MALAYSIA’S AMBASSADOR PROMOTES COMMUNITY-LED CONSERVATION AT ASIAN MAYORS FORUM IN IRAN

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Malaysia’s Ambassador to Iran, Khairi Omar on Thursday highlighted the importance of participatory conservation in addressing global environmental challenges, drawing on Malaysia’s successful conservation models.

Speaking at the Asian Mayors Forum in Khorramabad, Iran, the ambassador detailed the concept of participatory conservation, an approach that involves local communities in the management and protection of their natural resources.

Citing Cameron Highlands as an exemplary model of participatory conservation, he said community engagement has led to successful conservation efforts, including combating deforestation, promoting sustainable land use, and preserving water sources, benefitting both the local population and surrounding ecosystems.

Drawing parallels between Cameron Highlands and Khorramabad, Khairi noted that both regions are endowed with abundant natural resources, including mountains, forests, and water bodies. 

“Khorramabad, much like Cameron Highlands, faces environmental challenges such as deforestation, soil erosion, and water scarcity. 

“These challenges present opportunities for local communities to adopt participatory conservation methods that can effectively address the region’s environmental issues,” he said.

He said by engaging local farmers, indigenous communities, and stakeholders, Khorramabad can also adopt participatory conservation methods to protect its ecosystems and ensure the sustainability of its natural resources. 

"For both Malaysia and Iran, empowering communities to manage natural resources is essential to long-term environmental sustainability,” he said.

“Malaysia’s experience with participatory conservation provides valuable lessons that Khorramabad can adapt to its unique context.

“By engaging local communities, fostering international cooperation, and implementing educational programmes, both regions can work together to protect their natural resources and mitigate the impacts of climate change,” he said. 

Khairi also stressed on the importance of international cooperation and public-private partnerships in addressing environmental challenges. 

He pointed to Malaysia’s participation in global conservation efforts through initiatives like the ASEAN environment framework and partnerships with the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as well as the country’s focus on climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable forestry, and eco-friendly urban planning as strategies to mitigate climate impacts.

He also discussed Malaysia’s success in promoting environmental education through programmes like the Eco-Schools initiative, which encourages youth to engage in sustainability projects. 

The ambassador reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to supporting Iran in addressing its ecological challenges while strengthening ties between the two nations. 

He called for a shared vision for sustainable resource management and urged all stakeholders—governments, local communities, businesses, and individuals - to actively participate in conservation efforts.

"The success of participatory conservation depends on the active involvement of all stakeholders. Let us commit to working together, leveraging our shared experiences and expertise to build a more sustainable and resilient future,"

-- BERNAMA