IN the heart of Malaysia's lush landscapes, a quiet revolution is taking root. Nestle Malaysia's ambitious reforestation initiatives, Project RELeaf and its predecessor Project RiLeaf, recently hit a remarkable milestone: the planting of 2.8 million trees.
This achievement isn't merely a number, but a testament to the company's unwavering dedication to environmental stewardship and community empowerment.
As part of its Forest Positive strategy, Nestle Malaysia set an ambitious target to plant four million trees across the nation by next year, a goal that's now within sight thanks to the relentless efforts of over 400 Nestle Cares volunteers and partners, such as Sime Darby Plantation and TDM Plantation.
Together, they recently gathered for the annual nationwide tree-planting event, where 5,000 trees found new homes in five strategic locations across the country, namely Kuala Selangor Nature Park; SDP North Labis, Johor: SDP Tiger Estate Tawau, Sabah; TDM Plantation, Terengganu; and Perlis State Forestry Department.
Pride palpable, Nestle (Malaysia) Berhad's chief executive officer Juan Aranols reflect on the journey thus far, emphasising the significance of reaching this milestone in the company's ESG (environmental, social and governance) journey.
With gratitude to partners and volunteers alike, Aranols highlights the continued dedication to the Forest Positive strategy, aiming to plant the remaining 1.2 million trees through Project RELeaf by next year.
BEACON OF HOPE
Project RELeaf, guided by the principles of REforest, REstore, and REspect, goes beyond mere tree-planting efforts. It serves as a beacon of hope for wildlife corridors, riparian buffer zones, and local communities alike.
By engaging farmers and Orang Asli communities, particularly women, Nestle Malaysia not only nurtures the environment, but also fosters sustainable livelihoods through capacity-building and awareness initiatives.
Moreover, the nationwide tree-planting event serves as more than just a green initiative; it's a hands-on training ground for employees, instilling a sustainability mindset that resonates throughout the organisation.
As Aranols concludes: "We appreciate the importance of reforestation and the respect for nature. By fostering a culture of sustainability, we aim to create lasting positive impact on the environment and the communities we serve."
In the embrace of Malaysia's verdant landscapes, Nestle Malaysia's reforestation journey continues to flourish, rooted in renewal and fuelled by a vision of a greener, more sustainable future for all.