Nestlé publicizes plan to plant three million timber in Malaysia by 2023
Through the RELeaf project, a reforestation initiative in Malaysia that contributes to Nestlé's global commitment to zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050
Nestle has announced its commitment to plant three million trees over the next three years as part of Project RELeaf, a reforestation initiative in Malaysia that contributes to the company's global promise of zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The RELeaf project builds on the landmark Kinabatangan Rileaf project, launched by Nestlé in 2011, which helped plant a million trees in Sabah. By expanding its reach in Sabah and expanding to the Malaysian peninsula for the first time, the RELeaf project aims to reinforce Nestlé's efforts to restore riparian and forest ecosystems, establish wildlife corridors, and reduce human-animal conflicts, and protect critical water supplies contribute.
The project will also help to raise awareness of environmental issues in local communities and provide additional sources of income to improve their livelihoods.
Chris Johnson, Executive Vice President Nestlé SA, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Asia, Oceania and Sub-Saharan Africa, said: “We recognize an urgent need to address climate change, which is a threat to the sustainability of our business for the future of the planet . The RELeaf project will enable us to accelerate our net zero ambitions by expanding nature-based solutions to address this global climate problem. The RELeaf project will not only improve biodiversity but also help to absorb carbon emissions. Planting trees in areas associated with sourcing our ingredients helps to responsibly manage our supply chain. In addition, reforestation complements our efforts to stop deforestation in our supply chains. "
Nestlé Malaysia will plant three million trees in the Kinabatangan Wetlands and Merisuli Forest Restoration areas of Sabah and in forest reserves along the Central Forest Spine on the Malaysian Peninsula. These forest reserves provide shelter for a wide variety of flora and fauna, including endangered wildlife such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Asian elephants, Malay tigers, sun bears, and tapirs.
Nestlé will work with the Malaysian Department of Energy and Natural Resources, the Sabah Forestry Department, the Malaysian Nature Society, the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Center, the Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Project, palm growers, as well as local communities and community entrepreneurs for seedling and tree planting.
The RELeaf project was started by YB Datos Dr. Shamsul Anuar Bin Hj Nasarah, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, and Juan Aranols, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nestlé (Malaysia) Berhad. The event took place in Taman Rimba Alam, District 15, Putrajaya.
Dr. Shamsul Anuar Bin Hj Nasarah of YB Dato stated, “Malaysia has been blessed with abundant natural resources. We are committed to preserving at least 50% of the land's land area with forest and tree cover, in line with our promise made at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992. As our nation develops, we must balance our growth with protecting our environment. We are therefore very grateful for Nestlé's dedicated efforts to protect our country's biodiversity. We hope for further cooperation in the public and private sector to further protect our valuable ecosystem for future generations. "
Juan Aranols added, “Nestlé's promise to have zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 reflects our commitment to contribute to a greener future. The RELeaf project here in Malaysia is a tangible step towards achieving this goal. By restoring critical forest ecosystems, we will help preserve ecosystems and protect biodiversity. These are crucial to ensure the sustainability of the supply chain while protecting the environment, as both elements are linked in nature. This will allow us to continue to have a positive impact on both the planet and people as we continue to empower local communities and support livelihoods by buying seedlings and engaging in planting activities. "
The RELeaf project is the next evolution of the Kinabatangan Rileaf project that has partnered with Yayasan Sime Darby and the Sabah Forestry Department. By September 2020, one million trees had been planted on more than 2,700 hectares of degraded forest.
