Climate Adaptation and Nature-based Solutions: ESG BROADCAST shares key takeaways.
On February 7, 2026, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), Chery Corporate Malaysia, and the Malaysian Nature Society officially launched the “Cherish the Nature” project. This 18-month collaborative effort focuses on Mangrove Restoration along the North-central Selangor Coast. The launch ceremony took place at the Kuala Selangor Nature Park, bringing together over 200 representatives from government agencies, academic institutions, and local communities. This initiative represents a significant expansion of private-sector commitment to large-scale environmental protection and coastal resilience in Malaysia.
The project targets a 130-kilometer stretch of coastline that is internationally recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area. The North-central Selangor Coast provides a critical refuge for over 50,000 migratory shorebirds and unique species such as the Selangor silvered langur. However, rapid urban development, pollution, and illegal extraction have severely degraded these vital ecosystems in recent years. Mangrove Restoration has become a high priority to protect the natural habitats and the livelihoods of traditional fishing villages that depend on healthy marine resources.
Implementation strategies utilize science-backed tools provided by the IUCN to identify priority rehabilitation sites across the coastal landscape. Local communities will manage dedicated nurseries to nurture indigenous mangrove saplings before they are transplanted into degraded areas. The project aims to restore at least six hectares of forest by blending technical scientific expertise with traditional ecological knowledge. Following the planting phase, the partners will conduct rigorous monitoring to ensure the optimal growth of the saplings and track measurable ecological gains over the 18-month period.
A unique component of this initiative is the direct involvement of the public and corporate stakeholders in field conservation activities. Members of Chery’s vehicle owner groups, including the WCWL and the J-Club, participated in citizen science assessments and planting sessions during the launch. These activities raise awareness about the importance of community-led conservation efforts and shared environmental responsibility. The project also incorporates extensive educational programs for local schools and Indigenous Peoples to foster a long-term culture of environmental stewardship across the region.
This collaboration aligns with Malaysia’s national commitments under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. Specifically, it contributes to the global “30×30” target, which aims to protect 30 percent of the earth’s land and sea by 2030. The project integrates Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures to create contiguous linkages between coastal mangroves and other biodiversity-rich landscapes. By securing these habitats, the partners are strengthening the national capacity for Mangrove Restoration and enhanced carbon sequestration to meet international climate goals.
Strategic significance lies in the scaling of private-sector-led biodiversity investments that utilize standardized scientific frameworks for measurable impact. For the automotive industry, this partnership sets a precedent for integrating ecological restoration into corporate sustainability strategies beyond simple carbon offsetting. The focus on local community empowerment ensures that environmental gains are paired with social resilience and livelihood protection. Ultimately, this collaborative model demonstrates how international organizations and local societies can successfully partner with global corporations to achieve ambitious national conservation targets.
Image Credit: IUCN Asia
