Forests are home to more than half of the world’s land-based species, they support the livelihoods of over 1 billion people and are rich carbon sinks. Borneo is the third largest island in the world and the landscape is considered a global biodiversity hotspot hosting an array of species such as orangutans, elephants and proboscis monkeys. Unfortunately, this has also made it a major hotspot for deforestation and degradation. In Sarawak, Borneo, only an estimated 2,500 critically endangered orangutans remain and they are largely restricted to lowland forests or peat swamps.
In support of Cotton On’s global goal to plant 1 million trees, WWF-Singapore and Cotton On Foundation (COF) have joined forces to safeguard forest landscapes, protect wildlife and develop sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities in Sarawak.
The partnership supports the planting of over 100,000 trees to achieve the following objectives
Habitat loss and fragmentation is a key threat for wildlife living within the landscape. The partnership supports the creation of a wildlife corridor connecting the Ulu Sebuyau National Park and Gunung Lesong National Park. The wildlife corridor spanning 398 ha will be secured and deemed a protected landscape. Restoration activities covering 120 ha will take place within the wildlife corridor to expand and improve connectivity for wildlife, allowing them to move inland and escape impacts of climate change such as sea level rise.
People are at the heart of a sustainable future. To help improve livelihoods for the local communities, the partnership funds the implementation of agroforestry over 790 ha of community lands. This sustainable agriculture approach will support the planting of native trees such as Figs and Durians that have ecological and economic benefits. Apart from use for personal consumption, the sale of produce from the trees will also provide an alternative channel of income for local farmers.
In addition, programmes to build capacity within the communities will be conducted to educate locals on how to improve income options without compromising environmental conservation values.
Despite its small size as a city-state, Singapore hosts a diverse range of habitats and rich biodiversity. The island nation, strategically located at the crossroads of Southeast Asia, has a unique blend of urban landscapes, nature reserves, and coastal ecosystems. Â
Building upon the success of the Sarawak programmes, Cotton On Foundation also supports the implementation of outreach activities within Singapore. They are curated with the aim to educate participants on nature and biodiversity, by allowing participants to immerse themselves in the natural spaces within the heart of Singapore. With this, we can forge a greater connection between humans and nature, and inspire action towards preserving our fragile ecosystems.Â
As of January 2024, a total of 10 outreach activities have been conducted including tree planting sessions, guided nature walks and Photography In Nature (PINS) sessions. These sessions were held in various locations across Singapore and engaged a total of 178 participants.
If you’re interested in exploring a similar partnership with WWF, contact:
Mayj C. Tolentino
Director of Growth and Partnerships
E-mail: mtolentino@wwf.sg
+65 6730 8100
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