Earlier today I attended the launch of Free Tree Society Kuala Lumpur (FTS) the Rewilding Roadshow. This Roadshow is an initiative to encourage urban Malaysians to fill up their green spaces at home with plants with the aim of supporting biodiversity and sustainable lifestyles. The initiative is sponsored by Daihatsu Malaysia, which is a natural fit for their Environmental Action Plan 2030, which is their social responsibility initiative in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
What the Rewilding Roadshow does is that it provides people from all walks of life with a starter base of knowledge and plants to take home. The plants that will be given out have been carefully chosen by the folks from FTS to not only benefit homeowners and their families. The programme also contributes to biodiversity amidst a global crisis of climate change and loss of wildlife. In this way, the Rewilding Roadshow aims to create conservationists among the people.
Baida Hercus, president of FTS said, “Many homeowners pave over their garden spaces or leave balconies bare, resulting in hot, sterile spaces. 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.”
As stated earlier, for Daihatsu Malaysia, the Rewilding Roadshow is a natural fit for its Environmental Action Plan 2030. This plan is part of the Daihatsu Group Philosophy which is based on the concept of “Harmonious coexistence with the earth and society is our responsibility”. So working hand in hand with FTS allows Daihatsu Malaysia to give back in a slightly different way to the people and also to nature.
Here, the Daihatsu 'Green Van' comes into play. The van is Daihatsu's latest commercial van, the Gran Max Panel Van with the Automatic Transmission. The panel van was recently launched with the 4 speed automatic transmission and will be put to good use by the folks from FTS in conducting their awareness programme via the roadshow. The Gran Max panel van is powered by a 1.5liter engine and is quite nippy around town and convinient with the automatic transmission which allows almost anyone to drive it easily.
Muhammad Fahmi, Senior Manager Corporate Planning, Product and Marketing of Daihatsu Malaysia (above) said, “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.”
“With the 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.” he added, stating the location where the van will be located during weekends and public holidays so that FTS can easily transport their plants and their gear for this roadshow.
The Rewilding Roadshow will give away plants for free on weekends and public holidays. Its current base of operations will be Taman Tugu, which is actually located a short walk from the National Monument. It is actually 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. Personally, I have been to the National Monument and to the eatery right on the hill beside it, but never ventured further down. Little did I know there is actually a nice forest reserve cum park for people to walk around. I thought it was just part of the Lake Gardens.
“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,” elaborated Mienal Hussein, Head of Activation and Engagement of Taman Tugu Project (photo above).
Mienall also added, “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.”
The Rewilding Roadshow is open to all and one can view the plant exhibit for ideas and inspiration at any time when the park is open (and when the Green Van is there on weekends and public holidays). The 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.
This initiative by Daihatsu Malaysia is somewhat good and timely, especially with global warming and all of that gloomy environmental threats. So maybe taking home a plant may make you feel better, or at least add more to the greenery around your neighbourhood.
If you wish for FTS to visit your event or shopping mall, do contact Sharon Chew at rewilding@freetreesociety.org.
A plant giveaway schedule is up at the Free Tree Society website at http://bit.ly/rewildingroadshow
No comments:
Post a Comment