This article first appeared in Forum, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on September 9, 2019 - September 15, 2019

The search for a better and healthier life has been the pursuit of princes, paupers and philosophers alike — as each, over generations, has tried to unlock the secrets to what could improve the days in our lives.

Over time, our search for a better life has led us to the far reaches of the world and various remedies but, more often than not, the search leads us back to nature, to the forests, oceans and rivers where we forage for food and other resources. The earth and all its abundance is key to our well-being, especially for food and medicines.

According to the World Health Organization, human beings depend on biodiversity daily, even though it is not always noticeable. Our health and well-being rely heavily on elements such as fresh water and sources for food. This is the ultimate culmination of how the environment works together. It is an ecosystem operating in harmony.

The interactions between different elements in an ecosystem are intricate. However, some of these connections are under intense pressure. The ecosystem needs time to rebalance and rediscover its equilibrium. If one chain is broken, another one does not always form so quickly. Time is not often on our side as well, and the effects of development have started to take a heavy toll on the biodiversity and ecosystems around us. A lot of thought and effort are required to ensure the environment can continue to flourish, for our own sake.

As we surge ahead in progress, making advancements in technology, it is essential for us to take stock of the impact of our decisions on the environment. It cannot be emphasised enough that there has to be a conscious effort on our part to preserve nature for our survival.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations has said that many key components of biodiversity for food and agriculture at gene, species and ecosystem levels are in decline. The proportion of livestock breeds facing the risk of extinction is increasing. The diversity of crops in farmers’ fields also has declined and threats to crop diversity are proliferating.

Just take a look at the humble bee and the dire consequences when its population drops. Bees are pollinators, supporting the growth of trees, flowers and other plants, which serve as food and shelter for a variety of creatures. As bees move from flower to flower in search of nectar, they leave behind grains of pollen which allow plants to grow and produce food.

This process happens to billions of plants each year, including agricultural crops. Pollinators like bees play a crucial role. Without them, many plants we rely on as a source of food would disappear. In short, without bees, our plates would be empty.

One life depends on the life of others — be it creatures great or small, plants or other living things. The abundant life in nature is what could save us from starvation and other threats to our daily existence. Now, from this perspective, respect for biodiversity is about saving ourselves by protecting biodiversity. And the key to saving ourselves is sustaining the biodiversity and ecosystem that we depend on.

The case for Imbak

At Petroliam Nasional Bhd, sustainability is a business philosophy, which also includes environmental conservation and protecting the biodiversity of the forest. The company has been consistently contributing to the well-being of our environment through various conservation initiatives. This includes research, volunteer training, community and public awareness programmes and much more.

In preserving the pristine rainforest’s flora and fauna, since 2010, Petronas has invested RM83 million in the conservation of Imbak Canyon. It is now a gazetted forest protection area, which is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna.

Recently, Petronas launched the Imbak Canyon Studies Centre (ICSC), a 27ha facility that sits within the 27,599ha core zone in the heart of Sabah, which is now open for world-class research. The research and documentation of the rich biodiversity in the area is vital as it holds the secrets to our heritage for thousands of years and helps us to harness it responsibly for thousands more years to come.

For this reason, an environment research grant has been designed to spur research related to biodiversity, carbon sink and renewable energy to help us uncover the mysteries of the forest and its richness. This is just one of the many efforts by the national oil corporation to ensure the conservation of biodiversity. For 45 years, we have been involved in various conservation efforts, from marine to mangroves, forests and rivers, as part of our commitment to biodiversity conservation.

Human activity is said to be the No 1 cause of climate change, which puts Mother Nature under threat. Conversely, human activity can also be the No 1 factor that can return nature to equilibrium. When we take care of nature, it will take care of us. Nature is our heritage, the treasure that makes up our world, our home and, therefore, without doubt, our responsibility.

As the national oil corporation, we are mindful of operating sustainably, given our responsibility as an energy producer. We hope to join hands with more organisations and individuals in this effort so we can flourish together.

On the personal front, I believe that every little thing will add to the bigger scheme of things. Nothing is too small an effort when it comes to protecting nature. If we do it together, it will all add up. I plant trees in my back garden instead of laying the area with cement. It is a small effort that not only helps to beautify the landscape but also forms a natural filter against pollution and provides shade. The trees in the compound are part of a complex, interconnected ecosystem that allows a different number of species to co-exist.

When we make a stand, no matter how small the effort, a piece of the all-important foundation to make a change is in place, an increased awareness, followed by the appropriate initiatives at all levels, including the personal level, will help keep the ecosystem thriving. This is the key to a better life in which all can flourish together.

Lita Osman is the CEO of Yayasan Petronas. It has just released an informational series about carbon emissions and climate change and it promotes other efforts we can make to conserve and preserve our environment

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