Every year, Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) coordinates the nationwide International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) event, held annually in September since 2018. Organisations, groups and individuals collect data during the cleanup and key in data into the Clean Swell app to contribute to the global database of cleanups by Ocean Conservancy. This year, over 8,500 volunteers from all around Malaysia collected 41,015kg of trash during the annual event, and among the 388,730 items collected, the most common item found was plastic bottles at 50,785 bottles. We explore this year's beach cleanup data, and the ongoing major crisis of marine debris with Theresa Ng, the Chief Operating Officer of Reef Check Malaysia.



Image credit: Reef Check Malaysia

Every year, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.reefcheck.org.my/">Reef Check Malaysia</a> (RCM) coordinates the nationwide International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) event, held annually in September since 2018. Organisations, groups and individuals collect data during the cleanup and key in data into the Clean Swell app to contribute to the global database of cleanups by Ocean Conservancy. This year, over 8,500 volunteers from all around Malaysia collected 41,015kg of trash during the annual event, and among the 388,730 items collected, the most common item found was plastic bottles at 50,785 bottles. We explore this year's beach cleanup data, and the ongoing major crisis of marine debris with Theresa Ng, the Chief Operating Officer of Reef Check Malaysia.Image credit: Reef Check Malaysia

Climate change, ferocious weather and ‘the haze’ are now part our everyday lives. How are our lifestyles connected to them, and what can we do about it? What does the economy have to do with it? Earth Matters engages with activists and experts to explore our changing relationship with the planet that we only borrow from our children.

Earth Matters

Marine Debris Crisis: Data from Malaysia’s Cleanup

For decades, PACOS Trust - Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah - has been at the forefront of supporting Sabah’s indigenous communities, helping them protect their heritage, land, and resources. By fostering local leadership, promoting collaboration, and championing land rights, PACOS works hand-in-hand with grassroots organisations across 14 districts and 23 areas, to create sustainable change. Through training, advocacy, and collaboration, PACOS ensures that indigenous voices are central to discussions about development and environmental stewardship. We speak to Anne Lasimbang, the Executive Director of PACOS Trust, and Gordon John Thomas, the Programme Coordinator at PACOS Trust, to find out more about this organisation's work, and how they are collaborating with indigenous communities, enabling them to reclaim their voice and protect what matters most.



Image credit: GJT @ PACOS Trust

For decades, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://pacostrust.com/">PACOS Trust</a> - Partners of Community Organisations in Sabah - has been at the forefront of supporting Sabah’s indigenous communities, helping them protect their heritage, land, and resources. By fostering local leadership, promoting collaboration, and championing land rights, PACOS works hand-in-hand with grassroots organisations across 14 districts and 23 areas, to create sustainable change. Through training, advocacy, and collaboration, PACOS ensures that indigenous voices are central to discussions about development and environmental stewardship. We speak to Anne Lasimbang, the Executive Director of PACOS Trust, and Gordon John Thomas, the Programme Coordinator at PACOS Trust, to find out more about this organisation's work, and how they are collaborating with indigenous communities, enabling them to reclaim their voice and protect what matters most.Image credit: GJT @ PACOS Trust

In PACOS We Trust: Empowering Indigenous Sabah

We are at the end of 2024 – again, it’s been quite a year for the planet, and we take a look back at some of the top news covered by environmental journalism portal Macaranga with co-founders, Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua. We discuss how carbon emissions are still rising, and how forest conservation (or the lack thereof) is playing a part in that, before we turn our attention to mangrove conservation in Malaysia. We then discuss how Malaysia’s newly-identified Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) are a win for conservation and citizen science, before examining how the illegal wildlife trade is thriving, boosted by online trading, and in spite of conservation methods such legalising the breeding and trade of certain species. Finally, how is global warming exacerbating existing environmental challenges like flooding and coral bleaching? We discuss all this and more.



Image credit: Shutterstock

We are at the end of 2024 – again, it’s been quite a year for the planet, and we take a look back at some of the top news covered by environmental journalism portal <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.macaranga.org/">Macaranga</a> with co-founders, Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua. We discuss how carbon emissions are still rising, and how forest conservation (or the lack thereof) is playing a part in that, before we turn our attention to mangrove conservation in Malaysia. We then discuss how Malaysia’s newly-identified Important Shark and Ray Areas (ISRAs) are a win for conservation and citizen science, before examining how the illegal wildlife trade is thriving, boosted by online trading, and in spite of conservation methods such legalising the breeding and trade of certain species. Finally, how is global warming exacerbating existing environmental challenges like flooding and coral bleaching? We discuss all this and more.Image credit: Shutterstock

Macaranga Wrap-up: A Look-Back at 2024

Macaranga's latest article “Banking on River Reserves to Protect Water Supply” explores Selangor's urgent measures to safeguard its water resources amid recurring pollution-related water cuts. We discuss how the state plans to gazette river reserves and enforce stricter regulations to address these issues, and how they could possibly counter challenges such as private land ownership, inter-agency coordination, and the protection of upstream ecosystems. We also look at community-driven conservation efforts, industry accountability, and the importance of holistic water basin management for sustainable water security. Joining us are journalist Chen Yih Wen, Macaranga co-founder Law Yao Hua, and Kennedy Michael, co-founder of Alliance of River Three (ART!)

Macaranga's latest article <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.macaranga.org/banking-on-river-reserves-to-protect-water-supply/">“Banking on River Reserves to Protect Water Supply”</a> explores Selangor's urgent measures to safeguard its water resources amid recurring pollution-related water cuts. We discuss how the state plans to gazette river reserves and enforce stricter regulations to address these issues, and how they could possibly counter challenges such as private land ownership, inter-agency coordination, and the protection of upstream ecosystems. We also look at community-driven conservation efforts, industry accountability, and the importance of holistic water basin management for sustainable water security. Joining us are journalist Chen Yih Wen, Macaranga co-founder Law Yao Hua, and Kennedy Michael, co-founder of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://riverthree.wixsite.com/riverthree">Alliance of River Three (ART!)</a>

Marine Debris Crisis: Data from Malaysia’s Cleanup

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