Summit Day 3 - Tackling Urban Biodiversity, Circular Economy, and Marine Protection
On the final day of the Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024, speakers and participants converged to address solutions for biodiversity conservation, circular economy practices, and marine ecosystem protection. Day 3’s discussions focused on Johor’s path toward becoming a beacon of green innovation and environmental stewardship, building on the momentum from previous sessions.
Through impactful keynote addresses and interactive workshops, the summit outlined strategies to integrate biodiversity into urban planning, promote genuine corporate sustainability, and protect vital ecosystems like mangroves and seagrasses.
Keynote Address 1 – Urban Green Spaces: Promoting Biodiversity Conservation in Cities
Hannah Lyana Lee Abdullah, Head of Strategy and Transformation at CIMA Bhd, delivered an inspiring keynote that spotlighted the transformative role of urban green spaces in promoting biodiversity. She showcased the benefits of incorporating green spaces into urban environments, ranging from improved air quality to the mitigation of the urban heat island effect.
Referencing Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay as a case study, Hannah emphasized the crucial role of architects, engineers, and material specialists in turning visionary designs into reality. “Green spaces not only enhance quality of life but also serve as critical ecological buffers,” she stated, highlighting the importance of permeable concrete pathways and green corridors for wildlife.
The discussion touched on vertical stratification in high-rise living, where green roofs and terraces allow urban biodiversity to flourish. Questions from the audience prompted insights on how Johor could implement similar initiatives to create vibrant green spaces in its rapidly growing cities.
Keynote Address 2 – Greenwashing vs. Genuine Sustainability: Navigating Corporate Environmental Claims
The second keynote by Professor Dato’ Dr. Nor Aieni Mokhtar from the Malaysian Institute of Integrity tackled the pressing issue of greenwashing in corporate practices. Dr. Nor Aieni underscored the importance of transparency in sustainability reporting and the critical role of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) frameworks.
Citing examples like Sime Darby and Top Glove, she highlighted the discrepancies between corporate claims and actual sustainable practices. “Without proper verification and reporting, greenwashing erodes consumer trust and hinders genuine environmental efforts,” she emphasized.
Dr. Nor Aieni also pointed to the newly launched National Climate Change Policy as a pivotal framework to guide businesses toward authentic green growth. The session concluded with a call for increased public-private partnerships and cross-border cooperation in advancing Johor’s ambition to become a green hub for Southeast Asia.
Workshop 1 – Corporate Circular Economy Claims: Reality vs. Rhetoric
Moderated by Amanda Yeo, Event Director at ESG Malaysia, the first workshop delved into the discrepancies between corporate claims of circular economy practices and the reality of their actions. Ts Dr. Lee Yong Siang, Senior Lecturer from Universiti Malaysia Pahang critiqued major corporations for overemphasizing their recycling efforts without addressing the larger issue of reducing consumption.
Participants discussed how circular economy principles—recycling, repairing, and reusing materials—could be better integrated into Johor’s industries. Despite the challenges faced, the session emphasized the potential for Johor to learn from global leaders like Europe in circular economy practices.
Workshop 2 – Roots and Shoals: The Essential Contributions of Mangroves and Seagrasses to Marine Biodiversity
Moderated by Akhramsyah Muammar Ubaidah Sanusi, Co-Founder of Global Mangrove Alliance, the second workshop emphasized the importance of mangroves and seagrasses in supporting marine biodiversity and storing carbon. Dr. Ahmad Aldrie Amir from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia highlighted how these ecosystems act as vital buffers against coastal erosion and help sequester carbon at higher rates than terrestrial forests.
Meanwhile, Dr. Rozaimi, also from UKM, explored the importance of seagrasses in providing habitats for endangered marine species such as dugongs and seahorses. The workshop underscored the urgency of preserving these ecosystems, not just for environmental health but also for their role in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
Key Takeaways from Day 3
- Urban Green Spaces: Integrating greenery into urban planning, through sustainable architecture and permeable concrete pathways, supports biodiversity and improves air quality.
- Circular Economy: Moving beyond recycling to reducing consumption is essential for true sustainability, with third-party audits ensuring transparency.
- Mangroves and Seagrasses: These marine ecosystems are crucial in carbon storage, coastal protection, and maintaining biodiversity, calling for strategic conservation efforts.
- Greenwashing: Genuine sustainability efforts, verified through ESG frameworks and transparent reporting, are key to overcoming corporate greenwashing.
- Public-Private Collaboration: Cross-sector cooperation is critical in advancing Johor’s sustainability goals, from urban design to ecosystem restoration.
Conclusion: Johor's Sustainability Vision & Resilience
As Day 3 concluded, the Green Legacy Johor Summit 2024 reinforced its focus on practical solutions to address the complexities of biodiversity, circular economy, and marine conservation. By integrating advanced technologies, fostering public-private partnerships, and engaging local communities, Johor continues to lead the region in environmental stewardship.
As Johor looks ahead, the conversations sparked at the summit will lay the groundwork for more collaborative and effective strategies, ensuring that the state’s green transformation is both inclusive and resilient.
