CJMYThe Malaysian Environmental NGOs (Mengo) a coalition of 25 environmental civil society organisations are calling for a coordinating council on sustainable development to be established.
“The establishment of the council would give high priority to developing a coordinated and integrated Implementation Framework.” Mengo Chairman I.S Shanmugaraj said in a media statement.
With the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment which is expected to be ready by the end of June, the council will ensure a balance in economic development and environmental protection by streamlining environmental and development goal processes with other ministries.
“While we work in silos, nature is integrated and interconnected. It is this lack of integration that is the cause of poor results and increasing environmental problems even after decades of government and civil society effort.” Mengo added in its statement.
Mengo has also called the government to empower local and indigenous communities and utilize their help to protect and manage Malaysia’s natural resources.
“They have been the stewards of the forests and rivers for thousands of years but have often been displaced by loggers and developers. With proper support, local communities can help protect and restore our degraded lands, improve the environment and create new sustainable income opportunities for themselves.” Mengo said.
“Our natural resources remain central to Malaysia’s social, cultural, religious and historical development, particularly for many indigenous communities. It is everyone’s responsibility to protect this heritage and Malaysia’s ranking as one of 12 mega-diverse countries in the world.” the statement added.
In the midst of rebuilding the nation, our country’s natural resources, biodiversity and environment should be protected for the rakyat and future generations well being.
C. Khor
