Latest News: Timberland Malaysia Earth Day 2013

Leading The Way In Green Actions Again This Earth Day

Malaysian nature lovers will be pleased to know of the commitment that Timberland places in green efforts not just in other parts of the world, but also right here in Malaysia. Other than actively participating in Timberland tree planting efforts in the Horqin desert in Inner Mongolia, Timberland takes this initiative locally through its partnership with Global Environment Centre (GEC), specifically by 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 characterised 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 its unique environment, thus playing an important role in the conservation of biological diversity and storing freshwater resources. It also serves as carbon sink; able to sequester and store 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 two years since 2011, and in 2013, we will continue to contribute at least 1500 volunteer hours from Timberland staff and associates
as well as continue to commit to the two-year 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 to take protective action.”

"Environment conservation initiatives require not only funds, but also need people who are willing to get their hands dirty to do the 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.

Championing environmental causes has consistently remained as one of Timberland’s core Corporate Social Responsibility ideals. From production process to meeting 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 Programme

The Timberland Global Stewards are a team of 24 committed leaders from around the world who are tasked with maximising the positive impact Timberland makes in communities worldwide. The Global Stewards will serve as ambassadors of Timberland’s Corporate Social Responsibility platform and will provide leadership, motivation and drive towards specific goals.

About 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 organisation (Reg. No. 473058-T). GEC’s mission is to support the protection of the environment and sustainable use www.gec.org.my for more information.