Public Programme: Engaging Communities in Forest Conservation
Community-Funded Initiative
Due to limited grants during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Trees for the Future public programme relied on in-kind support. Contributors included Rimbun Dahan private arts centre, Hin Bus Depot community art space, Factual TV Sdn Bhd, and public donors from Malaysia, Singapore, the USA, the UK, Ireland, and Switzerland.
Showcasing 12 Months of Reporting
This hybrid programme highlighted a year of reporting during the pandemic lockdown and Typhoon Rai’s aftermath. Events took place:
- Kuala Lumpur (March 19 – April 2, 2022) – In conjunction with International Day of Forests
- George Town, Penang (June 4 – 26, 2022) – Celebrating World Environment Day and World Rainforest Day
Programme Highlights
March/April: Kuala Lumpur (Hybrid Event)
- Guided walks through private arboretums (physical and virtual)
- Documentary premieres – Backyard Rainforests & Lak Wak Tu Neng (Tracking Love)
- Online Q&As on the Central Forest Spine and hornbills
- Photo exhibition featuring forest restoration efforts
June: Penang (On-Site Event)
- Photo exhibition showcasing Indigenous-led conservation
- Feature articles and documentaries on forest restoration
- Weekend activities:
- Talks on the Central Forest Spine and birdlife
- Orang Asli handicraft sales from Kampung Orang Asli Chuweh, Temenggor Forest Reserve
- Colouring contests for children and adults by Improving Connectivity of the Central Forest Spine
- Exhibition booths by Forestry Department of Peninsular Malaysia (IC-CFS) and the Malaysian Nature Society on Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex
Fundraising for Indigenous Conservation Efforts
Factual TV hosted an online Cloud Theatre screening (March 19–22) to raise funds for:
- Kampung Orang Asli Sungai Klewang Tree Nursery in Royal Belum State Park
- MNS Hornbill Conservation Project in Belum-Temenggor Forest Complex
- Indigenous photographers exhibition roadshow
This public programme connected communities with conservation, amplifying voices working to protect Malaysia’s forests.