By Rosli Mansor Ahmad Razali
TANJONG MALIM: UPSI Edu-Forest in the Behrang Forest Reserve is set to be strengthened as a biodiversity learning and community conservation hub through a RM500,000 contribution from CIMB Islamic under the EcoSave-i programme.
The fund will be used to implement various environmental conservation, biodiversity education and sustainable community development initiatives, including programmes involving the local Orang Asli community.
Vice-Chancellor of Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Prof Datuk Dr Md Amin Md Taff, said the strategic collaboration reflected a shared commitment between the university, industry and community in strengthening the environmental sustainability agenda.
According to him, the allocation would support the implementation of high-impact programmes at UPSI Edu-Forest, managed by the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation (CeBEC) with support from the University Community Transformation Unit (UCTC).
“The launch ceremony is not merely symbolic, but marks the beginning of various biodiversity education, community science, green innovation and natural heritage documentation programmes.
“These programmes will provide long-term benefits for future generations,” he said during the launch of the CIMB Islamic–CeBEC-UPSI Edu-Forest Strategic Collaboration Project at UPSI Edu-Forest, Sungai Dara, Behrang.
He said UPSI also appreciated the technical support and expertise provided by Forest House Sdn Bhd, which played an important role in field activities and strengthening the conservation ecosystem.
“I hope this strategic collaboration will continue to be strengthened and expanded in the future to contribute towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG),” he said.
Meanwhile, CIMB Islamic chairman Datin Azlina Mahmad said UPSI Edu-Forest not only served as a learning and research centre, but also as a platform to raise public awareness on the importance of biodiversity.
She said the development of facilities such as watch towers, observation decks and forest trails would also create opportunities for NGOs, related agencies and the Orang Asli community to participate in conservation activities and income generation initiatives.
Meanwhile, Forest House Sdn Bhd managing director Rayman Ariff Soh said UPSI Edu-Forest had great potential as an environmental education site through various initiatives, including replanting activities, tree census programmes and the construction of learning trails.
UPSI Edu-Forest in the Behrang Forest Reserve also holds “triple gazetted” protection status, including as a Permanent Reserved Forest (HSK).
