Earth Matters

Gibbons Going Wild!

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mariani Ramli and her team at the Gibbon Conservation Society (GCS) of Malaysia have dedicated over a decade to rescuing and rehabilitating gibbons, w...

Save Our Soils: Why Composting Matters

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ahead of World Soil Day, we’re digging deep into the importance of soil health, and how it underpins life on Earth. We learn how composting can tran...

Plastics Treaty: Will Nations Cut Production?

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Delegates from 175 countries met at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee - INC-5 - to develop a historic and international...

Plastics Treaty: Will Nations Cut Production?

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Delegates from 175 countries met at the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee - INC-5 - to develop a historic and international...

COP29 Outcomes: Fallouts, Finance, Fossils, An Uncertain Future

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Back from Baku, Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the Head of Programmes at the Third World Network, fills us in on what wen...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: November 2024

25 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In this round-up of top environmental news from the month past, we first look back at the major outcomes of COP29 involving climate financing, then at...

Marine Debris Crisis: Data from Malaysia’s Cleanup

24 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every year, Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) coordinates the nationwide International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) event, held annually in September since 2018. Org...

Conservation, Community, and the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark

20 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In the heart of Selangor lies the newly established Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark, a 112,955-hectare area that integrates natural beauty with community-c...

What Is Equitable Urban Renewal?

18 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a city as dynamic as Kuala Lumpur, the drive for urban renewal brings both opportunities and challenges. KLRA+ SD, a network of resident associatio...

What is the Nature Conservation Index?

13 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Despite being home to some of the world’s most unique species, Malaysia ranks 106th on the 2024 Nature Conservation Index (NCI), underscoring both i...

Better Drainage in the Fight Against Floods

11 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Kuching, outdated drainage infrastructure and rapid urbanisation have exacerbated flash flooding, leaving residents vulnerable and frequently facin...

COP29 Climate Summit: Key Issues and Urgent Goals

06 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), will take place from the 11th to the 22nd November 2024, ...

Hornbill Conservation in Malaysia: Threats and Triumphs

04 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Malaysia is home to ten hornbill species, who play vital roles in preserving the delicate balance of our natural ecosystems. But these beautiful and i...

Conservation of Rare Species Through Prey Species

30 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a follow up interview, we speak to Datuk Dr. John Payne, the CEO of Bringing Back Our Rare Animals (BORA), a pioneering conservation organisation b...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: October 2024

28 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Macaranga Wrap-Up is our ongoing monthly series done in collaboration with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, where we cove...

Budget 2025 - What's In It For Environmental Conservation?

23 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Budget 2025 was announced on the 18th of October 2024, by Malaysia's Prime Minister & Finance Minister, Dato' Seri Anwar Ibrahim. We speak to Meen...

Exploring Conservation Through Sustainable Tourism

21 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Ecotourism offers significant benefits to both people and the planet by promoting responsible travel that conserves the environment, sustains local co...

Journey to End Plastic Pollution

16 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In conjunction with the Journey to End Plastic Pollution event, we speak to Weng Dun Xin, a Zero Waste Campaigner, at Greenpeace SEA (Malaysia), to ex...

Shark Conservation 101: What Are ISRAs?

15 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Sharks and rays are vital to marine ecosystems, but their populations are dwindling rapidly. Conservation efforts face challenges due to the lack of d...

Budget 2025: A Wishlist For the Environment

14 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Malaysia's Budget 2025 will be tabled in parliament on the 18th of October. How will the Madani government prioritise environmental sustainability and...

RimbaWatch Reports: Forest Loss, Marine Park Threats, and Coal Mining

09 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We catch up with Adam Farhan, the Director of environmental watchdog RimbaWatch, for updates on some of the research and analysis they have been focus...

Solid Waste Management: Act 672 Explained

07 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Solid Waste Management and Public Cleansing Act 2007 (Act 672) is one of Malaysia's key legislative frameworks, and was designed to address the sh...

Bringing Back Our Rare Animals

02 Oct 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Through innovative approaches and collaborations, BORA or Bringing Back Our Rare Animals, is working to reverse the decline of rare species, and safeg...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: September 2024

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's time for another roundup of top environmental news from the month past, with Macaranga's co-founders Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua. On this month...

Recovering, Recycling, and Reclaiming Refrigerants

30 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As part of its Environmental Vision 2050, the Daikin Group has the ambition to become carbon-neutral across all its activities by 2050. They have also...

The Heat on Peat - A Look at Tropical Peat Swamp Forests

25 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Mak Jintan peat swamp forest in Terengganu is the last known virgin peat swamp in Peninsular Malaysia. Peatlands are essential ecosystems, teeming...

Cave Treasures at Risk from Nenggiri Dam

23 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We delve into the hidden treasures of the Nenggiri River caves and the looming environmental threats posed by the RM5 billion Nenggiri Hydroelectric P...

Saving Terrapins: Annual Release and Conservation Efforts in Malaysia

18 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Annual Terrapin Release, a significant and joyous event for Malaysia's terrapin conservation efforts, is happening soon. Organised and spearheaded...

Keeping the Baram Peace Park Intact

11 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is growing local opposition to logging in the Baram Forest, with the Baram Penan communities leading efforts to protect their land from further ...

“Carbon Colonialism” Through Carbon Capture and Storage?

09 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There is a growing movement against Japan's controversial policy to export carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions to other countries, particularly in the Gl...

Is a Constitutional Amendment the Solution to Orang Asli Land Issues?

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, Cameron Highlands MP and the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Dato' Dr. Ramli bin Dato' Mohd Nor, proposed to place Orang Asli matters un...

Is a Constitutional Amendment the Solution to Orang Asli Land Issues?

04 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Recently, Cameron Highlands MP and the Deputy Speaker of the Dewan Rakyat, Dato' Dr. Ramli bin Dato' Mohd Nor, proposed to place Orang Asli matters un...

Be Kind, Rewild! The Bangsar Ecological Connector

02 Sep 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Free Tree Society (FTS) is an organisation that has long been dedicated to urban rewilding and environmental education, right here in Kuala Lumpur...

International Coastal Cleanup Day 2024

28 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As our oceans and coastlines face increasing threats from pollution, initiatives like International Coastal Cleanup Day become more crucial than ever....

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta Ep 15: The Citizen Action for Tigers (CAT) Walk Programme

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Ma...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: August 2024

26 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's that time of the month where we speak to Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, for a round...

Belukar Dah Jadi Rimba - 50 Years of Rimba Ilmu

21 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Rimba Ilmu Botanic Garden, the University of Malaya's 80-hectare botanical garden, is an important conservation site...

Bright Prospects: The Case for Solar Power in Malaysia

14 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A new analysis by global energy think tank Ember reveals that solar power generation in Peninsular Malaysia was 53% cheaper than fossil fuels in 2023,...

Big Love for Big Ears: The Case for Asian Elephant Conservation

12 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Asian elephants are the largest land mammals on the Asian continent and play a crucial role as keystone species and ecosystem engineers. Distinguished...

Mighty Minis: Protecting Borneo Pygmy Elephants

07 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species is globally recognised as a barometer of the world’s biod...

Stomping Out Poaching: Ground Troops In The Fight to Save Wildlife

05 Aug 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a significant victory for wildlife protection, authorities in Malaysia seized over 1,000 parts from endangered species like Malayan tigers and leop...

Transforming The Old Into Gold

31 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With the simple motto to “Recycle, Reduce, Reuse” KakiDIY have been doing just that, through their movement of DIY enthusiasts. Together, they hav...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: July 2024

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As July wraps up, we too want to bring you a roundup of the top environmental news from the month past, with the co-founders of environmental journali...

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta Ep 14: Malaysia’s Marvellous Mangroves

29 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Ma...

Kita Semua Anak Rimba!

24 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Anak Rimba Books has a clear goal: to inspire a generation of children to cherish the planet. Founded by Abyan Junus-Nishizawa and Farah Landemaine, t...

Can Forest Plantations Be Sustainable in Peninsular Malaysia?

22 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Problematic forest plantations prompted Malaysia to call for a 15-year moratorium on new projects in Peninsular Malaysia, to buy time to plug the gaps...

To Bee or Not to Bee: Protecting Our Pollinators

17 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Assistant Professor Dr John S. Ascher is an entomologist with the Department of Biological Sciences at the National University of Singapore, who has b...

Indigenous Perspectives on Protecting Environmental Rights in ASEAN

15 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights (AICHR) has identified the need for Southeast Asia to have an environmental rights instrument t...

The ASEAN Declaration On The Right To A Safe, Clean, (Healthy) and Sustainable Environment

10 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The ASEAN Declaration On The Right To A Safe, Clean, (Healthy), Sustainable Environment aims to provide an unprecedented regional framework, to push f...

Glow and Behold: The Fascinating World Of Fireflies

03 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Every year during the first weekend of July, a unique global event flickers to life – World Firefly Day. Held to commemorate the importance of firef...

Under the S(h)pell of Malaysian Freshwater Turtles

01 Jul 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Turtle Conservation Society of Malaysia (TCS) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of freshwater turtles and tortoises in Ma...

Sowing the Seeds of Community: Kebun Komuniti Hartamas

30 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tucked away in the serene neighbourhood of Sri Hartamas is a delightful garden of edible plants and flowers known as Kebun Komuniti Hartamas (KKH). In...

The Fight For Fair Climate Financing Continues

26 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Marking the midway point to the UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan this November, the Bonn Climate Change Conference recently concluded ...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: June 2024

24 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we close off June, it's time for our monthly Macaranga wrap-up show, where we give you a rundown of the top environmental news from the month past,...

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta Ep 13: Mersing & Pulau Sibu

23 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Ma...

Birds For Mangroves!

19 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Macaranga's latest article, "Listen to the Birds to Save Mangroves" is an in-depth look at the critical interdependence between mangrove forests and b...

Reefs in Peril: The 4th Global Coral Crisis is Unfolding

12 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We recently celebrated World Oceans Day and World Coral Triangle Day, awareness days meant to reflect on the critical issues facing our oceans and cor...

Mangrove Marvels: Guardians of Our Oceans and Coasts

10 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

You might not think of mangroves as part of the ocean, but these coastal, salt-tolerant trees sustain a vibrant ecosystem intricately linked to tropic...

Ashes to Ashes: The Real Story of Waste Incineration - Ep 2

05 Jun 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It was the Day of Action Against Incineration on the 3rd of June, organised by the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) in Asia Pacific...

Ashes to Ashes: The Real Story of Waste Incineration - Ep 1

29 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA) in Asia Pacific are set to hold a Day of Action Against Incineration this 3rd of June. Inciner...

Macaranga Wrap-up: May 2024

27 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

With May almost behind us, it's time once more for our monthly Macaranga wrap-up show, where we give you a rundown of the top environmental news from ...

What A Waste (Problem We Have!)

15 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Macaranga's latest article - Floods, Rising Seas Make Dumps More Dangerous - highlights the escalating dangers posed by landfills, amidst the backdrop...

Smoke and Mirrors - The Realities of Plastic Credits and Offsetting

13 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

There are serious flaws in plastic offsets, credits and plastic neutrality, according to the report: Smoke and Mirrors - The Realities of Plastic Cred...

Slow Enactment Of Wildlife Laws Spells Trouble for Conservationists

07 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The wildlife conservation landscape in Malaysia, is changing, and while there have been many wins, such as recent amendments to the Wildlife Conservat...

Merry Marine Excursions & The Cheerful Blue Classroom

06 May 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Established in 2012 and run by a team of passionate researcher-conservationists, MareCet is Malaysia's first and only non-profit NGO that is dedicated...

Macaranga Wrap-up - Apr 2024

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we close off April, it's time for our monthly Macaranga wrap-up show, where we give you a rundown of the top environmental news from the month past...

How Can We End Waste Colonialism? - Part 2

29 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Since the late 1980s, over a quarter of a billion tonnes of plastic waste have been globally traded, disproportionately burdening developing countries...

How Can We End Waste Colonialism? - Part 1

24 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Since the late 1980s, over a quarter of a billion tonnes of plastic waste have been globally traded, disproportionately burdening developing countries...

Into The Wild We Go!

22 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We speak to Harris Raj Kumar, an environmentalist and the founder of Local Nature Trips, about the nature based tourism activities he runs, to promote...

Fashion Revolution - ‘Sewing’ The Seeds of Change

17 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Fashion Revolution is a global movement that aims to transform the fashion industry into a more sustainable and ethical one. It was founded in the...

What's At Stake At INC-4?

15 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Back in March 2022, a significant resolution was passed at the 5th session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, titled "End plastic pollution: ...

Can We Tame The Wild Marketplace For Exotic Pets in Malaysia?

08 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Malaysia, it's sadly not that difficult to purchase wildlife as pets, especially through online channels. But what's spurring Malaysians to want to...

Turning Grief to Growth - The Story of Urban Orchard Kuala Lumpur

03 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Urban Orchard Kuala Lumpur (UOKL) is a project initiated by Yen Maseri Hj Idris, better known as Uncle Yen. After losing his youngest son in 2016,...

Zero Waste = Good Taste

01 Apr 2024

Contributed by Lukas

International Zero Waste Day was just celebrated on the 30th of March, with the aim of promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns, supp...

A Toolkit For Marine Conservation

27 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Terengganu’s Pulau Redang, the community is actively engaged in protecting their marine ecosystem, particularly focusing on coral reef restoratio...

Macaranga Wrap-up: March 2024

25 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Macaranga Wrap-up is our monthly show on Earth Matters where we give you a roundup of the top environmental news from the month past, curated by the c...

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta Ep 12: Semporna

24 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Ma...

All About Arowanas

20 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Fun fact: Asian arowana once sold for more than RM500,000! But did you also know that they were once so common, that locals were hauling them up by th...

Rantaian Urban Green Spaces

18 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Rantaian Urban Green Spaces or RUGS is a conservation initiative with the primary objective of overseeing and fostering collaborative efforts among mu...

The Empty Promises of Sustainable Forest Management In Sarawak

13 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Many Penan and Kenyah communities from the Baram Peace Park up in Northern Sarawak, are rejecting logging in their ancestral lands, whether certified ...

Cool, Clever and Carnivorous - An Insight into Carnivorous Plants in Malaysia

11 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Carnivorous plants, with their remarkable ability to capture and digest prey, have captivated the imagination of plant enthusiasts and researchers ali...

Urban Community Forests - Our City's Sanctuaries

06 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Urban community forests are collectively managed green spaces within cities, serving multiple purposes such as recreation, biodiversity conservation, ...

The 2023 Global Brand Audit Results - Who Are The Top Global Plastic Polluters?

04 Mar 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Plastic contaminates the entire planet - we eat it, we breathe it, it's been found in our blood stream. The Break Free From Plastic Movement – a glo...

Scaling up Survival: Protecting Pangolins from Exploitation and Extinction

28 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Pangolins, often referred to as scaly anteaters or ‘tenggiling’ here in Malaysia, are fascinating creatures renowned for their unique armour-like ...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: February 2024

26 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're closing off February this week, cue another roundup of top conservation news with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, ...

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta Ep 11: Tawau

25 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tawau is the third largest town in Sabah, located on the East coast of the state, that shares a border with North Kalimantan. The area is an eco-touri...

A Pitch to Save Pitcher Plants

21 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Malaysia’s diverse climate and geography form ideal habitats for Nepenthes, which are better known here as ‘periuk kera’. These animal-eating pi...

Numi’s Crossing: Building Bridges Towards Human-Wildlife Coexistence

19 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Langur Project Penang (LPP), is a social enterprise in Penang that works for the conservation of primates, specifically to cultivate coexistence a...

Happy Zero-Waste Lunar New Year!

07 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's almost time for Chinese New Year, starting a year of the Wood Dragon, which symbolises power, strength and good fortune. As folks get busy prepar...

Butterflies of Batu Caves & Bukit Dinding

05 Feb 2024

Contributed by Lukas

It's always a delight to spot butterflies, not just for their aesthetic value, but also because we know they are indicators of a healthy environment a...

City Wild: Exploring Urban Biodiversity

31 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We know that with rapid urbanisation comes losses to the natural environment - urban biodiversity is threatened by intensive land-use change, and also...

Macaranga Wrap-Up: January 2024

29 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

As we conclude the first month of the year, it's also time for a quick roundup of top environmental stories from the month that was January 2024 - as ...

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta Ep10: Ulu Bendul, Kenaboi & Gunung Datuk

28 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Tak Kenal Maka Tak Cinta is our ongoing tourism-themed series on Earth Matters, which aims to highlight lesser-known ecotourism spots right here in Ma...

Beautiful, Biodiverse, Batu Caves

24 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Thaipusam falls on the 25th of January this year, with throngs of Hindu devotees here in the Klang Valley heading to the Sri Subrarmaniam Swamy Temple...

Living in Har-Monkey - The Animal Neighbors Project

22 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Monkeys got your garbage bins? It's not an uncommon complaint among Malaysians that monkeys, more often than not long-tailed macaques, are pests in th...

Preventing Food Waste, Saving Lives & the Planet

17 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Lost Food Project (TLFP) is a not-for-profit organisation in Malaysia that rescues good food that would otherwise end up in landfills, and redistr...

Bateq Nature Guides - The Building of a Naturalist Movement

15 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Ecotourism & Conservation Society of Malaysia (ECOMY) is an environmental NGO that is focussed on conserving Malaysia’s unique habitats, pla...

The Big Trouble With Small(er) Dams

10 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Malaysia's race towards achieving 70% renewable energy by 2050, hydroelectric power claims 11% of that share. More mini-hydroelectric dams are bein...

The Policy to Protect Malaysia's Biodiversity

08 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Malaysia is recognised as one of the world’s megadiverse countries, and is listed among the top 12 biodiversity rich countries, in terms of species ...

COP28: Conclusions, Controversies, and Challenges Ahead

03 Jan 2024

Contributed by Lukas

COP28, the 28th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, was held in Dubai from 30 November to 13 De...