since 1976
since 1976
Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur (FTS) recently launched the Rewilding Roadshow, an initiative to encourage urban Malaysians to plant green spaces at home towards supporting biodiversity and sustainable lifestyles.
“Many homeowners pave over their garden spaces or leave balconies bare, resulting in hot, sterile spaces,” said Baida Hercus, president of FTS. “As Malaysia becomes more urbanised, there is a break in the transmission of knowledge about planting and the benefits of biodiverse green spaces. Many urban Malaysians simply do not know appropriate plants to grow in their environment and how to care for them.”
The initiative, sponsored by Daihatsu Malaysia, provides ordinary people with a starter base of knowledge and plants to take home. The plants have been carefully chosen to not only benefit homeowners and their families, but also contribute to biodiversity amidst a global crisis of climate change and loss of wildlife. In this way, the Rewilding Roadshow aims to create citizen conservationists.
For Daihatsu Malaysia, the Rewilding Roadshow is a natural fit for its Environmental Action Plan 2030, in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Part of the Daihatsu Group Philosophy underlying this plan is, “Harmonious coexistence with the earth and society is our responsibility.”
“Daihatsu Malaysia first formulated the ‘Rewilding Roadshow’ environmental initiatives exclusively with FTS in mid-June of 2019. This year, celebrating our 40 Years of establishment in Malaysia, we’ll be kicking off 2020 by embodying global Daihatsu Group ‘Light You Up: Action’ in promoting sustainable environmental conservation through yet another exciting collaboration, this time with FTS and Taman Tugu Project.” said Muhammad Fahmi, Senior Manager Corporate Planning, Product and Marketing of Daihatsu Malaysia.
He further added, “With Daihatsu Green Van strategically placed at Taman Tugu Nursery, we aim to enhance the brand confidence with a close affinity to its park residents, communities as well as foreign visitors together in achieving zero-balance environment load vehicle carbon emissions.”
The Rewilding Roadshow will give away plants for free on weekends and public holidays. Its base of operations is Taman Tugu, a lush forest park in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. The park is a calm, natural space amidst the bustle of the city as well as being an important carbon sink for the Klang Valley.
“We believe it is imperative to replicate green lungs anyway and everywhere. Green lungs are invaluable habitats, and are urgently needed as we have either seen or experienced the consequences of deforestation,” said Mienal Hussein, Head of Activation and Engagement of Taman Tugu Project. “Being green and living sustainably really starts from each and every one of us at home and the Rewilding Project will provide the basic knowledge for us to achieve that. We are excited that Taman Tugu has been chosen to be part of this initiative. Members of the public can get inspired to rewild their homes whilst experiencing and learning more about nature and our ecosystem at Taman Tugu.”
Anyone can visit the Rewilding Roadshow exhibit for ideas and inspiration at any time when the park is open. Plants are given away on weekends and public holidays. The Rewilding Roadshow will also tour other places, including shopping malls, upon invitation. Those interested in rewilding their homes can consult the program calendar at bit.ly/rewildingroadshow.
For enquiries, please contact Sharon Chew at rewilding@freetreesociety.org. A plant giveaway schedule is up at the Free Tree Society website at http://bit.ly/rewildingroadshow
