Etiqa Unveils Project Firefly to Safeguard Mangroves
An initiative to protect firefly habitats in Malaysia, engaging local communities and volunteers.
Etiqa Unveils Project Firefly to Safeguard Mangroves
The initiative aims to protect vital firefly ecosystems along Sungai Panjang.
Etiqa has launched Project Firefly, an environmental initiative focusing on preserving Malaysia’s essential firefly habitats in Sabak Bernam. The project collaborates with numerous organizations, including the Malaysian Nature Society and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.
Project Details
The initiative targets the restoration of habitats by planting 130 Sonneratia cseolaris saplings and 200 seeds. Up to 50 Etiqa volunteers are mobilized in this community-driven effort that spans over a 10-kilometer stretch.
An awareness session led by Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s Faculty of Science elucidated the ecological importance of fireflies and the critical need for sustainable conservation.
The Importance of Fireflies
Fireflies are crucial indicators of the health of the mangrove ecosystem, vital for maintaining environmental balance and supporting local livelihoods. Unfortunately, their numbers are declining due to various pressures, including habitat loss, pollution, and light disturbances, which can adversely affect both local biodiversity and the economy reliant on firefly tourism.
Fukhairudin Mohd Yusof, the CEO of Etiqa General Insurance Berhad, said, “By conserving firefly habitats, we are not only preserving an irreplaceable part of Malaysia’s biodiversity, but we are also aiding in the sustainability of the local ecotourism and the livelihoods dependent on these ecosystems.”
IS Shanmugaraj, from the Malaysian Nature Society, commended Etiqa’s proactive measures and emphasized the significance of collaborative efforts in conservation work. The project aims to catalyze partnerships among businesses, environmental groups, and communities to protect biodiversity and promote sustainable economic practices.
