Directory: Environmental organizations

Project Idin 1.0 began as a project to uplift a local fisherman, Hj. Idin, by leasing him an automated net-hauling device. In return, Hj. Idin committed to help #DemiLaut in their cause by gathering information about the ocean and committing to sustainable fishing. The project was made successful particularly through public crowdfunding and donations. Since then, #DemiLaut has launched Project Idin 2.0, always to help improve the livelihood of the local fishermen of Malaysia who are affected by poverty, climate change, competition with commercial boats as well as lacking in access to tools and technology to succeed. Through raising awareness, crowdfunding and its homegrown projects, #DemiLaut has since its establishment in 2019 impacted more than 125,000 traditional fishers across Malaysia.

Acasia is involved in numerous projects and ventures across a variety of industries, including waste management, green solutions, and operational maintenance. One of their most prominent projects was on municipal waste management. Since 2019, Acasia has collected over 7,500 tonnes of municipal waste. From this, 5-10% is diverted into the recycling stream as part of Acasia’s commitment to sustainable operations. They are also working closely with agencies and industry players to conduct research and strategies to better manage waste, especially in reducing the output to landfills. Additionally, Acasia also aims to assist their clients to repurpose and divert 5,000 tonnes of industrial process waste over the next year.

Biji-biji Initiative is known for their flagship Beyond Bins project, which tackles the plastic waste problem by introducing small-scale plastic recycling solutions. Through identified communities, alternative sources of income are generated through the production and re-selling of recycled products. To date, the Beyond Bins project has converted more than 22,717 kg of plastic waste into usable products. While this project is currently held with selected communities (with focus given to Malaysia’s indigenous communities and small islands), the vision for Biji-biji Initiative is to be able to replicate this same framework to multiple communities in the future.

EcoKnight’s flagship program is the Kuala Lumpur Eco Film Festival (KLEFF). Held annually since 2008, the festival works through collaboration with partners and sponsors to celebrate grassroots cultural and environmental movers in the country. To date, they have screened more than a hundred videos and have reached more than 5,000 individuals as its audience. The festival makes use of award-winning environmental films, interactive learning workshops and creative clusters to stress on the urgency of taking environmental action today. More recently, the event has been taken online under the name of KLEFFlix, which digitalizes the event to reach audiences on a broader scale to be involved in sustainability and environmental initiatives. It also sees increasing involvement from higher institutes of learning in Malaysia to participate in the dialogue of innovative solutions to address today’s environmental crises.

At its core, ECOLAWGY UM serves as a platform to initiate and facilitate discussions and exchange of ideas on environmental issues from the legal perspective. One of the unique ways the organization achieves this is through its Internal Environ-Moot Competition, which is a mooting competition held among undergraduates in Malaysia. The competition concerns the study and discussion of environmental regulations and cases. Students who participate in the competition are able to conduct research and gain exposure on environmental laws and policies, which also helps educate the public on current issues surrounding environmental work. Many of the discussions are then shared online through social media in the form of infographics and well-researched academic articles that discuss both local and global legal issues related to the environment.

Established in 1974, EPSM has a rich history of shaping youth environmental leaders in the country. It is known for its impactful voice in environmental protection, especially in speaking up to government agencies and lending voice to public causes through mass media and digital media. The organization holds various events and collaborations with organizations to raise awareness on environmental protection in the country. The EPSM website also hosts a localized ecological footprint calculator, which analyzes and scores the ecological footprint of an individual or a household. This was part of its ongoing effort to raise awareness and educate the public on environmental protection, sustainable development, urban environment, urban government and climate change.

Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur (FTS) is known most widely for their initiative in providing free trees and plants to the public. Leveraging the attraction of getting trees and plants for free, FTS holds workshops to educate the public on Malaysia’s native trees and plant species as they dirty their hands with soil and planting. The trees, planted in these environmental stewardship workshops, are then given away for free to the public. To date, FTS has recruited over 20,000 environmental stewards and given away 40,000 plants. This sustainable model has allowed them to educate the public on the importance of conservation, sustainable solutions and green living. It has also opened up a space for them to touch on topics related to environmental stewardship, waste management, rainwater harvesting, gardening, and biodiversity, among others.

Projek IKLIM (translated literally as Climate Project) provides leadership and innovation training to youth in Pulau Mabul (the Mabul island) to address the climate change effects that they experience. Through research, this project is working closely with government entities, youth clubs, individuals, and the local community to explore, understand and identify climate change adaptation solutions and implementations in the island. One of the successes of Projek IKLIM is in completing its data collection activity to locate saltwater sources in the island. They have also mapped 20 coral frames at the island base in an effort to plant and repopulate the coral reefs at the island. Optimistically, this may help increase fish populations in the area!

Green Steps Malaysia recently launched its lifestyle mobile app called GreenSteps, which aims to reduce carbon footprint in the area. Users who use the app receive Green Points to the price of carbon reduced through actions that can be taken and recorded on the app. One of the organization’s most recent initiatives is to bring eateries, households and residents in the local area onboard to partake in community composting and urban gardening. It is hoped that this effort will help reduce food waste and initiate composting practices. They aim to onboard 50 eateries and 200 residents in their focal area and have also done extensive work on organizing curb-side collections of recyclable materials towards their mission of zero waste.

GreenSmiths is dedicated to upskill the youth with the capabilities they require to develop a concern for the world and take part in environmental action. It drives in-school programmes and project-based rainforest expeditions to engage 7 to 24-year-olds to love and cherish the environment. GreenSmiths also has an internship programme that hones youth’s personal leadership and technical skills to address their environmental issues of interest. The programme currently involves 30 students from three schools who have already implemented six ideas to address local environmental issues in their community. Their aim is to address one of the biggest issues that local youth face in Malaysia: the lack of empowerment to address real-life environmental challenges.

Klima Action Malaysia (KAMY) is currently focused on the preservation of the 8,000-year-old Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve; a natural structure that helps prevent climate crises such as floods and droughts in the area. By working with several organizations, KAMY serves this coalition by collaborating with the local indigenous Temuan community to defend the forest reserve by increasing the visibility of the issue on social media. This is achieved mostly through the sharing of anecdotes, public surveys, document translations, infographics, short videos and more. KAMY is now actively putting its pressure onto the current state government to adhere to their calls. After all, the preservation of this forest will aid in preserving Malaysia’s plant and wildlife, as well as preventing natural disasters!

The Kuching Beach Cleaners, fully run through volunteerism to clean up Sarawak’s beaches, amassed a headcount of over 1,000 volunteers in the span of four years. On top of collecting trash and maintaining the cleanliness of the beaches, the Kuching Beach Cleaners also conduct trash audits to understand and report the breakdown of trash collected during the clean-ups. The data has since been shared to numerous local authorities and NGOs, a few of which has expressed interest in collaboration. The Kuching Beach Cleaners also share their efforts and findings on social media. This includes educating the public through online webinars and events and sharing pictures of their “precious finds” during the cleaning activities to spread awareness on waste management.

As one of Malaysia’s longest standing establishments on nature conservation, MNS is notable for its efforts to educate the public and influence conversations on conservation. It regularly holds seminars, talks, forums and competitions to reach out to the public, and conducts research activities, beach cleaning and planting activities in its hands-on effort to conserve the environment. One of its most notable projects is the Ulu Muda Forest Reserve scientific expedition, which documents the diversity, health and integrity of the Ulu Muda rainforest for use in conferences and stakeholder meetings.

“The Ocean Needs You(th)” is a project run by MOYA as a way to develop an artistic piece for the Wonders of Wilderness (WOW) art exhibition for the Sabah State Gallery. Local youth who are interested in storytelling are recruited to participate in the cause and contribute to the local narrative, whether in the form of written stories or captured in digital media and short films. The project is also held in collaboration with other local artists in Sabah. As part of this initiative, workshops are held to boost the participants’ creative storytelling abilities with the help of professional filmmakers, content creators, photographers and journalists.

The Malaysian Youth Delegation (MYD) is known for its active participation as a representative of Malaysian youth in the UNFCCC Conference of Parties. The discussions and conversations held led to the establishment of the Malaysian Local Conference of Youth. Through capacity building workshops, MYD shares information and knowledge on topics related to climate change for youth and the public. They also conduct extensive research and have written more than 1,200 articles related to climate movements and policies, which aim to increase climate literacy among Malaysian youth. In particular, MYD aims to engage states, civil societies and academic leaders in discussing climate policies by representing the voices, thoughts and opinions of the youth in Malaysia.

Native Discovery actively works to empower Malaysia’s Orang Asli (local indigenous individuals and communities) to discover their potential for becoming ambassadors of Malaysian hospitality and tourism. This includes identifying trekking routes, planning hospitality arrangements, and showcasing cultural heritage and products. One of their current projects is the ‘Biji Bumi Durian’ (literally translated as Durian World Seeds). Through this project, the durian, regarded as the king of all fruits in Malaysia, is ethically sourced from the Orang Asli and sold to visitors. They spread and share local stories and knowledge, such as the indigenous grading systems for the fruit. This effort adds to the narrative of the Orang Asli and helps the Orang Asli community to secure sustainable livelihoods.

Nature Diaries is currently active on Instagram (@naturediaries.__) as its platform to disseminate information. The organization connects with the public and other youth through creatively designed infographics on current issues in the environmental landscape. The posts are designed for quick consumption, though links are also given to direct readers to full articles located on their website. Readers will find topics covering many of UN’s movements for climate change as well as general topics on wildlife and the environment. The articles, written by university students, aim to spur youth action to collaborate and create their own movements on environmental protection and preservation.

Pasar Grub’s chief activity is ensuring no food goes to waste, and that nobody goes hungry in their community. They purchase surplus produce from farmers and distributors to be redistributed in the community, whether in retail stores, F&B outlets, morning markets, or to community programmes and food aid. To date, they have rescued more than 31,200 of food by diverting them to communities, which has effectively impacted more than 4,700 households. Leftover produce not bought or consumed is then redirected back to the farmers to be composted, ensuring that the process produces zero waste to save the environment!

JEDIPENANG works actively to document and hold conversations on local environmental issues, such as logging practices and Malaysia’s environmental laws. They also hold numerous webinars on Malaysia’s local wildlife and marine life. Currently, JEDIPENANG is mapping and documenting the livelihood and knowledge of coastal fishers in the south of Penang Island, including oral histories, pictures, and information regarding the catches of the local fishermen. They also hold conversations about climate change impact to the fisheries and catches in the area. Through this engagement process, they also work with the fishermen to upgrade the nets and other materials into eco-friendlier alternatives for the preservation of marine life in the area.

Ocean Hope conducts numerous forums and school tours to cultivate young students’ interests in marine biodiversity conservation. One of its most successful programmes is the Waste Management Workshop, which seeks to educate individuals, domestic and commercial industries, and communities on the proper ways to dispose of waste. The participants of the programme learn about the risks and effects that improper waste disposal may pose to marine life and their habitats. This is especially relevant to the locals of Terengganu, where iconic sandy beaches and symbolic Green Sea Turtles serve as the main attraction for tourism in the region.

SEATRU is an organization that addresses all aspects of conservation, research and outreach of Malaysia’s sea turtles. At its core, it conducts research to help protect the sea turtles by integrating in-situ egg incubation with tagging and nesting research as well as conducting research on the turtle’s biology and ecology. Volunteers are recruited to provide public exposure to the conservation activities and learn ways to protect the turtles. SEATRU also engages with schools and universities to raise awareness on the protection of the turtles, as well as to drive research activities among young researchers and students of Malaysia in their holistic effort to protect this threatened population.

Working together with activists, communities, scientists, academic institutions, NGOs, government agencies, protected area managers and businesses, The Habitat Foundation drives research to search for strategic solutions to ensure environmental sustainability in Malaysia. They also hold numerous education and capacity-building programmes to support rising talents who are willing to speak and participate in international meeting and workshops for the sake of the environment. With its sister organization, The Habitat Penang Hill, The Habitat Foundation also drives education programmes to enhance public awareness on environmental conservation and preservation, particularly through sustainable tourism in the Penang Hill of Malaysia. Now, with the effort of these two organizations, Penang Hill is recognized as a biosphere reserve by the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and Biosphere Programme.

TRCRC is known for its multiple ex-situ Tropical Rainforest Living Collections (TRLCs), which are conservation sites primarily located in Sabah and Perak for the germinating, planting and conservation of endangered and vulnerable species of Malaysian plants. Currently, TRCRC manages two active TRLC sites. One is the TRLC Merisuli in Sabah, which covers 224 hectares. With support from the Sabah Forestry Department, TRCRC has developed a 10-year forest management plan to ensure long-term sustainability via an education center and volunteering programme. The TRLC Banun in Perak is an area that covers 500 hectares. This site aims to hold a collection of rare and endangered trees that are restricted to Peninsular Malaysia. TRCRC is also working with the Jahai indigenous people to identify key plant species, collect the seeds and germinate them in communal nurseries.

In February 2019, WWF-Malaysia brought the issue of the Malayan tiger to the attention of Malaysia’s Council of Rulers, comprising the nine rulers of the Malaysia states and the governors (Yang di-Pertuan Negeri) of the other four states of the country. Through this effort, the National Tiger Committee was established in an effort to conserve and protect the tigers of Malaysia. The organization has also contributed tremendously to environmental action in Malaysia, including educating communities and schools, advising businesses and organizations, helping grassroots movements and NGOs, and more.

“There is an abundance of environmental ventures in Malaysia, but we don’t know much about the people behind them.” Such were the words of YUFE, which strives to highlight, showcase and narrate the efforts of preserving and protecting the environment in Malaysia. In particular, YUFE is known for organizing the first nationwide sustainability mentorship programme that aims to assist undergraduates to discover and chart their professional roles and journeys in green industries. With the first launch of the programme, they have paired 67 undergraduates with relevant mentors in the green industry sector. The undergraduates of this programme have then been able to explore personal projects such as conducting research and initiating start-ups for Malaysia’s environmental protection missions. YUFE lives up to its motto of moving the younger generation of Malaysia, “one youth at a time”.

As a movement, Zero Waste Malaysia comprises a committee board, a core team, a volunteer team and its own community. They spread awareness on the movement to live sustainably, promoting their cause through news articles, social media, podcasts, interviews, and engagements with schools and learning platforms. Zero Waste Malaysia also offers a pledge programme for businesses and organizations, where they can be awarded with a Zero Waste Pledge Certification in recognition of their efforts to minimize waste and ensure effective and efficient utilization of their resources.