Sime Darby Property’s urban biodiversity efforts recognised at 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards

• Its Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC) bagged silver in the Environmental Category, acknowledging its contributions to environmental literacy and urban biodiversity conservation and its positive sustainability impact on Malaysia’s real estate industry.

ARA DAMANSARA (May 31): Sime Darby Property Bhd’s endeavour to promote urban biodiversity was rewarded at the 2024 FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards in Singapore yesterday.

Its Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC) bagged silver in the Environmental Category, acknowledging its contributions to environmental literacy and urban biodiversity conservation and its positive sustainability impact on Malaysia’s real estate industry.

The FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence Awards recognise projects that embody excellence in all real estate disciplines.

Situated in the City of Elmina, the 1.09-acre ERKC is a one-stop centre for forestry research, conservation, environmental education, recreation, eco-tourism and other sustainable initiatives.

ERKC oversees integrated approaches to urban planning, balancing society's requirements and the ecosystem's health.

Nestled within the 300-acre Elmina Central Park and adjacent to the 2,700-acre Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve, the ERKC was launched in October 2020 in partnership with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC).

“ERKC demonstrates our dedication to preserving, regenerating, and strengthening healthy ecosystems in all our townships and developments.

“The purpose of ERKC includes fostering urban biodiversity through concerted conservation action, research, and development,” said Sime Darby Property’s group managing director, Datuk Azmir Merican.

The project has already cultivated of 187 species of plants, including 35,000 seedlings and 10,000 tree saplings at the Elmina Living Collection Nursery (ELCN).

Many of the seedlings and saplings grown at ERKC have been taken to other areas of Selangor for conservation efforts. Over a thousand have been planted near the Klang Gates Dam along the Klang River.

This effort is well on track to achieve the Sime Darby Property’s broader objectives to plant 50,000 trees from the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List by 2030.

In addition to environmental conservation, the ERKC and ELCN have become focal points for community engagement and education, hosting programmes that promote awareness of environmental issues and encourage active participation in conservation efforts.

The Friends of ERKC community interest group further exemplifies this engagement, attracting over 10,000 members, including students, educators, and representatives from various corporate and government bodies.

“Urban biodiversity goes beyond just flora and fauna; it's about the health of our environment and its impact on all forms of life. This award underscores our efforts in connecting communities and nature to ultimately enhance people’s lives and well-being and the planet's overall health,” added Azmir.

Looking to buy a home? Sign up for EdgeProp START and get exclusive rewards and vouchers for ANY home purchase in Malaysia (primary or subsale)!