YTY Employees Lead Mangrove Replantation Effort in Changkat Keruing, Perak, Malaysia
- Monday, May 13, 2024
YTY is pleased to have organized a mangrove planting activity in Changkat Keruing, Perak, as part of our on-going corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts. The CSR activity involved the voluntary participation of 50 employees and their family members and, in addition to the planting itself, included an insightful environmental awareness talk aimed at fostering a deeper understanding of the importance of mangrove ecosystems.
Mangrove forests are amongst the most effective ecosystems for carbon storage, sequestering significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and mitigating the impact from climate change. Recognizing their importance to environmental sustainability, YTY has taken proactive steps to plant 115 mangrove trees to contribute to reforestation and to support carbon sequestration efforts in the region.
The restoration activity was conducted in collaboration with KUASA Perak (Perak Society of Environmental Activists), a local non-profit organization mainly focused on spreading awareness on conservation and rehabilitation of local nature and biodiversity. KUASA incorporates community empowerment programs such as sustainable farming and eco-tourism for local communities, enabling locals to generate income responsibly and sustainably while also empowering them to become local environmental stewards.
Ravi Ragunathan, Vice President of Human Resources at YTY notes, “Our multi-pronged collaboration with KUASA allows us to not only contribute to the well-being of the environment, but also support the responsible and ethical income-generation activities of the local community. This is done through our purchase of local mangrove saplings and additional community support YTY will provide both during and after today’s planting event. The fact that our employees and their families actively and enthusiastically participated in today’s replantation exercise made it all the more special.”
Beyond the initial planting, YTY has made a steadfast commitment to the long-term vitality of the newly established mangroves trees. Resources have been allocated for the on-going monitoring and maintenance of the trees over the next six months, ensuring their survival thereby maximizing their capacity for carbon storage.
Siti Hawa Abd Wahid, KUASA Perak Project Manager notes, “We applaud YTY for going beyond tree planting by committing to the long-term health of the newly planted mangroves. With YTY’s support over the next six months, KUASA volunteers will be able to maximize the trees’ survivability, thereby enhancing their positive impact on the local environment.”
Siti Hawa adds “On average, one mangrove tree is able to capture 12 kilograms of carbon per year. This equates to 0.3 tonnes of carbon over its lifespan. It is therefore estimated that the 115 trees planted by YTY today will collectively be able to capture 35 tonnes of carbon over their lifespan, which is significant.”
Aliza Khalid, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at YTY notes, “We are thrilled to have had the opportunity to contribute to the conservation of mangrove ecosystems in Changkat Keruing. Ensuring the preservation and restoration of mangroves is crucial for global ecological stability. Through this initiative, we hope to not only make a small, but meaningful contribution towards mitigating the impact of global warming, but also inspire others to act in the name of environmental sustainability.”
Under YTY’s CSR framework, Environmental Sustainability is one of three core “pillars” through which the company directs, advances, and participates in impactful CSR activities. We remain dedicated to our mission of environmental stewardship, and look forward to further initiatives aimed at preserving and protecting natural habitats.
Volunteers hard at work planting a total of 115 mangrove trees, despite the searing heat and muddy conditions.
Special care, and a lot of love, is required to ensure the saplings are properly planted so that they grow healthy and strong.
Happy YTY volunteers at the end of the planting exercise, celebrating achievement, enthusiasm, and community service!
