Forest City's Symbiotic Journey with Nature: Passionate about Construction, Committed to Conser

International developer Country Garden Pacificview Sdn Bhd (CGPV) is dedicated to maintaining an ecological equilibrium between infrastructure development and environmental sustainability within Forest City's development area. Upholding this commitment, since 2015 CGPV has forged a strategic partnership with researchers from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), especially in protecting the seagrass ecosystems in the vicinity.

The 26.3-hectare seagrass area, known as Merambong Shoal, stands as the largest seagrass meadow on the Malaysian peninsula. Professor Muta Harah Zakaria from UPM’s Faculty of Agriculture, Aquaculture Department, shares that Merambong Shoal is not only a haven for seagrass flora but also boasts a diverse range of unique fauna.

This seagrass habitat, home to twelve different species, also provides a feeding ground and sanctuary for over a hundred other marine species. "17 types of seagrass have been discovered around Malaysia’s waters, and with the collaborative protection efforts of Forest City and UPM, the varieties thriving in Merambong Shoal have increased from eight to twelve," she reports.

Professor Muta Harah, the leader of the Merambong Shoal Seagrass Cultivation and Restoration Project, commends CGPV’s commitment. "Initially, the shoal area was slightly affected, but since our collaboration began, we have incrementally restored Merambong Shoal's expanse from 2015 onwards.”

The harmonious coexistence of Forest City and Merambong Shoal is a testament to the fact that modern infrastructure development can proceed in tandem with sustainable environmental growth. To raise awareness of seagrass conservation's importance, Forest City organized a visit to the seagrass protection area on the morning of March 15th. Since launching its environmental initiatives in 2019, Forest City has continued to build a diverse platform for ecological discourse among neighboring institutions, residents, local communities, and environmental volunteers.

Moving forward, with the Special Financial Zone's planning, Forest City will keep seeking a harmonious balance between urban development and ecological conservation. Future efforts will include integrating sustainability standards and metrics, prompting both Forest City and investors to prioritize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, thereby enhancing the Special Financial Zone's sustainability.

Indeed, throughout its construction, Forest City has remained vigilant in its dedication to the protection and restoration of the natural environment. The city leveraged its technological resources to establish a 417-acre Industrialised Building System (IBS) park, promoting green construction practices.

Moreover, Forest City has embraced eco-friendly principles to construct a "Sponge City." To date, Forest City has completed five sewage treatment plants with a capacity for 170,400 population equivalent, an achievement that earned the 2020 Asian Urban Landscape Award.

Since 2014, Forest City has collaborated with professional environmental consultants AES, hydrological consultants DHI, and UPM, among other research institutions, to monitor the surrounding natural ecosystem, hydrology, and seagrass ecology continuously, enhancing the maritime environment.

Forest City also proactively implements a comprehensive mangrove conservation scheme, conducting protection and regular monitoring studies with professional teams and establishing a mangrove guard unit for periodic patrols.

In 2019, Forest City launched the “Love Nature, Love Forest City” – “GO GREEN” campaign for residents and staff. This initiative unites Forest City employees, residents, indigenous peoples, NGO organizations, and nearby educational institutions around the spirit of environmental protection, fostering a culture of ecological conservation.

Forest City is constructing its own ecological museum through numerous environmental programs and measures, striving for a perfect alignment between the ecosystem and urban development. It aims to restore and establish new ecologies for seagrass and mangroves, ensuring species diversity, and continues to carry out biological monitoring activities.

In urban development, Forest City encourages low-carbon travel for staff and residents, advances island-wide greening, and utilizes existing facilities to desalinate seawater. These efforts will persist and improve to keep the ocean waters pristine.

Contributing to environmental protection is an ongoing endeavor. Forest City persistently hones its commitment to ecological preservation, ensuring that every owner and citizen experiences the beauty of clear skies, blue seas, and swaying coconut palms. Forest City remains a constant steward of the environment.