Wasco Forest Programme Grows to More Hectares with New Phase

Highlights

• Wasco Berhad’s reforestation programme spills over to Pahang and covers an extra 670 hectares with a one-million-tree target.
• The initiative aligns with Pahang’s Net Zero 2030 pledge and Malaysia’s climate commitments.

Wasco Berhad, an energy infrastructure company, has stretched its Wasco Forest reforestation initiative with the launch of Phase 2.

The company aims to plant trees over 670 hectares of land and has set a long-term goal of planting one million trees.

The launch ceremony took place in the presence of His Royal Highness the Sultan of Pahang Al-Sultan Abdullah Ri'ayatuddin Al-Mustafa Billah Shah, Her Royal Highness Tengku Ampuan of Pahang Tunku Azizah Maimunah Iskandariah, and Menteri Besar Pahang YAB Dato' Sri Wan Rosdy bin Wan Ismail.

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Over 200 corporate and industry figures attended the launch event.

Phase 2 comes on the back of the results of Phase 1, which began in 2021. In that phase, 160,000 trees were planted on 100 hectares, with an 87% survival rate. Phase 1 alone is projected to absorb 40,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide by 2040.

Unlike one-time planting campaigns, this phase introduces a method known as secondary forest enrichment, which involves mixing fast-growing species such as Kelampayan with hardwood species like Merawan and Meranti.

Also, the initiative is based on scientific methods. The Pahang State Forestry Department brings its expertise in silviculture for species selection and forest management practices.

Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) and Eco-Ideal Consulting Sdn. Bhd. are also involved, applying research-based approaches to restore ecosystems and measure carbon sequestration.

Right now, a baseline biodiversity and carbon-stock study is underway, and this will become the foundation for tracking forest health over several decades.

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Group CEO Gian Carlo Maccagno described the programme as a 30-year commitment to biodiversity, communities, and science. He added that Wasco Forest represents a long-term investment in the environment.

In parallel with tree planting, the company is cutting emissions at source through energy efficiency measures, renewable solutions, and bio-based alternatives in its operations.

The project aligns with Pahang’s Net Zero 2030 pledge and Malaysia’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. Recognising that reforestation delivers measurable climate benefits over long periods, Wasco initiated the programme early to achieve sustained outcomes in the decades ahead.

During the launch, Wasco urged other corporations to take part in the Wasco Forest initiative and expand the programme’s reach.

Maccagno concluded by calling for collective action by industry partners to accelerate Malaysia’s Net Zero transition through reforestation, renewable energy investment, and sustainable practices within value chains.

Ends/

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