A proposal for green philanthropy

READING the May 2020 edition of the National Geographic magazine, an article by David Quammen titled “A wild idea” caught my interest. The piece highlighted the conservation efforts of philanthropic American couple Kris and (the late) Doug Tompkins (died 2015), who would buy pockets of land in South America, specifically in the Chilean, Patagonian and Argentinian regions, and convert these areas into nature parks that they would then give back to the nations.

The couple founded Tompkins Conservation in the 2000s and it would eventually go on to fund more than 5,000,000ha of parkland that helped bring back previously endangered wildlife and provided ideal locations for biological research stations. With government cooperation, the endeavours have proven extremely successful over the past 25 years.

Philanthropy in Malaysia has always been in the public spotlight, with major political and public figures providing humanitarian relief to those in need. Even the general public steps up to help those stricken by natural disasters and poverty, including refugees. These are highly commendable acts that we should always support and applaud. However, I feel that charitable acts should include Malaysia’s natural environment as well.

As the Tompkins did, Malaysian philanthropists could purchase pockets of undeveloped land, convert them into parks and donate them to the local community, state or nation. The parks could serve many uses, as sanctuaries for endangered wildlife, water catchment areas, recreational areas or to further biological research. These parks should have government support and be gazetted such that they remain undeveloped and secured for future generations. In highly urbanised areas, these parks can offer vital stress relief from the concrete jungle.

In the face of development, conflict between land use and conservation is inevitable. However, it is important that everyone, especially future generations, has a chance to experience the fantastic biodiversity and natural environment that is unique to Malaysia. As an incentive to continue these efforts, philanthropists can be given tax relief or have their parks named after them. These parks would serve as their legacy even years after their death, prevailing as welcome green spaces amid development.

I hope local philanthropists will follow the excellent example of the Tompkins and do the same in Malaysia. It is never too late to start making a change for the better. As the Chinese proverb says: “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”