Earth Day with Timberland Malaysia at Raja Musa Forest Reserve
Timberland Malaysia was involved in a pre-Earth Day event at the Raja Musa Forest Reserve in Selangor with an exciting turnout of 100 people who included volunteers, staff, media and officials.
At about 9.00 AM, the event saw an introduction and speech by relevant officials and district officers who explained the day’s itinerary. There were two main groups where a tree planting and canal blocking session was conducted where the team prepared a local Malaysian lunch for the hungry group.
For ‘Timberland Malaysia, other than actively participating in tree planting efforts in the Horqin Desert in Inner Mongolia, Timberland takes this initiative and brings it locally through its partnership with Global Environment Centre (GEC), specifically contributing towards the conservation of Malaysia’s tropical habitats via its “Peat Swamp Rehabilitation Programme at Raja Musa Forest Reserve”.
Peat Swamp Forest (PSF) is a unique ecosystem, unlike any other ecosystem. It is characterized by the accumulation of organic matter (peat) derived from dead and decaying plant materials in water-saturated condition.
The black peat water is slightly acidic, and the ground is wet and spongy. PSFs represent an ecosystem that supports tolerant species that can survive in their unique environment, thus playing an important role in conserving biological diversity and storing freshwater resources.
It also serves as a carbon sink, sequestering and storing carbon as un-degraded organic matter for thousands of years.
Timberland Malaysia understood the importance of reviving this unique wetland ecosystem and has established a partnership with GEC since 2011 to commit volunteers and financial resources for rehabilitation initiatives across the North Selangor region, one of the largest remaining contiguous areas of Peat Swamp forest in Peninsula Malaysia.
Timberland Malaysia Global Steward 2013, Ms Cheryl Chang, continues, “Timberland is committed to this project and wants to help restore the peat ecosystem through tree planting and multiple canal blocking.
We have been working on this project for 2 years since 2011, and in 2013, we will continue to contribute at least 1500 volunteer hours from Timberland staff & associates and continue to commit to the 2 years programme funding of RM127,900.
We believe this initiative is a great platform for us to do something for our country’s environment, as well as inspire the community around us to be involved in taking protective action.”
“Environment conservation initiatives require not only funds, but we also do need people who are willing to get their hands dirty to do the actual hard work. We are really grateful to Timberland Malaysia’s employees for taking time off today to help us.
Every bit they do today will go a long way in helping us save the environment for our next generation and ensuring the sustainability of the Raja Musa Forest Reserve Rehabilitation Programme,” says Mr Nagarajan, Senior Programme Office from GEC.
Over 50 Timberland Malaysia employees, business partners and volunteers took time off today from their busy schedules to help do their bit for Mother Nature.
They were there a full day planting suitable trees to re-vegetate the degraded peatland areas and restore the peatlands canals to keep the peatlands hydrated to reduce the risk of fires.
Championing environmental causes has consistently remained as one of Timberland’s core Corporate Social Responsibility ideals.
From the production process to meet the design criteria and the usage of renewable materials, Timberland has shown great commitment to being an eco-conscious lifestyle brand, reinforcing its identity in being a brand that embodies STYLE + PERFORMANCE + GREEN.
About Timberland Global Steward Program
The Timberland Global Stewards are a team of 24 committed leaders worldwide who are tasked with maximizing the positive impact Timberland makes in communities worldwide.
The Global Stewards will serve as ambassadors of Timberland’s Corporate Social Responsibility platform and provide leadership, motivation and drive towards specific goals.
About Timberland
Timberland, a wholly-owned subsidiary of VF Corporation, is a global leader in the design, engineering and marketing of premium-quality footwear, apparel and accessories for consumers who value the outdoors and their time in it.
Timberland markets products under the Timberland®, Timberland PRO®, Mountain Athletics® and Timberland Boot Company® brands, all of which offer quality artistry and detailing and are built to withstand the elements of nature.
You can find the company’s products in leading department and speciality stores as well as Timberland® retail stores throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Latin America, South America, South Africa and the Middle East.
Timberland is committed to doing its part to address environmental challenges and minimizing their impact. From product design to manufacturing and shipping, the company is constantly finding new ways to be a little lighter on the environment.
The Timberland Earthkeepers® Collection incorporates recycled PET bottles in linings, recycled rubber insoles, leather from silver and gold-rated tanneries and organic content throughout the apparel line.
Timberland’s dedication to making quality products is matched by its commitment to “doing well and doing good” – forging powerful partnerships among employees, consumers and service partners to transform the communities in which they live and work.
About the Global Environment Centre (GEC)
Global Environment Centre is a Malaysian non-profit organization established in 1998 to work on environmental issues of global importance. GEC works regionally and internationally both directly and through many partners.
GEC is registered in Malaysia as a non-profit organization (Reg. No. 473058-T). GEC’s mission is to protect the environment and sustainable use of natural resources to meet local, regional and global needs through strategic partnerships with communities and like-minded organisations.
GEC is registered in Malaysia as a non-profit organization (Reg. No. 473058-T), which assists Earth Day with Timberland Malaysia at the Raja Musa Forest Reserve in Selangor.