ecoCare
The ecoCare Project
In carving its identity in Kertih, OPTIMAL has taken a proactive role in conserving its natural heritage through a long term Signature Project in partnership with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), the largest and oldest NGO in Malaysia that focuses on conservation and environmental education.
The project is a cornerstone in OPTIMAL's corporate citizenship initiative which seeks to influence and improve the future of the community in which it operates. A grant of approximately RM3 million has been allocated for the project which comprises of two inter-related environmental initiatives -- the Kertih River Mangrove Rehabilitation Project and the setting-up of an Environment Education Centre (EEC) in Kertih .
Phase One which began in October 2005, will involve reforestation and rehabilitation of ecologically sensitive mangrove habitat and coastal vegetation along the Kertih River, concurrently promoting community-based involvement and management of the ecosystem. The main objective is to restore the mangrove and surrounding coastal vegetation to its natural state through proper zone segmentation or "zonation" which is a distinct characteristic of mangrove forests. Careful selection and replanting of tree species will be based on areas or niches within the ecosystem.
A primary activity for Phase One will be the setting up of a mangrove mini nursery and replanting of 1,000 mangrove seedlings along the Sungai Kertih. Other supporting activities that will be established in order to promote long term awareness and sustained conservation of the ecosystem includes environmental education programs for the local villagers as well as formation of a Community River Watch Group to monitor water quality and other living organisms such as fireflies and plants along integrated river basin. Plans for setting-up an Environment Education Centre will also be outlined during phase one of the project.
Phase two which began end 2006 will see the implementation of Environmental Education Programs through the OPTIMAL-MNS Environment Education Centre (EEC). The first of its kind in the East Coast of Malaysia, the EEC will showcase displays, exhibits and information relating to the Sungai Kertih ecosystem as well as Kertih's unique coastal terrain and biodiversity. The Centre will also be equipped with resources and facilities to inculcate awareness, understanding, care and involvement in environmental conservation amongst local schoolchildren, teachers and the community.
In addition to programs for the local community and OPTIMAL staff, ongoing training and educational activities such as nature trails, forest ecology studies, canopy walk, bird watching, camping and stream ecology studies will also be conducted. The two-year implementation of phase 2 will also involve setting-up Nature and Science Clubs linked to the EEC in schools around Terengganu as a means of making environmental learning an ongoing commitment.
Phase I : Mangrove Rehabilitation Program
Phase II : Setting Up An Environmental Education Centre
Contact the Secretariat Nafizah Ahmad Mokhtar
External Communication, Public Affairs
OPTIMAL Group of Companies
Tel : + 603 - 2783 6871
Fax : + 603 - 2783 6878
Email :
nafizah_ahmadmokhtar@petronas.com.my
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