Dato’ Azmir Merican
Group Managing Director, Sime Darby Property
As a responsible property developer, Sime Darby Property (SDP) considers the effect its business has on the world and ensures that what it does creates a positive impact on the environment and generates better outcomes for society.
For one, the Company is sowing the seeds for a greener future by educating the communities that reside within its developments. Beyond just planting trees and adopting green technology, SDP is extending its reach by organising a multitude of nature programmes.
Its township of City of Elmina epitomises urban biodiversity with the Elmina Living Collection Nursery (ELCN) and Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre (ERKC).
Spanning 6,500 acres, City of Elmina is located right next to the 2,700-acre Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve, with fragmented green patches which SDP intends to reconnect to form a 5km biological corridor.
Creating a generation of eco-conscious citizens
Dato’ Azmir Merican
Group Managing Director, Sime Darby Property
SDP recognises the need to form a stronger bond between communities and nature, and this is exemplified in the company’s biodiversity conservation efforts at the City of Elmina.
Operating from the ERKC, the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC) has successfully engaged over 13,000 people for educational nature tours, outdoor classrooms and community programmes via the community interest group, Friends of ERKC.
Here’s a look back at Friends of ERKC’s initiatives since 2022
Discover the stories shared by our Friends of ERKC
Biodiversity Corridor
One of these is to identify priority areas that require ecological connectivity that allows wildlife to traverse freely and safely across different habitat patches to coexist harmoniously within urban surroundings.
The Elmina Urban Biodiversity Corridor will be an important green spine that interconnects six park precincts all within the Elmina Central Park allowing fragmented areas to become an integrated system of wildlife refugia instead. The riverside buffers of Sungai Subang, which flows across the City of Elmina, will act as a linear connector.
Biodiversity Corridor
One of these is to identify priority areas that require ecological connectivity that allows wildlife to traverse freely and safely across different habitat patches to coexist harmoniously within urban surroundings.
The Elmina Urban Biodiversity Corridor will be an important green spine that interconnects six park precincts all within the Elmina Central Park allowing fragmented areas to become an integrated system of wildlife refugia instead. The riverside buffers of Sungai Subang, which flows across the City of Elmina, will act as a linear connector.
The corridor itself will encourage perpetuation of flora and fauna, including 88 different species of birds that call the City of Elmina their home, to flourish naturally.
It would also reduce human-wildlife conflicts in the township as it provides a safer passage for wildlife to expand their population, or forage into new areas without the need to pass by residential areas.
5km
Elmina Urban
Biodiversity Corridor
73
Birds
5
Reptiles
10
Mammals
Total trees planted in Elmina to-date
10,266 trees
Source: based on Biodiversity Survey conducted by TRCRC in the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve and surrounding areas, Year 2022
The corridor itself will encourage perpetuation of flora and fauna, including 88 different species of birds that call the City of Elmina their home, to flourish naturally.
It would also reduce human-wildlife conflicts in the township as it provides a safer passage for wildlife to expand their population, or forage into new areas without the need to pass by residential areas.
5km
Elmina Urban
Biodiversity Corridor
73
Birds
5
Reptiles
10
Mammals
Total trees planted in Elmina to-date
10,266 trees
Source: based on Biodiversity Survey conducted by TRCRC in the Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve and surrounding areas, Year 2022
Extending the Forest Reserve into Urban Fabric
The Birth of the 300-acre Elmina Central Park
Forest Park (84 Acres)
A vast terraced parkland that preserves and extends the beauty of 2,700-acre Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve. The park allows various birds, mammals and insects to enjoy green spaces similar to the adjacent forest environment. The park is amplified to cater to elderly with wheelchairs and families with strollers to enjoy the wide pedestrian paths under the cool shade.
1Promenade
2Retail and Park Management Office
3Camp Site
4Forest Pavilion & Cafe
5Forest Boardwalk
6Food Truck Plaza
7Forest Walk
8Camp Site Store and Stalls
9Visitor Carpark
10Thematic Walk
11Kite Playing Park/Picnic Lawn
12Fern Terrace
13Bicycle Trail
14Bathing Zone
Arts & Cultural Park (37 Acres)
The establishment of the first and only Art & Cultural Park in the vibrant City of Elmina and in Malaysia: setting a new standard for cultural enrichment in Malaysia. This unique destination will be a celebration of diversity, creativity, and heritage, providing a dynamic space where art, history, and culture converge to inspire and unite our community.
1Riverfront Retails & F&B
2Signature Pavillion
3Food Truck Plaza
4Amphitheathre
5Event Lawn
6Promenade
7Outdoor Cinema
8Terrace Garden
9Sound Garden
10Playpark
11Flower Terrace
12Connecting Bridge
13Visitor Carpark
Urban Park (35 Acres)
Integrating variety of spaces from Elmina Lakeside Mall, Elmina City Centre and Urban Park, making it accessible and inviting for recreational opportunities with friends and families.
1Elmina Landing Plaza
2“The Tapak” Foodtruck Plaza
3Kiosk and F&B Dining
4Elmina Promenade
5The Park Management Office and Elmina Sports Center
6Arena Football Field
7“Harimau Malaya†Play Structure
8Elmina Waterfall connecting with The Island Cafe
9Dragon Bridge “Stairway To Heavenâ€
10The Origami Pavilion
Community Park (36 Acres)
The first out of 5 precinct parks that was completed to encourage community gatherings and spirit of wellness. This is invoked through morning and evening group recreational activities, children playdates and community gardening.
1Community Clubhouse
2Urban Farming
3Durian Orchard
4Visitor Carpark
5Iconic Bridge
6Open Plaza
7Open Field
8Weir Crossing
9Island Pavilion
10Family Lawn
11Riverside Lawn
12Sport Pitch
13Multipurpose Court
14Pond
15Skyview
16View Deck Platform
17Terrace Step Plaza
18Terrace Plaza
19Inclusive Playground
20Terrace Seating
21Picnic Lawn
22Waterside Terrace
23Pedestrian Bridge
24Community Garden
25Petzone
26Amphitheathre Hill
27Outdoor Performance Stage
28Elmina Branding Signage
29Mounding Hill
30Amphitheatre
Sports Park (84 Acres)
A future sports hub that is the heart and soul of communities who enjoy running and cycling as individuals or groups. Adrenaline seekers will definitely want to watch this space for its upcoming amenities.
• Food Truck
• Kayak Rental
• Badminton Court
• Bicycle Rental
• Paintball
• Velodrome
• Driving Range
• Playground
• Table Tennis Area
• Kite Flying
• Yoga
• Pump Track
• Fitness Station
• Public Football Field
• Futsal Court
Wildlife Park (84 Acres)
The Wildlife Park is the green lung of Elmina East which connects the trail of the Elmina Biodiversity Corridor and allows wildlife to traverse freely. Bird watchers will definitely enjoy the diverse bird species and wildlife here from our bird-nest watch towers.
• Origami Pavilion Cafe
• Iconic Archway
• Iconic Snail Shelter
• Sg. Subang Terrace Seating
• Park Office
• Train Rental
• Gathering Plaza
• Mountain Bike Area
• Wetland Pond
Forest Park (84 Acres)
A vast terraced parkland that preserves and extends the beauty of 2,700-acre Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve. The park allows various birds, mammals and insects to enjoy green spaces similar to the adjacent forest environment. The park is amplified to cater to elderly with wheelchairs and families with strollers to enjoy the wide pedestrian paths under the cool shade.
1Promenade
2Retail and Park Management Office
3Camp Site
4Forest Pavilion & Cafe
5Forest Boardwalk
6Food Truck Plaza
7Forest Walk
8Camp Site Store and Stalls
9Visitor Carpark
10Thematic Walk
11Kite Playing Park/Picnic Lawn
12Fern Terrace
13Bicycle Trail
14Bathing Zone
Arts & Cultural Park (37 Acres)
The establishment of the first and only Art & Cultural Park in the vibrant City of Elmina and in Malaysia: setting a new standard for cultural enrichment in Malaysia. This unique destination will be a celebration of diversity, creativity, and heritage, providing a dynamic space where art, history, and culture converge to inspire and unite our community.
Urban Park (35 Acres)
Integrating variety of spaces from Elmina Lakeside Mall, Elmina City Centre and Urban Park, making it accessible and inviting for recreational opportunities with friends and families.
Community Park (36 Acres)
The first out of 5 precinct parks that was completed to encourage community gatherings and spirit of wellness. This is invoked through morning and evening group recreational activities, children playdates and community gardening.
Sports Park (84 Acres)
A future sports hub that is the heart and soul of communities who enjoy running and cycling as individuals or groups. Adrenaline seekers will definitely want to watch this space for its upcoming amenities.
Wildlife Park (84 Acres)
The Wildlife Park is the green lung of Elmina East which connects the trail of the Elmina Biodiversity Corridor and allows wildlife to traverse freely. Bird watchers will definitely enjoy the diverse bird species and wildlife here from our bird-nest watch towers.
Forest Park (84 Acres)
A vast terraced parkland that preserves and extends the beauty of 2,700-acre Bukit Cherakah Forest Reserve. The park allows various birds, mammals and insects to enjoy green spaces similar to the adjacent forest environment. The park is amplified to cater to elderly with wheelchairs and families with strollers to enjoy the wide pedestrian paths under the cool shade.
1Promenade
2Retail and Park Management Office
3Camp Site
4Forest Pavilion & Cafe
5Forest Boardwalk
6Food Truck Plaza
7Forest Walk
8Camp Site Store and Stalls
9Visitor Carpark
10Thematic Walk
11Kite Playing Park/Picnic Lawn
12Fern Terrace
13Bicycle Trail
14Bathing Zone
Arts & Cultural Park (37 Acres)
The establishment of the first and only Art & Cultural Park in the vibrant City of Elmina and in Malaysia: setting a new standard for cultural enrichment in Malaysia. This unique destination will be a celebration of diversity, creativity, and heritage, providing a dynamic space where art, history, and culture converge to inspire and unite our community.
Urban Park (35 Acres)
Integrating variety of spaces from Elmina Lakeside Mall, Elmina City Centre and Urban Park, making it accessible and inviting for recreational opportunities with friends and families.
Community Park (36 Acres)
The first out of 5 precinct parks that was completed to encourage community gatherings and spirit of wellness. This is invoked through morning and evening group recreational activities, children playdates and community gardening.
Sports Park (84 Acres)
A future sports hub that is the heart and soul of communities who enjoy running and cycling as individuals or groups. Adrenaline seekers will definitely want to watch this space for its upcoming amenities.
Wildlife Park (84 Acres)
The Wildlife Park is the green lung of Elmina East which connects the trail of the Elmina Biodiversity Corridor and allows wildlife to traverse freely. Bird watchers will definitely enjoy the diverse bird species and wildlife here from our bird-nest watch towers.
The establishment of a well-connected urban ecosystem plays a pivotal role in elevating the overall integrity of the environment and a multitude of other invaluable services.
The Scarlet-backed Flowerpecker (Dicaeum cruentatum) is one of the many bird species found at the City of Elmina.
03
Good biodiversity practices
SDP’s good biodiversity practices start with a strategic ambition that is translated onto its landscape plan, to foster a functional ecosystem within the township as it is developed. The company practises multi-species planting to boost flora diversity, which further provides a variety resources for a diverse urban wildlife, such as birds and insects, creating a safe environment and a thriving habitat.
The wildlife will then support other ecosystem services including pollination, seed dispersal; while acting as a biological control agent in an urban environment. By focusing on the aesthetics and monoculture species that ensures uniformity, planting diverse species of native trees also helps combat heat-island effects better (high temperatures in urban spaces), and further acts as a mitigation strategy against climate change impacts.
In order to monitor ecosystem benefits sustained by the green areas within the urban landscape, SDP has conducted biodiversity inventories within the City of Elmina in collaboration with the Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre (TRCRC). The company has published the “Malaysian Threatened and Rare Tree Identification and Landscape Guideline†and prepared (unpublished) a “Wetlands Construction and Maintenance Guideline†for adoption and implementation to ensure good biodiversity practices across its developments.
03
Good biodiversity practices
04
A dedicated rainforest, research and conservation centre
05
Strategic partnership with an NGO specialising in conservation
06
Continuous community engagement and education
SDP was named the Winner in the FIABCI Malaysia Property Awards 2023 in the Environmental Category, for its urban biodiversity conservation efforts at Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre.
Dato’ Azmir Merican Group Managing Director, Sime Darby Property
The Elmina Rainforest Knowledge Centre continuously welcomes partners, collaborators, volunteers and change-makers to join our journey in enhancing and propagating urban biodiversity.
The collaborative partnership
SDP partnered up with TRCRC, a leading non-profit and industry expert on tropical rainforest conservation and ecology. TRCRC has a successful track record on conservation action, leading landscape-wide protection and restoration projects throughout the country. It is an internationally recognised organisation working on safeguarding Malaysia’s rainforest. TRCRC believes in working on the ground in order to address the critical rate of biodiversity loss – one of the most pressing issues facing today’s society.
Long-term partnerships strengthen the means of implementing more meaningful commitments to ecologically sound sustainability practices. The collaborative partnership, that places the environment at the core, highlights both organisation’s shared values in the conservation of biodiversity.
The collaborative partnership
Dr. Dzaeman Dzulkifli
Executive Director, Tropical Rainforest Conservation and Research Centre
TRCRC is dedicated to community-powered conservation and has been running public outreach programmes at the ERKC, with funding from SDP’s philanthropic arm, Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD). With long-term support from YSD, TRCRC has rehabilitated, restored and enriched around 45 hectares of degraded ecosystems across the country.
YSD has committed to helping TRCRC build up the capacity to not only carry out conservation and restoration work, but also to conduct knowledge transfer and knowledge sharing with other stakeholders to ensure that more individuals and organisations can effectively conduct restoration programmes of their own.
A Conservation Haven,
In The Making
Today, TRCRC has successfully propagated a total of 187 species of plants at ELCN, including over 35,000 seeds sowed and more than 10,000 tree saplings stored in its holding area. TRCRC’s conservation efforts at the ELCN underpin an essential step in maintaining green landscapes in the future.
The City of Elmina aims to plant a total of 210,000 trees throughout the township by 2040, with 10% or 21,000 of them being IUCN trees. To date, the township has successfully planted over 41,000 trees including 5,691 IUCN trees.
Across all its townships, SDP has planted over 116,000 trees within the past decade to help mitigate the effects of climate change and biodiversity loss. Based on an estimate going back as far as 1972 when the company’s first township was being developed, the number of trees planted could reach as high as half a million trees.
Dato’ Azmir Merican
Group Managing Director, Sime Darby Property
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