Although news of the pandemic dominates our lives, we are mindful that the loss of biodiversity and degradation of natural ecosystems is still the most significant threat to humanity and our planet. Only with healthy ecosystems can we enhance people’s livelihoods, counteract climate change, and stop the collapse of biodiversity. For this reason, The Habitat Foundation is answering the rallying call of The UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration for the protection and revival of ecosystems. We are standing firm in our commitment to support research & conservation, strategic collaborations, training and capacity building, and education and community programmes.
Today, we are pleased to announce the recipients of THF Grants for 2021. These grants will augment our thematic focus on advancing new approaches to habitat restoration, and nurturing the inclusion of local people in effective protected area management.
We continue to push into new knowledge frontiers to better understand the ecosystem services provided by biodiversity, and to understand the true impact of plastics on nature, and ultimately, public health. THF is continuing to invest in understanding the biodiversity and ecology of the rainforest of proposed Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve to further demonstrate its value as a site for nature and sustainability research as a part of the UNESCO Man & the Biosphere Network, and to create opportunities for training in conjunction with local tertiary institutions and government partners.
This year, we introduce our new small grants for Sustainable Tourism, which recognise the close links between ecotourism and conservation, and the value of enhancing the meaningful participation of the local community. We look forward to working with all our grant recipients and to sharing their impact with you over the coming year.
Conservation Grant
Research Grants
Sustainable Tourism Grant
Thank you for your support of The Habitat Penang Hill and The Habitat Foundation. We are committed to ensuring that all our efforts are going toward making a difference!
2021 THF GRANT RECIPIENTS
Ecosystem Services Provided by Bats in Ricefields
The study to be undertaken Dr Nurul ‘Ain of the School of Biological Sciences, USM focusses on the insectivorous bats of the Gunung Keriang area of Kedah. It aims to ascertain whether the insectivorous bats which roost in the nearby limestones caves are consuming species that are known to be pests in rice fields. The research is expected to provide conclusive scientific evidence that bats do provide essential ecosystem services in Malaysian rice agriculture.
Investing in building local capacity for Sustainable Tourism
The Habitat Foundation Sustainable Tourism Grants have been created to strengthen the links between ecotourism and conservation. It is no surprise, therefore, that two of these grants are investing in capacity building for local communities. The grants will facilitate training to enable local people to be stewards and guides to natural attractions and equip individuals and community organizations to play an effective role in conservation by safeguarding fragile sites and vulnerable ecosystems.
Hornbills and Orang Asli Communities – farmers of the forest
The Habitat Foundation is proud to provide a grant to the Malaysian Nature Society towards implementing a pilot initiative under its longstanding Hornbill Conservation Project to develop a community nursery that stocks hornbill (and other wildlife) resource plants and trees. The nurseries will be developed with Orang Asli from Kampung Chuweh in the Belum-Temengor Forest Complex.
Advancing research in the proposed Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve
The forests of Penang Hill offer exceptional opportunities for ecosystem and sustainability studies. Here you will find an unbroken swathe of pristine yet accessible ecosystems from hill and lower montane forest, to coastal mangroves and lowland forest, contained within Penang National Park. In 2021, we are continuing to provide Research Grants that would firmly establish the proposed Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve as an international centre for rainforest research & teaching.
Microplastic Loads in Fish and Invertebrates in Malaysian Rivers
This research grant will support researchers from University of Nottingham, Malaysia to evaluate the presence and impact of microplastics in our river ecosystems. The lead researcher is Dr Christopher Gibbins, a Professor of Hydro-ecology and sustainable river management at the School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia. This study examines the impact of microplastics on living creatures, ecosystems and human health. The study will be implemented with colleagues from Nottingham as well as undergraduate students and one PhD student.
Empowering the next generation of community leaders
It is no mistake that two of the 2021 Sustainable Tourism Grants are to empower initiatives being spearheaded by young people who are conservation leaders and represent the next generation of decision makers. Giving them the exposure, skills and encouragement they need now will help them demonstrate their capabilities and lay the foundation for future impact. We are delighted to be working with Kelab Alami Mukim Tanjung Kupang in Johor, and the new Rapid Response Conservation Unit of Fuze Ecoteer in the Perhentian Islands of Terengganu.
