BFM :: Earth Matters

This Merdeka and Malaysia Day season, we're reminded that our country's story isn't just about people and places, it's also about our connection to nature. We speak to a family who embodies that spirit - wildlife photographer Anuar McAfee (Director, International Centre, Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin and Research Fellow, East Coast Environmental Research Institute), and his sons Muhammad Cornelius McAfee (Tour Guide, Ketengah), and Aidan McAfee (Student, Politeknik Banting) - who have spent countless hours exploring Terengganu's forests, rivers, and skies. We discuss their love of the outdoors, the birds and wildlife of Terengganu, and why Kenyir Lake and other nature spots around Terengganu are natural gems worth discovering.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever been to the beach, only to find more rubbish than seashells? Unfortunately, that's a reality for many of our coastlines. But every September, thousands of Malaysians gather to clean our beaches and record what's being collected during the International Coastal Cleanup, coordinated by Reef Check Malaysia. Those numbers reveal not just what's ending up in the ocean, but also what needs to change in our daily lives and in policy. Joining us to talk about this year's cleanup, and the bigger picture of marine debris and pollution, are Julian Hyde, the CEO of Reef Check Malaysia, and Theresa Ng, Reef Check Malaysia's COO.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We've all been there - stuck in traffic, breathing in exhaust, or wondering why our city feels harder to live in than it should. But what if the solution wasn't just more roads or bigger buildings, but smarter ways to design and run our cities? We speak to Dr. Non Arkaraprasertkul, a Senior Expert at Thailand's Digital Economy Promotion Agency, who's been behind more than 120 smart city projects across Thailand. He joins us to share more about his work which involves cities across ASEAN, and how bringing together technology, good policy, and what people actually need, can achieve the goal of creating cities that are easier to live in, better for the environment, and built for the future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They are striking, noisy, and unmistakable - but hornbills are far more than beautiful rainforest residents. As key seed dispersers, they're essential to the health of our forests. Few people know them as well as Dr. Yeap Chin Aik, co-founder & Primary Investigator for the MNS Hornbill Conservation Project with the Malaysian Nature Society (MNS), who has spent over twenty years tracking their movements, studying their habits, and working to ensure their survival. We explore the stories and science behind these remarkable birds.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this month's Macaranga Wrap-Up, we turn to the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples. In Selangor, Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysia (JOAS) marked the occasion with a two-day celebration themed “Defend the Earth, Restore the Land, Regreen the Future – Through Indigenous Wisdom.” We speak to Macaranga co-founder Wong Siew Lyn to unpack what that means for Indigenous rights and the environment, and for a run-down of the festivities.Image Credit: Jaringan Orang Asal SeMalaysiaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In our latest episode of Nature Reads, we travel back to 1899, when Cambridge anthropologist Walter William Skeat led a major scientific expedition to Malaya. The expedition didn't just collect plants and animals; it also produced classic books on zoology, botany, and culture that continue to influence how we understand our natural history today. To guide us through this chapter, we're joined by Katherine Enright, a PhD candidate at the University of Cambridge, whose research looks at the politics and legacies of expeditions like Skeat's. Together with co-host Dylan Jefri Ong, the co-founder of Sunda Shelves, we discuss the stories behind the books, the people, and the knowledge they preserved. Nature Reads on Earth Matters is a monthly show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us, done in collaboration with Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore and café with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's ecotourism scene has been quietly growing, with communities, conservation groups, and travellers all playing a part in making tourism more sustainable. Over the past year, Sustainable Tourism Malaysia has gone from 8 projects to 25, covering everything from waste-free islands to geoparks and urban green spaces. We catch up with Mariam Ghani, the Senior Programme Manager for The Habitat Foundation, who is also the Lead at Sustainable Tourism Malaysia, to discuss some highlights from the group's work this past year, and how they've been building sustainable tourism networks across the country. Mariam also shares some amazing cuti-cuti ideas and spots we can head to, for a sustainable and eco-friendly holiday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is drowning in plastic, and governments have been working for more than three years on a global treaty to tackle the crisis. Countries have been locked in negotiations to create this treaty that could change the way plastics are produced, used, and managed worldwide. But the latest round of talks in Geneva has ended without a deal, as countries remain divided on some of the toughest issues, especially whether to curb plastic production itself. To help us understand what happened, why it matters, and what comes next, we speak to researcher Wong Pui Yi from the Basel Action Network, who was in Geneva throughout these negotiations.Image credit: Friends of the Earth InternationalSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Asian elephants are iconic, intelligent, and a vital part of our natural heritage, but here in Malaysia, they face an uncertain future. Habitat loss, human–elephant conflict, infrastructure cutting through their ranges, and other growing threats have put immense pressure on their populations. Yet, hope remains, through groundbreaking research, innovative conflict mitigation strategies, and renewed efforts to foster coexistence between people and elephants. In this World Elephant Day special, we'll explore what it really takes to share a landscape with these gentle giants with Associate Professor Dr. Wong Ee Phin (Principal Investigator, Management & Ecology of Malaysian Elephants (MEME)/ Nottingham University Malaysia) and Professor Ahimsa Campos-Arceiz (Principal Investigator, Megafauna Ecology and Conservation Research Group, Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden).Listen to our World Elephant Day Special on Bornean Elephants here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

They're small, elusive, and unlike any other elephants in the world, but many of us don't even realise that Bornean elephants are found only here, in the forests of northeastern Borneo. These gentle, intelligent creatures are not just rare, they're also in trouble. Habitat loss, human–elephant conflict, roads cutting through their range, and, more recently, signs of ivory poaching have all taken a toll on this endangered subspecies. In this World Elephant Day special, we're dedicating the show to learning more about these incredible animals, the threats they face, and the people working tirelessly to protect them. Joining us once again is wildlife biologist Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman, a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sabah and the founder of conservation NGO Seratu Aatai.Listen to our World Elephant Day special on Asian Elephants here.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Whether it's land development, conservation, or cultural survival, Indigenous peoples are often the last to be consulted, if at all. Yet they're also the ones with the most at stake. Free, Prior and Informed Consent, or FPIC, is meant to ensure that Indigenous communities have the right to say yes or no to decisions that affect their lands, resources, and ways of life. But how often is that right respected in practice? And what does meaningful consent really look like on the ground? Ahead of International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, we speak with three individuals working to uphold Indigenous rights through education, culture, and advocacy: Major Kalam Pie, an Orang Asli educator and co-founder of Jungle School Gombak, Sandra Trinata, a Bidayuh artisan and cultural advocate from Serikin, Sarawak, and Gabriel Hii, the co-chair of the Sarawak CSO-SDG Alliance.Image credit: Fartul Iqwan, Jungle School Gombak, Sandra TrinataSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia is among the top importers of plastic waste in the developing world, and plastic pollution is choking not just our landfills, but our rivers, seas, and communities. From ghost nets floating in our oceans to microplastics in our drinking water, plastic pollution is no longer just an environmental issue, it's a human health crisis and an economic threat. As governments meet to finalise a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty in Geneva this August, Malaysian civil society groups have issued a memorandum urging our leaders to take a stronger stand. We speak with Wong Pui Yi, a researcher from the Basel Action Network, and Rachel Thompson, the Manager of Scuba Junkie SEAS, about what's at stake in these treaty talks, and why it matters for everyday Malaysians.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to turn a tin mine into a rainforest, and then get the world to recognise it as a treasure worth protecting? That's exactly what Malaysia has achieved with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, or FRIM, which was just named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Joining us today to tell us more about this incredible journey is Encik Mahmudin Saleh, FRIM's Deputy Director General of Operations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Every month, we catch up with Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn, the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga, to chat about the biggest environmental news making waves in Malaysia. July gave us everything from new rules on plastic waste, to a major wildlife crime bust, to the return of that all-too-familiar haze. Yao Hua and Siew Lyn join us to share the 411.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nature Reads on Earth Matters is a show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore and café with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. This month, together with co-host Dylan Jefri Ong (co-founder, Sunda Shelves), we speak to Azamuddeen Nasir, a passionate nature communicator and PhD researcher at Monash University Malaysia. Known online as AnakUmiSukaHutan, Azam creates engaging Malay-language content about Malaysia's forests, wildlife, and lesser-known ecosystems like peat swamps, bringing science and conservation to life for a wider audience through humour, storytelling, and lived experience. He joins us to share some of his favourite nature reads.Books discussed during this episode:1. Fishes of Tasik Bera Pahang - Amirrudin b. Ahmad, Muhammad Fahmi-Ahmad, Mohd Aqmal-Naser, Syed Ahmad Rizal Tuan Nek, Zahar Azuar Zakaria, Mohd Ilham Norhakim Lokman, Muhammad Rasul Abdullah Halim, Intan Faraha A. Ghani, Md. Zain Khaironizam & Mohammad Noor Amal Azmai2. An Introduction to the Land Snails and Slugs of Malaysia – Thor-Seng Liew and Junn-Kitt Foon 3. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Thailand and South East Asia – Charles M. Francis 4. A Field Guide to the Reptiles of South East Asia – Indraneil Das 5. Butterflies of Peninsular Malaysia – Rosli Omar, Azidah Abdul Aziz, and Sofwan Badrud'din 6. A Handbook on the Peat Swamp Flora of Peninsular Malaysia – I. Faridah-Hanum, Shamsul Khamis, and Khali Aziz Hamzah7. A Field Guide to the Birds of Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore – Allen Jeyarajasingan 8. Ferns of Malaysia In Colour – A. G. Piggott 9. Handbook and National Red-List of the Freshwater Mussels of Malaysia – Alexandra Zieritz and Manuel Lopes-Lima 10. A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand – Merel J. Cox, Peter Paul Van Dijk, Jarujin Nabhitabatha, and Kumthorn Thirakh11. Fishes of the Freshwater Ecosystems of Peninsular Malaysia – Mohd Zakaria-Ismail, A. Fatimah, and M. Z. Khaironizam See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Malaysian Food Sovereignty Forum has raised the alarm over proposed changes to two key agricultural laws: the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act and the Plant Seed Quality Bill. These two important laws affecting agriculture are set for debate in Parliament, but are the right people being heard? The Malaysian Food Sovereignty Forum says no, pointing to a lack of engagement with farmers and civil society. We speak to FKMM Coordinator Nurfitri Amir Bin Muhammad about the implications of the proposed changes, and their call for greater transparency and consultation before any legislative changes move forward. Amir is also a paddy farmer himself, and the Secretary of Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia (PeSAWAH).Image Credit: Malaysian Food Sovereignty Forum's FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The world is trying to craft a legally binding treaty on plastic pollution, but not everyone agrees on what that should look like. As INC-5.2 negotiations resume in Geneva this August to hammer out The Global Plastics Treaty, deep divides remain over issues like plastic production, financing, and equity. Who's pulling the strings, what's stalling progress, and why does it matter for all of us? We speak to Arpita Bhagat (Plastic Policy Officer, GAIA Asia Pacific) and Rayhan Dudayev (Senior Regional Campaign Strategist (Legal & Political), Greenpeace Southeast Asia) to dive into the politics, power plays, and potential of the global plastics treaty.Image Credit: UNEP / CC BY-NC-SA 2.0See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melaka's coastline is facing a transformation of unprecedented scale. A massive land reclamation project spanning over 1,100 hectares is being proposed under the Straits of Melaka Waterfront Economic Zone (SM-WEZ), touted to bring billions in investment and thousands of jobs. But the push for development is being met with growing resistance. Environmentalists, fisherfolk, and local communities warn of devastating ecological and economic consequences, from the loss of vital turtle nesting sites to the worsening of flood risks. We speak with Martin Theseira, the Chairman of Save Our Seashores Melaka, and Frits van Walsem, the Director of Sail and Science Sdn. Bhd. to understand what's really at stake.Image Credit: Frits van Walsem / mataburung.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A quiet but crucial battle is playing out over something we often overlook - seeds. Proposed changes to Malaysia's Protection of New Plant Varieties Act could shift seed rights away from small farmers and into the hands of multinational companies. To help us understand what this means for farmers, food prices, and even our national seed sovereignty, we're joined by Chee Yoke Ling, the Executive Director of the Third World Network.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What do a mudflat at dawn, an endangered seahorse, and climate action have in common? More than you'd expect. We speak to Vincent Tan, who recently wrote about his journey to the Merambong seagrass meadow, and Wong Jieyi, a Project Manager from Save Our Seahorses, about how this tiny fish is anchoring big conversations around conservation, public participation, and sustainable development.Image Credit: Vincent Tan / MacarangaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two weeks of climate negotiations in Bonn have just wrapped up, and the road to COP30 in Brazil this November is looking anything but smooth. From delays in climate pledges to ongoing finance disputes and rising geopolitical tensions, the Bonn talks revealed more gaps than gains. To unpack what this means for developing countries and the prospects of limiting global warming to 1.5°C, we speak with Meenakshi Raman, the President of Sahabat Alam Malaysia and the Head of Programmes at the Third World Network, who attended the talks.Image Credit: UN Climate Change - Lara Murillo / FlickrSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's something magical about seeing fireflies, those tiny flashes of light that feel like nature's own fairy lights. But behind that glow is a much bigger story about healthy ecosystems, disappearing habitats, and what we stand to lose. World Firefly Day is just around the corner, and this year's theme is: Help Us Keep The Sparkles Alive! With a special focus on fireflies found right here in the city in Bukit Kiara, we explore these bioluminescent beetles and what they can teach us with three guests who work across education, science, and conservation - Dr Wan Faridah Akmal Jusoh (Co-Chair, IUCN Species Survival Commission – Firefly Specialist Group), Dr Nadiah Ahmad (lecturer, School of Pathways and Immersion, Monash University Malaysia) and Tan Boon Hua (Vice President, Friends of Bukit Kiara).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Macaranga Wrap-Up is our monthly segment where we take a step back and look at the top environmental news stories making headlines across Malaysia, with the help of environmental journalists and co-founders of Macaranga, Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn. June has been an interesting month, from a landmark global recognition for a forest reserve in Sabah, to a rare win for wildlife conservation in Sarawak involving a critically endangered langur, and also renewed efforts to clamp down on illegal e-waste in Malaysia. Yao Hua and Siew Lyn join us to unpack what these developments mean.Image Credit: Dr Ahmad Bin Ampeng / Mazidi Abd Ghani / WWF-Malaysia / ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's time for Nature Reads, a show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at Sunda Shelves, an independent bookstore and café with a passion for wild places and thoughtful reads. Together with co-host, Surin Suksuwan, (co-founder of Sunda Shelves) we are joined by Perpetua George, who has had a long career in conservation and sustainability, spanning work in forest conservation, sustainable production consulting, the FMCG industry, and oil palm plantations. She shares more about some literary works that have inspired her in her work.Books discussed during this episode:1. Rainforest Politics - Philip Hurst2. The Birds of Borneo - BE Smythies (revised by GWH Davison)3. A Dictionary of Malaysian Timbers - TM Wong4. The Orchid Thief - Susan Orlean5. Women & Plants: Gender Relations in Biodiversity Management & Conservation - Patricia L Howard (ed)6. Tescopoly - Andrew Simms7. A Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo - Junaidi Payne and Charles M Francis8. Common Commercial Timbers of Peninsular Malaysia - K.S. Gan and S.C. LimSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's a historic moment for gibbon conservation, and for Malaysia. For the first time ever, a North Bornean Gibbon has been born in a rehabilitation center, in Sabah. The baby, lovingly named Nabalu, is more than just a milestone, he's a symbol of resilience, recovery, and hope for a species that's long been overlooked. Joining us to share more about the years of work that made it possible is Mariani Ramli, the president and founder of the Gibbon Conservation Society.Image Credit: Gibbon Conservation SocietySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When we talk about climate solutions, we often focus on numbers, technologies, and laws. But what about stories, emotions, and imagination? Today on the show, we're talking about art and activism - or artivism - a creative, collaborative approach to reimagining our environmental future. Joining us to shed more light on this are Dr Thomas Smith, Dr Felicia Liu, and Jakob van Klang - academics, artists, and organisers behind a Malaysia-based initiative exploring how art can open hearts, minds, and maybe even doors to real-world change.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has seen its fair share of disasters - from flash floods to landslides and even the pipeline explosion in Shah Alam. These events are a stark reminder of how important disaster preparedness is, not just at the national level, but right down to the communities most affected. With the climate crisis increasing the risk of more frequent disasters, we're asking: what are Malaysians doing to prepare? We speak to three guests involved in building disaster resilience, from government coordination to community empowerment - Datin Azura Ibrahim, Tuan Mohd Faizal Bin Abd Hamid and Gabriel Hii - to understand what's being done, and what still needs to happen.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia has made big promises on climate — from net-zero by 2050 to supporting clean energy. But are we walking the talk? A just-released report from environmental think-tank RimbaWatch and independent research organisation the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) suggests otherwise, revealing that our fossil fuel plans could lock in emissions equivalent to those of India in a single year. We speak to Adam Farhan, the Director of RimbaWatch and a co-author of the report, about the contradictions in our energy strategy, and what policy change might look like.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When it comes to protecting Malaysia's natural heritage, sometimes it's the smallest creatures that spark the biggest movements. In Sungai Sepetang, fireflies are uniting communities, scientists, and storytellers alike. This was captured in Macaranga's latest publication, titled: It Takes a Village to Keep Fireflies Flashing. We chat with the article's writer Liani MK, and Sonny Wong, a member of the IUCN Firefly Specialist Group, who is also currently the Honorary Secretary of the Fireflyers International Network, about the fight to save these glowing wonders, and why local voices matter more than ever.Image Credit: Dr Wan FA Jusoh/ MacarangaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As urban areas expand and forests shrink, humans and macaques are increasingly crossing paths - but not always peacefully. What can we do to reduce negative interactions, and promote harmony with our wild neighbours? Dr Nadine Ruppert (Vice-President of the Malaysian Primatological Society, and an associate professor at the School of Biological Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia), Dr Sharmini Julita Paramasivam (veterinarian, Associate Professor at the University Of Surrey, and the Founder & Project Lead of The Animal Neighbours Project) and Dr Jo Leen Yap (wildlife researcher and Environmental Educator at Langur Project Penang) are all leading important work on the ground to foster co-existence, shift public perception, and protect both people and primates. They join us to share solutions and how we can co-exist with macaques, and why instead of fearing or fighting them, we must learn to live alongside them peacefully.Image Credit: Langur Project PenangSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The recent settlement between the Temoq Orang Asli and a major oil palm company is being called a breakthrough for indigenous land rights in Malaysia. But while it's a step forward in court, it's not the end of the story. What was gained, what was lost, and what's next? To help us unpack this complex case, we're joined by Dr Lim Teckwyn Lim, who was an environmental expert witness on the case, and Kamilia Rozlan, who was the community liason on the case.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been a busy month for environmental news in Malaysia, from courtrooms to highland roads and wildlife crossings. In this roundup with the co-founders of environmental journalism portal Macaranga - Law Yao Hua and Wong Siew Lyn - we're taking a closer look at three major stories that grabbed headlines in May: a key court decision involving Bukit Cherakah forest reserve, a controversial road project planned for Cameron Highlands, and the tragic death of an elephant calf that once again raises questions about human-wildlife conflict and habitat fragmentation. Image Credit: Shah Alam Community Forest Society, ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're kicking off a new series on Earth Matters, Nature Reads, a show where we explore the stories behind books that bring us closer to nature and the world around us. Every month, we team up with the good folks at independent bookstore Sunda Shelves, and in this first episode, we explore the storybook called Sen'oi Serog, published by the Tropical Rainforest Conservation & Research Centre. It's a rich, collaborative work inspired by the oral traditions and ecological wisdom of the Temiar people in the Belum-Temengor forest of Hulu Perak. Together with co-host Surin Suksuwan (biodiversity conservationist and co-founder, Sunda Shelves) we speak to Lucy Wong and Hairul Abdullah, both also biodiversity conservationists and the book's co-writers and producers. We'll talk about indigenous knowledge, forest taboos, fruiting seasons, and the deep relationship between people and place.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Otters are more than just cute faces, they are top predators in the wetland food chain and guardians of ecosystem balance. Ahead of World Otters Day, the Malaysia Otter Network and Rimbun Dahan are teaming up to shine a light on these remarkable mammals through a day of engaging activities for all ages. We speak with wildlife biologist Woo Chee Yoong and Rimbun Dahan's Bilqis Hijjas about the event and the broader mission to protect Malaysia's wetlands and their wild inhabitants.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2024, Malaysia experienced its most devastating coral bleaching event on record, with more than half of the country's corals turning ghostly white under extreme ocean heat. It was part of the fourth global coral bleaching event, a stark reminder of how climate change is rapidly reshaping our seas. To understand what this means for our reefs, marine life, and coastal communities, we speak with coral reef ecologists Sebastian Szereday (Co-founder, Coralku) and Alvin Chelliah (Chief Programme Officer, Reef Check Malaysia), two of the lead authors of a comprehensive new report documenting the impact, and what we can do about it. Image Credit: Coralku Solutions, Reef Check Malaysia See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Songbird competitions are a cherished tradition across Malaysia, but behind the melodic chirps and prized trophies lies a booming - and troubling - trade. Recent investigations have revealed how demand for birds like the Oriental Magpie-robin and Red-whiskered Bulbul is pushing wild populations to the brink, all while legal protections lag behind. All of this is covered in Macaranga's latest two-part series on songbirds, and we speak with the researchers and journalists behind this story - Low Choon Chyuan, independent journalist, Wong Siew Lyn, editor, Macaranga, Dato' Dr Amar Singh-HSS, editor, Malaysian Bird Report - to understand what's driving the craze, the costs to conservation, and what can be done before it's too late.Image Credit: Mukhriz Hazim | MacarangaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, but protecting its incredible wildlife is no easy task. Shavez Cheema, founder of 1StopBorneo Wildlife, has dedicated his life to doing just that, blending education, community work, and tourism to create real conservation impact. He joins us to talk about his work in conservation, his brand-new, free Borneo Nature Travel Guide, and why we need to rethink the way we approach nature tourism.Image Credit:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As biodiversity loss accelerates, there's a growing push to get financial institutions to take responsibility. In Malaysia, Bank Negara has announced plans to adopt nature-related risk assessments inspired by the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures or TNFD, which is a global initiative that provides a framework for companies and financial institutions to report and manage nature-related risks and impacts. But how effective — or even fair — is this framework? Shona Hawkes, a Senior Advisor on Finance at the Rainforest Action Network, joins us to explore why many environmental and rights groups are deeply concerned about the TFND, and why they believe its practices could open the door to more corporate greenwashing.Image Credit: Forests & Finance | YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's our fourth round-up of environmental news for 2025, with the good folks from environmental journalism portal Macaranga. Co-founders Wong Siew Lyn and Law Yao Hua join us to look back at news from April 2025, first focussing on the troubling news about beheadings of Bornean pygmy elephants in Sabah, and the possible reasons behind these gruesome killings. Next we dissect the dispute between YP Olio Sdn Bhd and the Temoq Orang Asli community in Pahang, which recently ended with what is being described as a "landmark settlement", though still at great expense for the community and nature. Finally, the first National Climate Change Action Council (NCCAC) meeting of 2025 was held last week, chaired by the Prime Minister - what were some of the outcomes of this high-level meeting? Yao Hua and Siew Lyn get us up to speed.Image Credit: Shutterstock, Center for Orang Asli Concerns (COAC) | FacebookSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gonggong, sea cucumbers, and carpet anemones—just some of the treasures gleaned from Johor's seagrass meadows. Seagrass meadows are often overlooked in conservation plans, yet for coastal communities in Johor, they're essential. In this second episode of our two-part series on seagrass, we want to explore the connection between seagrass meadows and small-scale fishing communities in Johor with Associate Professor Dr Jillian Ooi, a marine ecologist from the University of Malaya. Dr Jillian is the co-author of a study that explored the seagrass-gleaning activities of communities in the Sungai Johor estuary, with a focus on Kampung Perigi Acheh. She joins us to discuss how these underwater grasslands support food security, livelihoods, and culture, especially for women. Image Credit: Associate Professor Dr Jillian OoiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You've probably heard about saving coral reefs and planting mangroves, but what about seagrass? These underwater meadows are quietly holding up our coasts and climate, but we're losing them fast - at about two football fields every hour, globally. In the first of a two part series on seagrass, we speak to marine ecologist Associate Professor Dr. Jillian Ooi, to help us understand seagrass better, why protecting existing seagrass is far more effective than replanting, and what's at stake if we don't act now.Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malaysia's forests and ecosystems are critical to both our natural heritage and climate goals — and yet, managing them often falls to state governments with limited resources and incentives. That's where the Ecological Fiscal Transfer, or EFT, comes in: a federal funding mechanism designed to reward states for protecting their natural assets. But how well is it working, and what could make it stronger? To explore these questions, we speak to Samantha Ho, a regional correspondent with media company EcoBusiness, who recently co-authored a two-part series on EFTs for Macaranga, exploring how EFTs function on the ground. We also speak to environmental lawyer Preetha Sankar, who joins us to offer a legal perspective on how these funds could be better supported by policy and regulation. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.