Sime Darby Property Bhd has solidified its standing as a pioneer in environmental stewardship by clinching the Fiabci Malaysia Property Award 2023 in the Environmental Category, a recognition of its Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC) located in the City of Elmina, Shah Alam. This accolade lauds the group’s efforts in fostering environmental literacy, promoting urban biodiversity conservation, and making a positive impact on the sustainability landscape of Malaysiaโs real estate sector.
Group managing director Datuk Azmir Merican highlighted that the ERKC is a manifestation of Sime Darby Propertyโs comprehensive development philosophy, which harmoniously integrates nature with human well-being. โThe ERKC not only serves as a conduit for the community to participate in meaningful conservation activities but also functions as an educational platform for the younger generation and a collaborative space for forestry NGOs and related organizations,โ Azmir articulated.
The ERKC, inaugurated in October 2020 in collaboration with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC), is strategically positioned within the vast expanses of the 300-acre Elmina Central Park and in close proximity to the 2,700-acre Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve. It stands as a beacon of environmental education and conservation, offering a myriad of activities designed to cultivate a profound connection with Malaysiaโs rich biodiversity.
Since its inception, the ERKC has achieved notable milestones in conservation, including the nurturing of 187 plant species, alongside the propagation of 35,000 seedlings and 10,000 tree saplings within the Elmina Living Collection Nursery (ELCN). This initiative is part of an ambitious goal to plant 50,000 trees listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List by 2030.
Moreover, the ERKC and ELCN have become epicenters of community engagement and environmental education, orchestrating numerous programs that elevate environmental awareness and encourage collective action towards conservation. The establishment of the Friends of ERKC community interest group, which boasts over 10,000 membersโincluding students, educators, and professionals from various sectorsโunderscores the widespread support for these initiatives.
Expressing gratitude for the recognition, Azmir remarked, โWe are deeply honored by FIABCI Malaysia’s acknowledgment. This award reaffirms our commitment to a sustainable future, guided by our mission to create value for people, businesses, economies, and the planet through our holistic approach to development.โ
