@Green January/February 2024 | Page 12

12 • Cover Story @ green | January-February . 2024

12 • Cover Story @ green | January-February . 2024

Pahang ’ s net-zero aspiration

Tengku Hassanal unveils ambitious plan for Pahang ’ s sustainable future at COP 28
BY FATIHAH MANAF

IN A WORLD facing worsening climate conditions , the youth emerge as a powerful force capable of driving positive change . Recognising the influence of his position as the Regent of Pahang , Tengku Hassanal Ibrahim Alam Shah is dedicated to championing climate action .

Actively involved in various green initiatives within Pahang , he has become a prominent advocate for sustainable practices . Since his engagement at COP 26 in Glasgow , Hassanal has consistently participated in COP sessions , recognising them as platforms for youth to enact meaningful change .
His notable presence at COP 28 in December 2023 exemplifies his commitment to sharing insights and contributing to the global effort to create a greener world .
In his address at the Malaysia Pavilion during the conference , Tengku Hassanal said he was pleased that Malaysia acknowledges the urgency and wholeheartedly embraces the ambition of establishing a green economy and attaining net zero by 2050 .
“ The green economy , focusing on sustainable development without degrading the environment , must be the cornerstone of our approach . We need to achieve this whilst being socially inclusive and ensuring equitable access to the benefits of sustainable development .
“ I am happy to report that Pahang is also committed to achieving net zero and is being advised by PWC to develop a roadmap towards this goal .”
PAHANG TO ACHIEVE NET ZERO BY 2030
“ My State of Pahang is blessed with high forest cover , and we have been advised that Pahang has a chance of reaching its objectives of net zero by 2030 and that by 2050 , Pahang will not only achieve its net zero targets but should also be at a surplus .
“ Therefore , we aspire to achieve net zero by 2030 , and I am happy to announce the beginning of our NetZero 2030 campaign here at the Malaysian Pavilion at COP 28 ,” shared Tengku Hassanal .
According to Tengku Hassanal , Pahang ’ s approach was structured around five pillars : energy , transportation and built environment , circular and waste ,

Establishment of Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve

IN A momentous declaration at the Malaysia Pavilion at COP 28 on Dec 6 , 2023 , the Regent of Pahang Tengku Hassanal shared insights into establishing the Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve . As an advocate for the majestic Malayan tiger , Tengku Hassanal outlined the critical need for such initiatives in the face of the species ’ alarming decline due to poaching and habitat loss .
Establishing the Pahang Royal Wildlife Sanctuary , named the Al- Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve , signifies a pivotal chapter in Malaysia ’ s conservation efforts . Covering over
100,000 hectares and strategically located next to Taman Negara National Park , the reserve aims to provide a haven for the Malayan tiger and other endangered species and become a hub for conservation research and practices .
“ At the reserve , we are implementing world-class standards for habitat management and prey enrichment , essential for the Malayan tiger ’ s repopulation . Establishing this reserve also signifies our dedication to international collaboration in conservation efforts .
“ We are adopting global accreditation standards , such as the
Conservation Assured Tiger Standards ( or CATS ) and the IUCN standards for protected and conserved areas , to ensure that our practices meet the highest international benchmarks ,” said Tengku Hassanal .
EMPHASISING COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIP
The Al-Sultan Abdullah Royal Tiger Reserve embodies a collaborative partnership approach , recognising that the complex endeavour of repopulating and ensuring the survival of the Malayan tiger requires collective efforts from government
agencies , NGOs , private entities , and international partners .
“ No single organisation can shoulder this responsibility alone . It is a multifaceted approach encompassing habitat management , anti-poaching efforts , research , and community engagement .
“ Our vision for the reserve includes not just the protection of the Malayan tiger but also developing facilities for rewilding , captive breeding , and translocation efforts . These initiatives are aligned with the national tiger recovery plan , underscoring our holistic approach to conservation ,” Tengku