Gamuda Parks aims to create a space where township residents and nature can co-exist harmoniously in the same habitat. Actual photo: Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands

As one of the top leading property developers in Malaysia, Gamuda Land has been actively doing its part to create a better environment for its community.

Gamuda Parks was introduced as part of Gamuda Land’s ongoing and long-time commitment towards sustainable landscaping since its first township development, Kota Kemuning, 25 years ago. The Gamuda Parks Biodiversity Policy guides sustainable practices in all Gamuda Land developments.

The team behind the self-driven pioneering initiative has brought in non-government organisations and flora and fauna experts to improve the designs and maintenance of the parks in all of Gamuda Land’s townships.

These include strategic collaborations with the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and Alam Sekitar Malaysia (ASMA).

With three core areas of focus – green innovation, sustainable development, and sustainable community – the Gamuda Parks team has incorporated the findings into its design process to promote biodiversity enrichment and ensure there is a minimum 70% of native species in all of its developments.

“Recognition is growing that sustainability doesn’t stop at landscaping or merely greening our sites, ” said Gamuda Parks chief operating officer Khariza Abd Khalid.

“Other environmental factors such as access to clean water, ecosystem degradation, climate change, social and economic sustainability of our community, and leading a sustainable business that practises good governance are all part and parcel of sustainability.”

With a mission for a better environment in the future, Gamuda Parks hopes to create a space where residents and nature can co-exist and live harmoniously in the same habitat.

“For instance, we have transformed an abandoned monoculture rubber plantation to a biodiverse parkland in Gamuda Gardens.

“To rehabilitate the site, we worked with what nature provided – artfully created waterfalls and cascading lakes following the natural contours of the hilly terrain.

“We also carefully selected native plant species to attract richer biodiversity, hoping to leave the land in better shape than when we received it, ” said Khariza.

Collaborative conservation

As a responsible corporate citizen, Gamuda Land’s business operations adopts sustainable practices, whereby stringent targets are set for Gamuda Parks’ initiatives which go beyond government policies and local authorities’ bylaws.

“From our initial group of key advisors and consultants, we have progressed to discussions with the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry, Department of Wildlife and National Parks Peninsular Malaysia (Perhilitan) and local governments within our business operation areas to collaborate on areas where we can mutually benefit the people as well as the environment, ” said Khariza.

“For example, with the location of the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands situated next to Gamuda Cove, we sought approval from the relevant departments to conduct a biodiversity audit in PIDW which resulted in the discovery of many rare wetlands and bird species that are unique to this environment.

“Discussions pursuant to this have led Gamuda Land to be selected for a smart partnership with the Energy and Natural Resources Ministry as the main operator of the Paya Indah Discovery Wetlands.

“Along with Perhilitan and the Selangor state government, Gamuda Land undertakes the refurbishment, upgrading and enhancement of the facilities, amenities and activities while retaining its rustic appeal in the beautiful wetlands, ” she said.

Arboretum in the pipepline

As for Gamuda Parks’ future plans, one exciting programme that many can look forward to in 2021 is the development of an arboretum to regenerate flora and fauna species with conservation value, address the issue of climate change and increase carbon storage value.

The arboretum will include a horticulture nursery for the propagation of green stock and creating a circular economy from the organic waste for the sustainable use of green resources.

Under the green innovation aspect, Gamuda Land also aims to implement circular waste management in its townships.

In line with this target, a composting yard will also be introduced in every Gamuda Land township so that 100% of garden waste generated will be used for composting and fertilising.

Bins for different types of recyclable wastes will be provided to encourage every household to practise recycling.

As the younger generations will be the custodians of the land in the future, the GParks Ranger programme was introduced for children aged six to 12 years, with a plan to recruit 10,000 GParks Rangers. Monthly workshops are conducted to instill environmental sensitivity in the young ones.

This has paved the way for a planned nature school in Gamuda Gardens, which will serve as a global environmental education centre within the township in Selangor.

On the right track

“In my opinion, Gamuda Parks is heading in the right direction.

“They are developing the townships together with the land and asking for advice on areas that need to be protected, and what they can do to make it better, ” said FRIM flora biodiversity head Dr Richard Chung.

“Gamuda Gardens in Rawang and Gamuda Cove in Kuala Langat are two good examples of this Gamuda Parks initiative, ” he said.

Ecologist Dr Christine Fletcher said: “In the past two years, the Gamuda Parks team has done an excellent job in terms of sustainable development.

“With Gamuda Land’s commitment in striking a balance between nature and development, it shows that they are thinking ahead of time.

“As we are losing our natural environment and biodiversity, it is great that Gamuda Land is taking a step back to review its practices and is willing to make changes to ensure that their activities minimise or don’t cause additional adverse impact on our already fragile environment.

“We need to do more because our planet and future generations depend on this, ” she said.

For more information on Gamuda Parks, visit https://gamudaland.com.my/gamudaparks/.