

Who takes responsibility for all of this? The Department of Wildlife and National Parks for its less than enthused response to media reports? The seemingly lacklustre regime of monitoring and patrolling at our protected areas? The authorities issuing guns and hunting licences? The Forestry Department for being silent on the issues of wildlife trade? Or wildlife traders, especially those who are only punished by international laws abroad? Hunters? Zoos that get wildlife through illegal means? Feel-good Disney movies that promote the capture and exhibit of wild stocks of marine fish and other marine resources? The demand generated by people wanting to feast or own an exotic pet for status in the community? The list is nowhere exhaustive but the implications and motivation is a difficult pill to swallow.

As Malaysians, we need to wake up and take ownership – now!

Illegal wildlife trade is about a carefully constructed network of illegal operators, and how we choose to deal with this is crucial. MNS offers our network of members and branches to assist in this regard. Dismissing it as unimportant, or worse, untrue, does a great injustice to wildlife.

We are gratified that the Minister of Natural Resources & Environment has committed to make full investigation into this serious matter and we look forward to perpetrators being brought to justice swiftly.

TAN SRI DR SALLEH MOHD NOR
President
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)

Problem or Solution

I received a notice of AGM from MNS (Malaysian Nature Society) today. In it, there was a Proxy Form for a vote on a resolution for the change in membership fee. The proposed membership rate will be RM90.00 from the present RM60.00

Yes, fuel prices increased. And now expenses to run the society increased too.

What I am not happy is the wastage and the ignorant on the concept - conservation and thriftiness.

As a member for at least 20 years now, I have seen council members adopting environment friendly newsletters - using cheap envelopes and cheap papers.

But I don't see any initiative being done now - though it is only a small issue, by huge numbers, it will be costly and a waste on resources. Money should be well spent on conservation and not on expensive newsletters.

But today when I received this notice of AGM, I am heartbroken.

Why did the council use expensive papers and quality envelope? Why use A3 paper? Is it cheaper using A3 paper? Why use a windowed envelope but my address on a sticker was pasted over the transparent window? Is the transparent windowed envelope cheaper?

Why is there no thriftiness in such a small matter? If there is no thriftiness, I doubt there will be much thriftiness in running this nature society.

Is my society now creating more problems? or providing solutions? You decide.

If you are a member, please vote AGAINST the resolution.