2009 Green Month 2009 on Langkawi Island

It requires a good understanding of the environmental problems ahead, and the sacrifices that need to be made, in order to make Malaysia and Langkawi two of the greenest parts of the world. Actions though rather than words are important in the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference Copenhagen 2009 to be held in Sweden in December.

Langkawi Island was recently the host for ‘Green Month 2009’, the ‘Save Our Earth’ campaign and several other conservation awareness efforts. Among the more important events during the month-long celebration was the ‘human signage’ at Pantai Cenang that involved YB Datuk Nor Azmal Mohd Nazir, Deputy Secretary for the Ministry of Energy, Green Technology and Water, Malaysia’s popular singer, Zainal Abidin and some 4,000 students from 23 schools primary and secondary schools in Langkawi. A recycled musical instrument workshop conducted by Zainal Abidin was another highlight of the Langkawi event.

The human sign read ‘Climate Change – 1 Malaysia Langkawi – Save Our Earth’ and all those who gathered spent hours forming the lettering to show their commitment to the need for climate change not only on an island such as Langkawi but all over world.

One of the convenors of ‘Green Month 2009’, Mr. Anthony Wong Group Managing Director of AOS Conventions & Events and part owner of Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa said, “As we race against time, we need to stop and realise that environmental conservation is ongoing. With the lead up to the United Nations Climate Change Conference we all need to make a commitment to conserve the environment for current and future generations.”

“The Earth desperately needs our stewardship as our future is dependent upon how we manage resources such as water and energy and how we deal with wastes.”

The main objectives of ‘Green Month 2009’ and ‘Save Our Earth’ were to identify measures to reduce wastes, to increase environmental awareness and, to have the community participate in conserving Langkawi’s valuable tourism assets.

These ‘Green Month 2009’ activities were not-for-profit as all contributions are to be channelled to the ‘Save Our Earth Fund’ which has been established to assist environmental non-governmental bodies and universities in conducting environmental research and implementing sustainable projects.

Based on the 4R green principles of reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink, Malaysians can make a valuable contribution to environmental protection. The Frangipani Langkawi Resort & Spa has championed more than 100 ways to reduce environmental impacts upon the environment. These include recycling materials, rainwater harvesting, producing compost fertiliser for landscaping and establishing local community participation in organic farming.

All these activities are directed to finding a solution that makes a positive environmental impact in order to overcome climate change issues and economic challenges.