KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 5 — Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change Minister Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said Malaysia had done much for biodiversity conservation and climate action, but there is more to be done.
He said Malaysia, as a megadiverse country, always seeks to be more proactive to meet its goal to be a biodiversity superpower.
“More can always be done. We can never have too much public awareness and understanding of the importance of biodiversity. Conservation efforts can only succeed if citizens are informed and engaged.
“Malaysia’s strong conservation laws must be consistently enforced. We do not want to have just good policies and good laws, but we must also have good enforcement,” he said in his speech at the National Climate Climate Governance Summit 2023 here today.
The minister said strengthening conservation laws must be a priority, including by enforcing new legislation such as the Wildlife Conservation (Amendment) Act 2022 and the National Forestry (Amendment) Act 2022 that empower authorities to protect vital habitats and species in Peninsular Malaysia.
Nik Nazmi said the National Biodiversity Council should continue to emphasise a whole-of-nation approach to biodiversity management.
He said Malaysia’s approach to preserving biodiversity is holistic and forward-thinking, and the country has adopted pragmatic, progressive and long-term strategies that recognise the intrinsic value of natural heritage.
The key among these strategies was the alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), an international commitment aimed at reversing the decline in biodiversity, he said.
He said Malaysia’s commitment to the KMGBF must go beyond support and extend to leadership, which entails not only meeting targets, but also setting an example for other nations.
“The financial aspect of biodiversity conservation must also be addressed. The KMGBF calls for at least US$200 billion (RM932.5 billion) per year…
“Malaysia intends — at international forums like COP28 — to advocate for equitable contributions, recognising the shared responsibility of nations in preserving biodiversity,” he said.
— Bernama
