“Sime Darby Property wins Fiabci Malaysia award for Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre, showcasing environmental leadership in property development.“
KUALA LUMPUR, 14th Mar 2024 – Sime Darby Property Bhd maintains its environmental leadership by winning the Fiabci Malaysia Property Award 2023 in the Environmental Category for its Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC) in City of Elmina, Shah Alam.
The recognition highlights the group’s efforts in promoting environmental awareness and conserving urban biodiversity, as well as its significant sustainability contributions to Malaysia’s real estate sector, as announced by Sime Darby Property in a press statement.
Datuk Azmir Merican, the group managing director of Sime Darby Property, emphasized that the ERKC demonstrates the company’s comprehensive development philosophy, emphasizing the interconnectedness of nature and human welfare.
“Spaces such as ERKC offer vital opportunities for the community to participate in meaningful nature conservation endeavors, educate the younger population on the significance of environmental preservation, and act as a center for research and collaboration among forestry NGOs and similar organizations,” Azmir commented.
He further expressed, “Developing sustainable townships while fostering vibrant communities and ecosystems should be the direction for property projects. This approach will inspire residents and the wider public to value and safeguard their living environments, paving the way for a brighter future.”
In collaboration with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC), the Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC) commenced operations in October 2020. Situated within the expansive Elmina Central Park spanning 300 acres and adjacent to the vast 2,700-acre Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve, this establishment serves as a crucial center for education and conservation. It provides a variety of activities aimed at cultivating a strong bond between the community and Malaysia’s abundant natural treasures.
The ERKC has made notable progress in conservation by nurturing 187 plant species, comprising 35,000 seedlings and 10,000 tree saplings at the Elmina Living Collection Nursery (ELCN). This endeavor contributes to the larger goal of planting 50,000 trees listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List by 2030.
Moreover, the ERKC and ELCN serve as central hubs for community involvement and education, hosting diverse programs aimed at raising awareness of environmental issues and promoting active engagement in conservation initiatives.
The Friends of ERKC community interest group is a prime example of this engagement, drawing in over 10,000 members, including students, educators, and representatives from various corporate and governmental entities.
Azmir expressed gratitude to FIABCI Malaysia for the recognition, highlighting it as validation of their commitment to a triple bottom-line approach and their Purpose to serve as a Value Multiplier for People, Businesses, Economies, and the Planet.
