Macaranga Wrap-up: May 2021

In this month's roundup of environmental news, we first discuss Penang's conflicting coastal conservation plans - on the one hand, they aim to gazette 428 ha of mangroves as forest reserves this year, but then, the state is also proposing to reclaim about 1800 hectares of land on its southern coast - a move widely criticised by conservationists. What gives? Next we will look at the news of a canine coronavirus, which has triggered unwarranted panic among Malaysians. The study on the matter suggested no human-to-human transmission, and couldn't tell if the virus caused disease. Instead of panicking over unsubstantiated concerns, we look at verified zoonotic threats that emerged from deforestation. Finally, it's World Environment Day in June, and the global theme is Ecosystem Restoration. Malaysia has launched its 100 Million Tree Planting Campaign. Why then the disconnect of continuing with deforestation plans, while planning to plant more trees? Joining us to discuss these issues are Wong Siew Lyn & Law Yao Hua, Co-Founders, Co-Editors and Writers, Macaranga.org.

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