Serdang, 22 July 2023 - The 2023 ASEAN Sustainable Development Workshop was organized by Sunway Univeristy in Kuala Lumpur. This workshop, held at Sunway University in Kuala Lumpur on 21-22 July 2023, resumes the strengthening of ASEAN regional partnerships in sustainable development, a process that has been delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. As we approach the midpoint of the global UN Agenda for Sustainable Development 2030, Professor Jeffrey Sachs, President of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), has devised a brainstorming program that will empower participants with ideas to accelerate progress on the SDGs and climate action to make up for lost time in the past three years. The workshop is expected to update and confirm national strategies for the SDGs ahead of the 2023 SDG Summit and the 2024 Summit for the future. Director of INTROP, Prof. Ts. Dr Khalina Abdan attended this workshop and shared the aspirations of INTROP's direction which is in line with the wishes of the international agenda in preserving agricultural and forestry practices in Malaysia.

She shared about agroforestry and riparian conservation initiatives in Malaysia, especially in the ecologically important Borneo region, which offer sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges. Agroforestry integrates trees with crops, providing smallholders with economic diversification and increasing soil productivity while conserving natural resources and improving soil health. This approach also helps wildlife conservation by creating habitat corridors and connecting fragmented forests, ensuring the survival of endangered species. In addition, riparian conservation protects clean water resources and aquatic ecosystems by preserving buffer zones along river banks. By using native forest plantation species, Malaysia ensures the harmony of the ecosystem with its environment. Adopting these nature-based practices demonstrates the country's commitment to sustainable development and the preservation of priceless biodiversity.

Date of Input: 24/07/2023 | Updated: 24/07/2023 | norfaryanti